How to Get Cigarette Smell Out Of A Car
Several factors contribute to a comfortable ride. From vehicle performance to interior temperature, all play a major role in making a ride comfortable. However, minor inconveniences or bad human habits could turn a ride into an unpleasant experience. For instance, odours inside a car particularly those of cigarettes can be harmful and hard to bear for many. Therefore, it becomes essential to rid your car of such smells to ensure a comfortable ride for all.
That said, we will go through some effective ways on how to get the cigarette smell out of a car and provide a pleasant riding experience.
Consequences of Driving a Car with Cigarette Smell
Smoking has severe effects on a person’s health but that’s just not it. Smoking is bad for cars as it can also damage your vehicle in several ways. While some drivers may be used to driving with a cigarette smell in the interior, other passengers may not be so comfortable with it.
Listed below are some of the effects of driving a car with a cigarette smell:
TRIGGER ALLERGIES
The cigarette smell is very strong and can make people feel congested. This may lead to respiratory problems for some people. Additionally, the cigarette smell can be harmful to people with asthma or bronchitis. The smell may also trigger different types of allergies.
THE SMELL SETTLES ON CLOTHES
While some people may be comfortable with smoking, the smoke can also affect them in more than one way. Cigarette smoke is thick and can stick on different surfaces. The smell can settle on drivers’ clothes if they touch the affected surfaces.
AFFECTS THE CAR’S RESALE VALUE
A car’s resale value may be affected by several factors. That said, some buyers may choose to look away if they experience a cigarette smell in the car. This may lead to a lower resale value or buyers may experience trouble selling their vehicles.
CAUSE DETECTION PROBLEMS
Cigarette smell can also become an obstacle in detecting some engine issues. For instance, the burning smell in cars may be undermined by the strong cigarette whiff. Late detections can turn out to be some added expenses in repairs.
How to Get the Cigarette Smell Out of a Car
As cigarette smell can have dire consequences for the occupants and the vehicle, it is important to know how to get the cigarette smell out of a car. Additionally, familiarity with the car interior detailing process can help if you want to know how to get cigarette smell out of a car interior.
Let’s go through a step-by-step guide to help people learn how to get rid of the cigarette smell out of a car and ensure a comfortable riding experience. Be sure to have the car interior cleaning products to ensure proper cleanup.
STEP 1 – DEEP CLEAN THE CAR
The first step in learning how to get the cigarette smell out of a car is by deep cleaning the vehicle. Since the smell is settled inside the car, the focus will be on the interior. Thoroughly inspect the car’s interior for any traces of cigarette remains. Additionally, look for cigarette butts as they usually are the main cause of the stench.
Spaces between car seats can have remains of cigarettes. Moreover, take a keen look underneath the seats for cigarette debris. Follow the below-mentioned steps to ensure proper cleanup.
- Clean the glove box
- Clean car interior roof
- Wash and remove cigarette smell from trims
- Clean dashboard and control panel
- Wash the gear shift and cup holder
- Clean the column and steering wheel
- Wash all windows
- Clean the seat belts
- Wash and remove debris from the vents and ventilation system
- Clean the cargo area
For an effective cleaning job, it is a good idea to use a vacuum cleaner. Moreover, if there’s an ashtray in the car, be sure to clean it as it may be the source of cigarette smell. You can also make use of the car cleaning tips for an effective clean up.
STEP 2 – CIRCULATE AIR
Before moving to the next step, it is important to ensure that the vehicle is cleaned properly. From car upholstery to windows and doors, everything needs to be cleaned. Once done, the next step is to circulate air.
Air circulation is an effective way to eliminate the cigarette smell from inside a car. This can easily be done by opening the doors and windows of the parked vehicle. This will be more effective on a windy day.
Additionally, turning the air conditioner on can help with air circulation. The AC vents may be the source of the cigarette smell and you will experience the odour after turning on the AC. Under such scenarios, use odour eliminators to get rid of the stench.
STEP 3 – NEUTRALISE THE SCENT
Cigarette smoke is thick and can be comparatively hard to remove. The smoke’s content can go through car AC system parts or settle on the dashboard or upholstery. Either way, cleaning the interior may not fully eliminate the cigarette smell.
Therefore, to learn how to get the smell of cigarette smoke out of a car, there are a few more things to do in addition to cleaning the car.
USE ODOUR ABSORBERS
Odour absorbers can help kill bacteria and eliminate different smells for good. Find a good odour absorber by an authentic company. Be sure to choose a product that does not mask the scent but eliminates it.
Additionally, dryer sheets can also be a viable option to get rid of cigarette smells. Place dryer sheets on the car’s dashboard, on and under the seats. When exposed to sunlight, the dryer sheets release a pleasant scent – neutralising the cigarette smell.
USE AIR FRESHENERS
Air fresheners are among the essential car accessories. These can come to great use for neutralising cigarette smell. You can find a large variety of air fresheners in the market. Once you find the right freshener, be sure to use it regularly inside the car’s interior to remove the cigarette smell permanently.
USE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Whether you want to clean the car’s interior or remove fog from headlights, some household items can be of great help. For instance, baking soda can be a great smell absorber. Place it in different parts of the interior and let it absorb the cigarette smell. Once the smell is eliminated, clean the baking soda with a vacuum cleaner.
Additionally, roasted coffee can also be used in the same way as baking soda. The cigarette smell may be replaced by the strong smell of coffee. This can also make your car smell fresh and enhance driving experience.
For people wanting to know how to get the cigarette smell out of a car, these are all the ways. Smokers may be comfortable with driving a car with a cigarette smell but for others, it might be unbearable. With the health concerns for humans and the potential damage smoking causes to cars, it is advised to avoid smoking at all costs.
If you are unable to effectively rid the car of cigarette smell, there are several services offering car wash in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates. Moreover, you can find pre-owned versions of different car models in pristine condition with no signs of cigarette or other smells.
Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select the one best suited to your needs.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for car cleaning tips and more.