This is a popular blog we’ve previously published on our website, so we’ve decided it would be a good idea to add more tips and details to it to benefit you. Smoke isn’t only bad for your health, but it can make your car smell like a chimney. If you’re the one smoking in the car, then chances are that you’re used to the smell by now. Though, this doesn’t mean that your friends and family members enjoy the acrid smell too. And if you don’t smoke but had the misfortune of witnessing others smoke in your car, then you’re probably irritated and just want to remove that odor as soon as possible. With these auto wash tips and tricks that we’ve put together, you’ll be able to eliminate that stench once and for all:
Start with an External Car Wash
Believe it or not, but in order to remove all the cigarette smoke out of your car, you must wash its exterior too. An external auto wash helps clean all dirt as well as any odors that have clung around the car. Besides, if you’re going to clean the inside, you might as well clean the outside while you’re at it.
Shake the Carpets Outside
The next step is to remove all the carpets in the car and shake them outside. Sometimes, cigarette ashes dirty the carpets even if you’re not the kind of smoker who leaves cigarette ashes all over the place. And these annoying ashes tend to leave behind the most stink.
Vacuum the Car
It doesn’t seem like this does much, but in truth, vacuuming removes a lot of odor. After all, carpets and car seats absorb the majority of cigarette smoke, leaving behind a residue. Therefore, it’s important to vacuum these internal surfaces, getting rid of small particles that may also hold some of the smell in.
Clean the Windows from the Inside
You wouldn’t think it, but cigarette smoke likes to cling on to pretty much anything, including auto glass. So if you’re wondering why you still have a terrible smell in your car even though you’ve cleaned almost everything, remember that the windows need cleaning too.
Wipe the Dashboard, Wheel, and All the Compartments
Similarly to auto glass, when doing an auto wash, be sure to wipe the dashboard, wheel, and all the compartments. Use an interior auto cleaner and a clean, dry cloth to remove all the smoke residue.
Scrub the Upholstery with Baking Soda
Baking soda has many benefits when it comes to cleaning, deodorizing, and so much more. Which is why baking soda should certainly be relied on to remove cigarette smoke. Start out by sprinkling it over the carpets, seats, and even rubbing it in the roof’s fabric. Scrub all the areas with a brush or your hands (it is safe), and allow the baking soda to really set for a while. You can even leave the car that way for a few hours or overnight. You might also want to do the same to your car’s trunk, especially if the trunk is not divided from the rest of the car, such as with SUVs. After letting the baking soda set for those hours, vacuum it out. You can also use a cloth to wipe any remains.
Shampoo the Fabric
Just as with vacuuming the carpets and the seats, shampooing them helps remove the odor that has been absorbed. It’s best to use a mild laundry detergent and a soft bristled brush to scrub the surfaces. Make sure you also shampoo the back of car seats. Then let air dry with the windows down so mold doesn’t develop in the car.
Place Roasted Coffee Beans
Doing an auto wash sometimes isn’t enough to get rid of all the odor. That’s why the next few tips can be helpful. Take few roasted coffee beans and place them in little paper cups (like cupcake cups). Then, hide a couple of those cups around the car, leaving just a smidge of the windows open (an eighth of an inch) to let the excessive smell out. After going through heat from the sun, the roasted coffee beans will give out a delicious aroma. Then, in a day, you can remove the paper cups and enjoy the new smell.
Hide Dryer Sheets under Car Seats
This trick is always effective when it comes to removing bad odors. Simply place a dryer sheet underneath each car seat. The sheets usually last around a month, and while they’re there, they’ll leave a wonderful, fresh scent in your car. Whether you’re driving or the vehicle is parked, the dryer sheets are always at work, fighting off the smell of cigarettes.
Clean the Fabric with a Pet Odor Eliminator
Every now and then, certain products that you barely think about turn out to be great products for eliminating odor. For instance, pet odor eliminator products, such as specific pet shampoos or sprays, can be used on your car. They get the job done, and that’s what matters. So try a pet odor eliminator if nothing else works.
Put a Car Freshener or a Vent Clip
Lastly, it’s always nice to hang an air freshener or a vent clip to constantly keep the car smelling like your favorite fragrance, whether that’s a certain type of flower, fruit, or a mixed aroma.
An auto wash is always helpful in removing harsh cigarette smoke. Plus, with these tips and tricks, you’ll also find your car smelling super fresh.
