how do i get rid of cigarette smoke (or other pestilence in the car)

0okami · 03-03-2009, 08:40 PM

So I bought a used jeep and it smells BAD when the vents kick on. Any sugestions to get rid of the bad smell?

A smoker confirmed its stale smoke smell lingering...

how do i get rid of cigarette smoke (or other pestilence in the car?)

I got an air freshner and that is NOT helping.

DarquePervert · 03-03-2009, 08:48 PM

Clean all the upholstry thoroughly with upholstry cleaner. Seats, carpets, headliner, etc.
Clean all the smooth surfaces to get rid of smoke stuck to them. Inside consoles, vents, door panels, etc.
If that doesn't do it, febreze might help.

Enforcer · 03-03-2009, 08:54 PM

Does the vehicle has air con, if so change the filter, they can harbour all sorts of bacteria and bad smells.

0okami · 03-03-2009, 10:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by DarquePervert

Clean all the upholstry thoroughly with upholstry cleaner. Seats, carpets, headliner, etc.
Clean all the smooth surfaces to get rid of smoke stuck to them. Inside consoles, vents, door panels, etc.
If that doesn't do it, febreze might help.

Great idea. I got a shop vac waiting for warm weather.
Someone told me to open the blower assembly and add baking soda. Would that corrode anything?

0okami · 03-03-2009, 10:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Enforcer

Does the vehicle has air con, if so change the filter, they can harbour all sorts of bacteria and bad smells.

Filter? I remember reading about some cars and filters. Any idea of A jeep wrangler 2003 would have a filter for the cabin air?

muldrick · 03-04-2009, 06:27 AM

Many detail departments at dealers have a "device" of some sort. Not sure exactly how it works, but they keep it in the car all night with the car sealed up. It removes all bad odors from cars.
Call your Jeep dealer about it, and while you're on the phone ask them about the "cabin filter", I think it does have one.

Schma · 03-04-2009, 06:56 AM

Put vinegar in a bowl and place that on the car floor.leave overnight and ventilate the car the next morning.repeat if needed. I have not tried this but i read it once on a finnish tuningforum.

Sonicxtacy02 · 03-04-2009, 09:00 AM

the majority of cars made after 2000 have some sort of in cabin air filter. The primary install location for them is behind or under the glove box.

bemenaker · 03-04-2009, 10:17 AM

Take out your interior, wash everything. Febreeze the holy hell out of your seats. As far as the duct work, talk to some detail shops.

DavidL · 03-04-2009, 11:12 AM

A 2003 Wrangler does not have a cabin filter.

will1384 · 03-04-2009, 05:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by bemenaker

Take out your interior, wash everything. Febreeze the holy hell out of your seats. As far as the duct work, talk to some detail shops.

Yea I have to do that with Febreeze, I smell mold or musty smell in my
vents, I think its from the AC

Enforcer · 03-04-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by will1384

Yea I have to do that with Febreeze, I smell mold or musty smell in my
vents, I think its from the AC

What about the vehicle?

buckemdwn · 03-04-2009, 06:26 PM

also get a cheap can of coffee and use like vinegar suggestion. i hear truckers do that alot...

will1384 · 03-04-2009, 06:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Enforcer

What about the vehicle?

2k1Toaster · 03-04-2009, 11:05 PM

Only 2 ways smoke goes away. Time or professional cleaning.

When my dad stopped smoking, it took almost 5 years for the garage to not smell like smoke at all. And this is a garage where the door is constantly being opened/closed. Smoke gets in things. I can tell if there is smoke coming from 3 cars up on the interstate to the point where I put on the recirculating air and close the windows.

You need to steam clean the car, the whole car. But even then, it is very hard to get smoke out of things like the dash itself. That will just take time. This is why you never buy a used car from a smoker...

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