Getting rid of that tobacco smell from your car can be a bit of a difficult task, especially if you or someone else has been smoking inside the car for a long time, but even one time is enough. If this is a used car, chances are the previous owner was not careful about the smell. Your passengers can even get nauseous from the smell. Lucky for you, there are a few very easy and simple ways through which you can remove the smell of tobacco from your perfect car.
A Perfect Car Is Always Clean
Start from the beginning; always clean your car before using it, especially if it is a used car. If the smell of tobacco is still there, take out the carpets and car mats and clean them using a vacuum or a carpet cleaner.
Ashtray the Biggest Culprit
The ashtrays in the car are the biggest culprits and you will usually find something there with the offending smell. Take it out; throw the cigarette butts and the ash away. Before you put it back in wash it, take an absorbent kitchen towel and lightly spray air freshener on it. Rub it on the ashtray; this will keep it smelling good without being flammable.
Image courtesy: Answers.com
Clean the Upholstery
Chances are the previous owners’ car style left some residue in your car upholstery. If the smell of tobacco is still there, try to clean the upholstery of your car. Chances are the previous owner was careless and the smoke and the ashes were left on the car seats. Simply take a fabric cleaner, baking soda or plain old detergent with a brush to clean them.
Use Odor Eliminators
You can also use odor eliminators. There are special brands in the market that creates odor eliminators for people who carry their pets around in their cars. These would also be great if you want to remove any stains from your car.
Use Vinegar and Water
Take 2 cups of water with a ¼ cup of vinegar (the regular kind). Mix them together, add them to a sprayer and mist the interior of the car with it. Take a soft cloth and wipe the excess off. Yes, the smell of vinegar will remain in your car for a couple of hours, but airing your car out will get rid of the vinegar smell.
Newspaper Helps Too
Although it is not the quickest way, it is one of the sure-fire ways of removing the tobacco odor from your car. Simply ball up or crumple some newspapers and put all inside your car. Wait for 48 hours and your car is tobacco smell free. Since the newspaper is an odor absorbent, this will work.
These little tips and tricks always help. If you think this will not help, or they are not helping, try getting professional help. That one always works. This is why lifestyle cars are notoriously difficult to maintain because it can be expensive sometimes.
