New car smells of smoke

rca779

Just bought a second hand car and it really smells badly of smoke. What is the best way to get rid of this?
Is it just a case of buying plenty of air freshners or is there a better way?

scotsbob

I would use Autoglym Odour Eliminator, sprayed onto all the fabric (carpets, seats, boot mat etc.) Give it 24 hours to work, then use Autoglym Autofresh and no more nasty smoke smells.

rca779

Does that work ok on leather?

Joe_Horner

It should do (but check a small area first for compatibility blah blah blah....)

It's unlikely that much of the smell is in the leather though - more likely to be in cloth trim such as the headlining.

scotsbob

rca779 wrote: »

Does that work ok on leather?

I don't have leather seats but members of the car clubs I belong to who have leather seats use it. If it concerns you then just spray it on carpets.
The reason for spraying it on the fabric, rather than randomly in the car, is that it lasts longer and is more effective.

fivetide

Another top tip - test it as above - Cif bathroom mousse.

Spray on, work in and then wipe over with a damp cloth. Keep rinsing and wringing the cloth out and it should lift lots of muck for you.

Also leaves your car smelling all lemony.

5t.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Air fresheners only mask it and are usually horrid vile things themselves, smell like a brothel i would imagine, not as i've personally tested that..;)

Its probably in the headlining, or if cloth the seats and other upholstery.

All you can do is wash it thoroughly, especially the headlining, horrible job.

It may never fully go, if its really bad another headlining might be needed.

Strider590

Probably never get rid of it fully.......

I think if people smoke in their cars, they should say so when selling it. It's a choice to smoke in the car, thus they should pay the price.

somethingcorporate

If people are buying a car the least they could do is sit inside to see if it smells of smoke!

interstellaflyer

somethingcorporate wrote: »

If people are buying a car the least they could do is sit inside to see if it smells of smoke!

The big problem with that statement is that the smell can be temprarily removed by valeting the car, something most dealers do, so unless their is other evidence like fag burns, used fag lighter, used ashtray etc then it can be hard to tell untill you've had the car a week or so.

thegirlintheattic

Bicarb of Soda sprinkled on, left for 24 hrs then hoovered will sort everything but headlining.

Fabreeze might help with the headlining.