How to Get Smoke Smell out of Car with Vinegar - Cheap, Easy and Effective

My husband is a smoker, and always smoked in the car.  But even with the windows rolled down while smoking the odor lingered.  Fast forward a few years and we wanted to sell the car, but no matter what I tried I just couldn't get the stale smoke odor out.

Here is a quick, easy and cheap method that totally worked!

Step 1 - Open all the windows and pull out the mats and ash trays and give the car a good cleaning with the vacuum and a dusting cloth.  Since other odors can add to the smoke smell to create an over all icky smell.

Step 2 - Once you have cleaned the car and checked for other odor sources, (don't forget the glove box, seat pockets, and especially under the seats, for rotting food, or wrappers), put the mats back in and other items.

Step 3 - Purchase a large jug of plain white vinegar from the grocery store or online.

Step 4 - Find two large plastic bowls, and two clean tea towels.

Step 5 - Place a tea towel in each bowl and then pour the white vinegar over them until just submerged.

Step 6 - Place one bowl on the floor of the back seat area and the other on the front floor.

Step 7 - Leave the car for overnight if you can, or at least 6 hours.

Step 8 - Remove the bowls, and your car will have a nice fresh scent.

Step 9 - DON'T SMOKE IN THE CAR ANYMORE!.  If possible restrict smoking in this car, but if not, get the smoker to do these above steps at least once a month to keep the car smelling fresh for others, its only fair!


Remove Smoke Smell From Car and Other Odors with White Vinegar

I remember how hard I would work to clean the car with dry shampoos, vacuuming, even scrubbing the roof liner, but the smoke smell always lingered until I tried this vinegar tip.

Vinegar Uses

Keep some white vinegar on hand as it has a ton of uses that many people don't think to try.  Check out the other posts in this blog to see just how handy this is.  Natural and cheap, no harsh chemicals.  I can't tell you the money I spent on other chemicals to get rid of the smoke smell in the car.

Use in Smoky Rooms in House Too

This method also works in rooms in the house.  If you have had a party and you have some lingering smoke odors or just a general icky smell that opening the windows is not clearing, then follow the steps above and place a towel soaked vinegar bowl in the room and leave overnight if you can.

This is the perfect natural air freshener for any room and without the use of harsh chemicals.