How Do You Remove Smoke Smell from a Car?

If your car smells of smoke—whether from cigarettes, vaping, or fire damage—it can be tough to get rid of. The odour clings to upholstery, carpets, air vents, and even the headliner. So if you’re wondering how to remove smoke smell from a car, the answer is: you’ll need a thorough clean, some neutralising agents, and a bit of patience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing smoke smell from your car effectively.

Step 1: Air Out the Vehicle

Start with the basics:

Open all the windows and doors
Let fresh air circulate through the cabin for a few hours
If possible, park the car in a shaded but breezy area to help air movement

This won’t remove the smell entirely but will help release trapped smoke particles from the interior.

Step 2: Remove Ash and Rubbish

Clear out any physical sources of smoke:

Empty the ashtray and clean it with washing-up liquid
Remove any cigarette butts, lighters, or wrappers
Vacuum out any ash or debris from cup holders, floors and seats

It’s a small step, but it makes a difference.

Step 3: Deep Clean the Interior

Vacuum Thoroughly

Seats, carpets, floor mats, boot area—use a high-suction vacuum
Don’t forget under the seats and between crevices

Shampoo Upholstery and Carpets

Use an interior carpet and fabric cleaner, or rent a carpet shampoo machine
For stubborn odours, add a dash of white vinegar to your cleaning solution
Scrub gently but thoroughly

Wipe Down Hard Surfaces

Clean all plastics, vinyl, and leather with an all-purpose cleaner or diluted vinegar solution
Pay special attention to the dashboard, steering wheel, gear stick, and door panels

Clean the Windows

Use a proper glass cleaner to remove smoke film from the inside of windows and mirrors

Headliner (ceiling)

Be gentle—use a fabric cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge
Avoid over-soaking, which can damage the adhesive and fabric

Step 4: Clean the Air Vents

Smoke can linger in the car’s ventilation system.

Turn the engine on and run the fan on full blast, with windows open
Spray a specialised air-con cleaner or odour eliminator into the outside air intake (usually at the base of the windscreen)
Replace the cabin air filter, especially if the smell has been present for a while

Step 5: Neutralise the Odour

Once the cleaning is done, use odour neutralisers—not just air fresheners—to eliminate any lingering smells.

Effective options include:

Bicarbonate of soda – sprinkle on carpets and seats, leave overnight, then vacuum
Activated charcoal – place under the seats or in the boot to absorb odours
White vinegar – leave a bowl in the car overnight to neutralise the air
Commercial odour eliminators – such as sprays, gels or foggers designed for smoke smells

For strong or long-term odours, consider an ozone treatment, which neutralises smoke molecules at a deeper level. This is usually done professionally.

Step 6: Keep the Car Fresh

Once the smell is gone:

Avoid smoking in the car to prevent the odour from returning
Air out the car regularly
Keep a small container of baking soda or a charcoal bag in the vehicle to absorb future smells
Consider regular valeting or interior detailing

Final Word

Removing smoke smell from a car takes effort, but it’s definitely possible. A full clean of the interior, combined with air circulation and odour neutralisers, is usually enough to eliminate most odours. For deeply embedded smells, professional ozone or steam treatments can help.

Whether you’re preparing to sell the car, just bought a smoker’s vehicle, or want to start fresh—a smoke-free car is more pleasant, healthier, and better for resale.