Can Auto Detailing Remove Smoke Smell?

Smoke can stain the inside of a car and can be difficult to remove. But can auto detailing remove the smoke smell? Let's take a look to see if this is an effective solution.

Auto detailers have the tools and techniques to get rid of the smoke smell in a car. They will use a combination of cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, and ozone machines to remove any residue from the smoke that may have stuck onto surfaces. While these methods are effective, it may take more than one detailing session to completely remove the smoke smell.

Before paying for an auto detail to remove the smoke smell, it is important to understand what it takes to get rid of the odor. In this article, we will discuss the general steps involved in auto detailing that help to eliminate the smoke smell. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about auto detailing, so read on!

Will A Professional Detail Remove Smoke Smell?

Tobacco smoke is one of the hardest smells to remove from a car. The smoke embedded itself in the carpets, seats, and roof lining of the car.

If you are interested in a car that smells like tobacco, you may be wondering if an auto detail will get rid of the smoke smell. The truth is, it's your best bet. You can attempt to remove the smoke smell on your own, but you may not be able to get rid of it completely.

You can try strong air fresheners, but sooner or later, they will wear off. Even after a few in-depth cleanings, you can still have that lingering smoke smell in the car. However, an experienced auto detailer can use a combination of treatments to completely remove the odor and make your car feel like new again.

They will use professional-grade cleaning products and methods that are specifically designed for removing tough odors from cars. Let's take a look at the general process of auto detailing to get a better understanding of how they can remove the smoke smell.

Man smoking a cigarette at the wheel of a car, Can Auto Detailing Remove Smoke Smell?

Deep Clean

The first step is to do a complete deep clean of the car. This includes vacuuming and shampooing the carpets, seats, and roof linings. The auto detailer will use professional-grade cleaning products that are specifically designed to remove odors from fabrics.

The vacuum cleaner will be able to reach deep into crevices and get rid of any smoke residue that may be present. They will also wipe down all other surfaces, such as the dash, cup holders, windows, and door panels. This will get rid of any residue that is present on these surfaces.

Worker cleaning seat inside the car

Professional Detail Products

The next step is to bring in professional detail products. These are formulated to combat the smoke smell and other odors. Shampooing and wiping down the car will only do so much, so the detailer will use a combination of sprays and cleaners to eliminate the smoke smell.

For example, they will use steam cleaners to eliminate the smoke odor from carpets and fabrics. They may also use powder cleaners and foam cleaners to fully remove the odors from hard surfaces in the car.

After that, a smoke bomb may be used to completely remove the smoke smell from the car. This is a device that releases ozone molecules into the air and helps to break down any lingering odors.

Ozone Machine

A person in a car driving at the same time smoking

If the smoke smell is still there, the last resort is to bring in an ozone machine. An ozone machine is more powerful than a smoke bomb, and it is used to completely eliminate the smoke smell from a car.

The ozone machine will use an oxygen molecule and break it down into three oxygen atoms. These atoms then bond with any molecules in the air that are causing the odor and render them harmless. This process will take some time, but it is one of the most effective ways to get rid of the smoke smell from a car.

Depending on how bad the smoke smell is in the car, an auto detailer may have to repeat some of these steps multiple times until the odors are completely gone. However, with their expertise and technology, they will be able to get rid of the smoke smell and make your car look and feel like new again.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Smoke Smell From A Car?

Car wash service worker wet cleaning expensive and luxurious vehicle interior and seats

The cost to remove the smoke smell from a car can vary widely. This is because the cost is completely correlated to the severity of the smell. The more intense the smell, the longer it might take to get rid of it, and thus, the higher the cost will be.

For example, for someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes per day in the car, it might cost more to remove the smell than someone who just smoked one or two cigarettes. It is also worth noting that auto detailing services can be quite expensive, but they will be well worth it in the end.

On average, a regular detail can cost $100-300 depending on the size of the vehicle. However, a detailer may add $200-300 on top of the regular detail to remove any smoke odors from the car.

This is due to the extra chemicals and labor that are required to get rid of the smell. It also depends on where you live and what services are available, as some regions may charge more for these types of services than others.

It's best to get multiple quotes and have the detailer look at the car before you commit to any service. This way, you can ensure that you get the best deal and that the job will be done properly.

To save yourself money, you can always do the detail yourself. It will be time consuming, but it will be much cheaper if you can do it yourself. After the detail is done, you can pay only for the ozone machine or smoke bomb, which will still save you money in the long run.

How Long Does It Take To Get The Smoke Smell Out Of A Car?

Man in black t-shirt and cap cleaning car interior

The total time from cleaning to completely removing the smoke smell can vary depending on how bad the smell is. On average, it can take 2-3 days from start to finish.

For the deep cleaning, it can one day to shampoo the carpets and seats, scrub the hard surfaces, deep clean any cracks and crevices in the car, and apply treatments to remove the smell.

The next day may be used for applying a smoke bomb or ozone machine to completely remove the smell. It may take an extra day for the ozone machine to work, so it all depends on the intensity of the smell.

The key is patience, smoke smell is not easy to remove, but with the right combination of treatments and products, it is possible to get rid of the smell and make your car look and feel like new again.

Should You Buy A Car With A Smoke Smell?

Father smoking cigarette and the child choking of smoke in a car

There are some things to consider when looking at a car with a smoke smell. You may want to consider the cost of removing the smoke smell and weigh that against how much you are willing to pay for the car.

As mentioned earlier, depending on how bad the smoke smell, it may be worth it to spend the money on a detailer to get rid of the smell.

The second thing you should consider is how much the smoke smell bothers you. If you are a non-smoker, then this might not be something that you want to deal with, and it may be best to look for a car without the smell. If you are a smoker, then you might be more willing to overlook the smell and deal with it yourself.

In the case that the smell doesn't bother you, then you should still use the smoke smell as a bargaining chip. Try to use the smoke smell as leverage in getting a better price on the car.

If you are buying from a dealership, try to get them to pay for some of the detailed costs. Dealerships know the difficulty that comes with removing a smoke smell, so you may be able to get them to work with you.

Lastly, you have to consider the resale value of the car. If the smoke smell is not removed, then it may be difficult to resell the car in the future, and you may have to write off some of its value.

The decision is ultimately yours, but make sure that you weigh all your options before deciding. However, there is always another car on the market, so don't be afraid to walk away and keep looking.

Final Thoughts

Man smoking a cigarette at the wheel of a car

Overall, the smoke smell can be a nightmare to remove. It takes time, money, and patience to get rid of the smell completely. However, with patience and the right products and services, it is possible to eliminate the smoke smell.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

Do Car Dealerships Detail Cars? [With Other Pertinent Info!]

When Is It Too Cold To Wash Your Car?

Should I Wash My Car Before It Rains?

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One comment

  1. Really good information here, it’s not easy to remove the smell of tobacco, in some cases it’s almost impossible, also tobacco stains the seats. But I’m pretty sure if you stop smoking inside the car and keep cleaning the seat and putting air freshners, the smell will go away eventually.

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