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Easy Ways to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a Car

By Kay Ray, published May 13, 2008
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The smell of cigarette smoke is unmistakable, and it permeates fabric and coats hard surfaces with a brown film that retains the scent. The smell is offensive to many nonsmokers, and this is one of the main reasons why many nonsmokers do not allow smoking in their vehicles. Unfortunately, used vehicles sometimes come equipped with the odor of cigarette smoke, and it can be difficult to know how to get rid of the smell.

It is possible to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke in a car, and the most effective ways are completely natural. Do not waste your money on commercial products that claim to neutralize or completely get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke in a car. Instead, try these natural ways to get rid of the smell. You will be surprised by how well natural methods of odor removal work without completely detailing and commercially deodorizing the car.

Ground Coffee


For decades, truck drivers have used ground coffee to get rid of strong odors in their trailers, and others have discovered that it works like magic to get rid of the odor of cigarette smoke in vehicles. Set shallow open bowls of ground aromatic coffee on the floorboards and on the seats with the windows and doors closed. Allow the ground coffee to absorb the smell of cigarette smoke in the car for at least 48 hours. If the odor is not completely gone, stash a couple of open bowls of ground coffee under the seats. In time the smell of cigarette smoke will dissipate. In the meantime your friends will wonder why your car smells like Starbucks!

Charcoal Briquettes


Ordinary charcoal is a fantastic odor absorber, and placing charcoal briquettes in a car is a great way to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. Place a large bowl of charcoal briquettes on the car seat, and allow the car to remain closed for at least 48 hours. The charcoal should absorb the scent of cigarette smoke, and the vehicle should smell fresh and clean.

Ordinary White Vinegar


Easy Ways to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a Car

Easy Ways to Get Rid of the Smell of Cigarette Smoke in a Car

Credit: egahen

Copyright: sxc.hu/egahen

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I amgoing to start with the coffee ground idea first, (i have a whole bowl full in my fridge from one of your project ideas already) LOL

Posted on 08/19/2008 at 11:08:17 AM

 
I am currently trying the coffee suggestion in a used 2001 impala....beautiful car, got a hell of a deal, probably because it reaks of smoke. I used to smoke and this smell is the worst smoke I've ever smelled.....it's rank.....hopefully it works....

Posted on 06/15/2008 at 1:06:21 PM

 
That's true Erik, but people sometimes purchase cars that have the lingering smell of smoke, and they need to find a way to get rid of it. Thanks for all of your comments.

Posted on 06/11/2008 at 3:06:02 PM

 
Great tips but I think it is more useful to forbid smoking in your car. Better for everyone's health.

Posted on 05/28/2008 at 4:05:13 AM

 
thanks for the tips

Posted on 05/25/2008 at 10:05:04 PM

 
Wow. I'm really glad to read the tips! I inherited a big toy dog from a nice neighbor 2 weeks ago that's still reeking of cigarette odor even after multiple liberal treatments with Febreeze. Thanks a bunch! :o)

Posted on 05/25/2008 at 6:05:21 PM

 
These sound like great ideas to me Kim...and I certainly do need to try them;)

Posted on 05/24/2008 at 2:05:09 PM

 
Wow! I am super impressed!!! Could you use used coffee grounds, dry them out first of course? That way in a sense it is being recycled? Not sure if it would have the same effect! Love this article!!!

Posted on 05/24/2008 at 8:05:08 AM

 
Awesome tips! My husband smokes in his car (not mine!) so naturally, we have to take his car everywhere- and it sure does stink! I'll try these. (I'm going to start with the coffee. Since he's a coffee drinker, he probably won't even notice!)

Posted on 05/22/2008 at 6:05:43 PM

 
Very useful information, Kimberly. Thank you. Be well, Michael

Posted on 05/20/2008 at 11:05:14 PM

 
I don't smoke but I have had to deal with this problem more times than I can tell you. If I am near smokers, the smell gets in my clothes, hair and even the car - or if a smoker rides in the car. This is a super article and useful to many!

Posted on 05/19/2008 at 1:05:19 AM

 
Lovely job on this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thankyou so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 9:05:10 PM

 
These sound like such practical suggestions. I know that whenever I'm home and I drive my dad's car no amount of air freshener will eliminate the smell of his cigarettes. Sophie

Posted on 05/16/2008 at 8:05:38 PM

 
Great ideas!

Posted on 05/15/2008 at 10:05:03 PM

 
Great tips - thanks!

Posted on 05/15/2008 at 7:05:46 PM

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