How do I get cigarette smoke out of a car interior?
I just bought a used Toyota. The price was great, but the old owner was a smoker, and I really don’t like the smell. How can I get cigarette smoke out of my car's interior?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! While cigarette smoke is always unpleasant, I’m happy to say that getting cigarette smoke out of a car interior is easy with the right supplies. Here’s what to do:
Start by getting a vacuum and baking soda.
Run the vacuum over all the seats and upholstery as best as you can. Get under the seats and in cracks where cigarette ash may have settled.
Sprinkle baking soda where you vacuumed and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Since baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer, it should soak up the cigarette smell.
Vacuum up the baking soda and repeat the process until the smell is gone. Leave your windows rolled down for a while, so that fresh air can fill the car and carry out any remaining smell.
If your Toyota is in good shape otherwise, you might want to review your
app; we’ll get you customized quotes from over 50 of the nation’s leading providers in just a few minutes. And once you find a plan that works for you, we’ll even help you switch!
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.