Smoking Cigar in Car

So you have found the perfect previously owned certified Toyota, only to find out that the interior has a faint smell of smoke.  Most non-smokers find the smell of smoke to be very offensive, if your car interior has been exposed to smoke, or if you are considering the purchase of a used car, but are hesitant because the previous owner was a smoker, then the tips below may help you in taking on the seemingly impossible endeavor of removing smoke from your car’s interior.

The odor from smoking lingers on fabric and hard surfaces of the car for a long time, and depending on how heavy the smoke was and if the windows were up or down, the smell could be slightly noticeable, or very intense.

The first step is to relax, it is going to be easier than you may think, all the process takes is a little time and a few household cleaning items.

This is a list of items you will need in order to prepare for the process;

• Medium sized bucket
• White Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Soft Cloth
• Soft bristol brush
• Vacuum

The following steps should be completed in the order that they appear below;

1. Thoroughly vacuum the entire interior upholstery
2. Mix vinegar and warm water together in the bucket at a ratio of 2 to 1, one part vinegar to two parts warm water.
3. Add one heaping tablespoon of baking soda to the vinegar and water solution which will bubble and fizz, allow enough room in the bucket to prevent flowing over the top of the bucket.
4. Wipe down the entire interior of the car in every area EXCEPT the fabric, with the water /vinegar/baking soda solution
5. Wipe down the interior of the vehicle very thoroughly with the solution, but don’t use it on the fabric. Use a clean cloth and a soft bristle brush to get into harder to reach areas.
6. Sprinkle dry baking soda to entirely cover the areas with upholstery and carpet
7. Allow the baking soda to absorb the odor in the car overnight and vacuum up the powder the next morning
8. Vacuum up the baking soda the next morning
9. If the smoke smell still lingers, repeat these steps the next day.