Smokers Smell

[darvvader]

I bought my car back in March, the Ford garage I got it from completely valeted the car prior to my purchase and steam cleaned it to remove the smoke smell from the previous owner.

However, a few months later, whilst I'm used to it, when my dad or girlfriend get in the car they notice it much more than me.

I was wondering if anyone knows any products to look into or any professional treatments I should use?

Thank you, I'm based near Cambridge if there's anyone from local with insider info!

[richard150]

I donot think you will ever get rid of the smell of smoke only thing you can do is have lots of air freshers in the car

[Stoney871]

Febreeze and a wet vac.

[Preee]

Febreeze and a wet vac.

Agreed, and spray the head liner, thats where the smell will be coming from, but do test a small area first incase it stains.

[Russ]

Try using an 'odour bomb'

[GingerFlame]

I donot think you will ever get rid of the smell of smoke only thing you can do is have lots of air freshers in the car

Completely disagree. It just takes the right methods, hard work & determination

My first fiesta smelt of a certain green plant on hot days (thanks to the previous owner).

Removed the very strong smell completely with a wetvac, steam cleaner & Inspired automotive Refresh fabric cleaner (removed using the wetvac). After this I ordered an odour eliminator from the US which cost me £17 for a tiny little spray bottle. Took me about 5 hours over two days in total

[darvvader]

Thanks for the advice, I'll get cracking during the week and post back.

[BJE]

I bought a BMW a few years back that used to belong to a smoker. The dealership promised me it wouldn't smell when I picked it up.

I specifically said that I would not buy the car if it smelt like smoke at all when I came to pick it up... They plugged some sort of nutraliser into the car overnight and, honestly, The car never ever smelt of smoke. I had it 3 years, it smelt like a brand new car...

Maybe try a cheeky call to BMW to see if they can advise what the machine was they used...?

[Trewithy]

I got rid of the smell by using an air con cleaner that I bought in Halfords. You set the AC running with fan on top speed and set to recirc and activate the canister. Although it is primarily for cleaning / deodorising the AC system, as it circulates it sanitises the whole interior. Worth a try and not expensive.

[darvvader]

More good advice, love you get such a response from these forums!

Thanks all!

Do you remember the product name? As my local Halfords are almost useless!

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[Trewithy]

Can't remember what it is called, but I think it was a Comma product, slightly smaller than a can of baked beans and in a carton that was mostly blue. Have a look on Halfords and Comma websites before going to the shop.

[darvvader]

Can't remember what it is called, but I think it was a Comma product, slightly smaller than a can of baked beans and in a carton that was mostly blue. Have a look on Halfords and Comma websites before going to the shop.

This the stuff? http://www.halfords.com/motoring-travel/engine-oils-fluids/air-conditioning-recharge-supplies/comma-aircon-cleaner#tab3

There's also some Auto Glym odour eliminator I'll try in conjunction with hiring a wet vac and that, hopefully that'll cure it!

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[StevenST13]

Fabreeze is your best friend for this one. I've been detailing for over 12years and there is nothing better than this I've tried nearly everything out there. But fabreeze is the one thing that sorts it every time. Spray everything fabric with it especially the headlining. Plus it will be in the air system especially if you have aircon so you will need an aircon cleaner and deodorant to get the smell out of there too.

[Trewithy]

Darwader you have found it. Looks like the packaging has been updated since I last bought it. StevenST13's suggestion of Fabreeze sounds good too.

[darvvader]

Okay so:

Wet-vac, AC cleaner, fabreeze, deodoriser.

But what order would you do them in?

AC - Deodoriser - Wet-vac - fabreeze?

Really appreciate this help chaps, I'm on holiday so have lots of time to think fiesta! I've been ordering bits and all sorts! Haha

[GingerFlame]

I'd wetvac before the process to remove any loose remenants & and again afterwards

[darvvader]

The award for fastest ever forum reply goes to... Haha, thanks pal!

[GingerFlame]

The award for fastest ever forum reply goes to... Haha, thanks pal!

Even if you just hoovered intensively prior instead of wetvac

[darvvader]

Quick update:

Roughly two weeks ago I tackled the smell using the A/C cleaner and some febreeze, that is of course after the most thorough of hooverings and dusting!

Firstly, I was amazed by the A/C cleaner, and recommend doing that every six months regardless of whether you feel there's a smell or not, it completely refreshes the car and makes it feel 'like new'.

Secondly, with the febreeze as a back-up its really helped to refresh the smell of the car.

It will need repeating, but for a while, it's made me very happy!

Thanks for all of your advice everyone!

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[Trewithy]

Another thing I occasionally do is to spray into the car some Dettol Neutra Air to refresh the interior. Usually do it last thing so it is in the car over night.