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Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? #628353
03/01/10 11:00 PM
03/01/10 11:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,643
A certified culture free zone.
74RALLYE Offline OP
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74RALLYE  Offline OP
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I found a truck that I want but it stinks big time from cigarettes. The upholstery is fabric and I’m sure that makes it tougher to clean. Perfumed air fresheners or Fabreeze are not an option as I see that as just another layer of stink. Has anyone found a product or cleaning method that works? I used to smoke and I never had a vehicle smell of smoke this bad. It’s a possible deal killer for me as the wife and kids will be riding in it occasionally. Any ideas?

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: 74RALLYE] #628354
03/01/10 11:04 PM
03/01/10 11:04 PM
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Posts: 299
Fitchbug, Mass.
WannaRunner Offline
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Fitchbug, Mass.
It would probably be best to bring it to a detailer, they have the special vacum/steam/cleaning chemicals that can handle cig smoke.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: WannaRunner] #628355
03/01/10 11:42 PM
03/01/10 11:42 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 711
Montana
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Posest Offline
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Montana
I agree, professional cleaner and have it shampooed.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: 74RALLYE] #628356
03/01/10 11:50 PM
03/01/10 11:50 PM
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Posts: 131
NV
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bss Offline
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NV
A shampoo or steam clean and 48 hours or so of good deionizer or ozone generator treatment will do the job. With just a thorough cleaning, the smell will undoubtedly within a matter of weeks or months.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: bss] #628357
03/01/10 11:58 PM
03/01/10 11:58 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
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Stanton Offline
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My bet is that you'll never get rid of the stench. Look for another truck.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: 74RALLYE] #628358
03/02/10 12:07 AM
03/02/10 12:07 AM
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Posts: 1,979
s. e. pa.
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calrobb2000 Offline
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s. e. pa.
hi
my dad had a real nice minivan that had the smoker syndrome and after 2 years he sold it and it still had the nasty odor !

a compleat new interior would prob get rid of the odor $$$$$$$

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: calrobb2000] #628359
03/02/10 01:30 AM
03/02/10 01:30 AM
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woodcrest, CA
magnum440d100 Offline
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woodcrest, CA
a detailer can get rid of it, but if you want it bearable, vacuum everything everywhere. Get warm soapy water, or diluted simple green, and wash everything (door panels, dashboard, pilars etc.)

I did this to a diplomat that was smoked in since day one. vacuuming and washing everything will dilute the smell to a tolerable level. It wont make it disappear completely, but if washed and driven a lot with the windows down, it will get tolerable. Then when the money comes, replace the headliner, door panels (if fabric), seat material etc..
In the diplomat, I replaced the headliner and 1/4 pieces in front of the rear windshield, and just that made it way better. Then it smelled like headliner glue

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: magnum440d100] #628360
03/02/10 07:58 AM
03/02/10 07:58 AM
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Posts: 1,074
detroit, mi
POS Dakota Offline
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Wont ozone work? Works for practically everything else.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: POS Dakota] #628361
03/02/10 10:37 AM
03/02/10 10:37 AM
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ILLINOIS
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volaredon Offline
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ILLINOIS
I'm watching this thread. I have a similar problem (but worse) I bought a Cherokee 2 months ago. Just prior, it had a major detailing done to it. (the 20-something girl I bought it from said that her Dad had just spent $300 on having that done) I can't see a "detail" costing that but... whatever. It definitely smelled strongly like a detail shop and was full of swirl marks and heavy wax, in the door and hood gaps;

I didn't think anything of it; alot of people have their cars cleaned so they "show" better to sell them, right?

until 2 weeks ago; the 1st time my wife let our son drive it to school (HS jr) the cops and dogs were doing one of their once a month searches.

The kid got called down, and my wife got a call asking if anyone in the house smoked (NO) anyone in the house hunts (another no) etc., because I guess the dog they use, can tell 6-7 different contraban things, but it's not like you can "ask" the dog which substance it detects. I mean, the Jeep still faintly smells like detailing supplies; but I can't help but wonder what the PO did with this Jeep, and how long whatever the dog detected will still set off alarms. I'm NOT looking forward to an interior swap!I bought it with the intent of "running the wheels off of it" but if this will be a problem, it may well find itself back for sale again-and soon.

On another note, my Mom's Interpid; she finally quit smoking after (by her account) 55 years worth. I am not happy it took nearly dying and surgery to remove part of a lung to make her quit! but I had that Intrepid cleaned twice, a year ago, and it's almost gone, but I can still tell a faint smell of her old Camel non filters.
It was terrible; film on inside of windows, and I could not even ride in that car, it stunk from cigarette smoke so bad!

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: Stanton] #628362
03/02/10 10:50 AM
03/02/10 10:50 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1 Offline
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Quote:

My bet is that you'll never get rid of the stench. Look for another truck.





It'll never go away completely.
My gold challenger stunk, I completely stripped it, it still stank. I sand blasted it and painted it, it finally went away with all new interior.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: Challenger 1] #628363
03/02/10 11:40 AM
03/02/10 11:40 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,643
A certified culture free zone.
74RALLYE Offline OP
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74RALLYE  Offline OP
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,643
A certified culture free zone.
Dang, I was hoping I would hear word of a “magic bullet” for the cigarette smell. It’s likely to stink every time the heat or AC is used as well. The owner must have chain smoked with the windows rolled up. It made my eyes water just opening the driver’s door. I’m about 6 months into dropping a 30 year habit and I never had one smell that strong.
I guess that’s one reason the truck is $1800 below the Blue book value. No rust or dents, just stink.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: volaredon] #628364
03/02/10 11:42 AM
03/02/10 11:42 AM
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,047
Arizona
6
68CoronetRT Offline
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Arizona
Quote:

I'm watching this thread. I have a similar problem (but worse) I bought a Cherokee 2 months ago. Just prior, it had a major detailing done to it. (the 20-something girl I bought it from said that her Dad had just spent $300 on having that done) I can't see a "detail" costing that but... whatever. It definitely smelled strongly like a detail shop and was full of swirl marks and heavy wax, in the door and hood gaps;

I didn't think anything of it; alot of people have their cars cleaned so they "show" better to sell them, right?

until 2 weeks ago; the 1st time my wife let our son drive it to school (HS jr) the cops and dogs were doing one of their once a month searches.

The kid got called down, and my wife got a call asking if anyone in the house smoked (NO) anyone in the house hunts (another no) etc., because I guess the dog they use, can tell 6-7 different contraban things, but it's not like you can "ask" the dog which substance it detects. I mean, the Jeep still faintly smells like detailing supplies; but I can't help but wonder what the PO did with this Jeep, and how long whatever the dog detected will still set off alarms. I'm NOT looking forward to an interior swap!I bought it with the intent of "running the wheels off of it" but if this will be a problem, it may well find itself back for sale again-and soon.

On another note, my Mom's Interpid; she finally quit smoking after (by her account) 55 years worth. I am not happy it took nearly dying and surgery to remove part of a lung to make her quit! but I had that Intrepid cleaned twice, a year ago, and it's almost gone, but I can still tell a faint smell of her old Camel non filters.
It was terrible; film on inside of windows, and I could not even ride in that car, it stunk from cigarette smoke so bad!




I bought a 68 Chevelle one time from a tote-the-note dealer. Had some trouble with the gauges so I looked up under the dash to see if anything was unhooked. What I found was a bag of weed stashed in the wiring.
Glad I found it and not a drug dog or cop. Gee officer I didn't even know it was there. Somehow I don't think that excuse would fly.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: 68CoronetRT] #628365
03/02/10 11:56 AM
03/02/10 11:56 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1 Offline
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Cincinnati, Ohio
Quote:

[ What I found was a bag of weed stashed in the wiring.
Glad I found it and not a drug dog or cop. Gee officer I didn't even know it was there. Somehow I don't think that excuse would fly.




I found the same thing in my 74 back in 1984 and I bought it from a friend who bought it from the original owner, his uncle. My buddie said it wasn't his...
At least the car didn't smell like cigs.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: Challenger 1] #628366
03/02/10 12:17 PM
03/02/10 12:17 PM
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,034
NW Indiana
deansrr Offline
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NW Indiana
being an owner of a detail shop, good luck. the main problem is the usally the headliner, not really a good way to clean them without destroying them. a complete cleaning and ozone treatment will help (I would charge around $200), but I would be surprised if the smell would be gone. There are some new sprays that might help cover it up and make it liveable. good luck, dean


1973 Road Runner 1974 Satellite (for sale) 1973 240z (wifes) 1993 Ramcharger (thanks Devil) 2002 Honda S2000
Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: deansrr] #628367
03/02/10 12:52 PM
03/02/10 12:52 PM
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Posts: 290
Loveland Colorado
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jake71 Offline
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Loveland Colorado
We just recently bought and sold a Subaru that had been heavily smoked in by multiple teens and it STUNK! We took an ozone generator from a hot tub and hooked a computer fan to it for air flow.
Day 1. Very noticable difference
Day 2. Almost gone
Day 3. Smelled like a fresh spring rain!
Day 7. Ozonator had been out of car since day 3 and there was a faint smell if smoke and body odor. Started the car and turned on the A/C and whew! The A/C, especially when set to max, will circulate all odors over the evaporator and since it is wet with condensate, it is a stench sponge.
Re-introduce ozonator with car running and A/C set to max for 3 hours. No more stench.
Day22. Still no stench-sold car.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: Stanton] #628368
03/02/10 12:56 PM
03/02/10 12:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,719
Middle of the mitten
69DodgeCharger Offline
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My bet is that you'll never get rid of the stench. Look for another truck.


Yep....Just like cat urine it is impossible to be completely rid of it.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: 69DodgeCharger] #628369
03/02/10 01:12 PM
03/02/10 01:12 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 21,318
Manitoba, Canada
DaytonaTurbo Offline
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Manitoba, Canada
My brother bought a 83 rampage that stank bad like smoke. Even after multiple scrubbings with the carpet cleaner, the seats still stank like smoke if you put your nose up to them. We had to junk those seats. Then we peeled the layer of fabric off the headliner and used contact cement to reupholster it with vinyl. Between those two, cleaning the rug, dash and all interior panels, we got the smell 100% gone. I was actually surprised the stink wasn't inside the heater box.

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: DaytonaTurbo] #628370
03/02/10 03:11 PM
03/02/10 03:11 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 304
Ohio
LS-300 Offline
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Ohio
Rented a van to drive to the east coast in, and it was suposed to be a nonsmoking rental. WRONG smelled bad of cigarettes. Gave the unit a good vaccuming and used a product called Febreze. My parents who have problems with cigarette smoke had no idea that someone had been smoking in the van. The trip was about 800 miles and I thought they would complain the entire way.


1979 Chrysler 300 1968 Barracuda project
Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: LS-300] #628371
03/02/10 03:28 PM
03/02/10 03:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
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Stanton Offline
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Ontario, Canada
Yeah but a "rental" was likely only smoked in once. Hardly a comparison to to a vehicle owned 10 years by a chainsmoker !!!

Re: Is it possible to get rid of cigarette smell? [Re: Challenger 1] #628372
03/02/10 04:24 PM
03/02/10 04:24 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,944
woodcrest, CA
magnum440d100 Offline
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woodcrest, CA
Quote:

Quote:

[ What I found was a bag of weed stashed in the wiring.
Glad I found it and not a drug dog or cop. Gee officer I didn't even know it was there. Somehow I don't think that excuse would fly.




I found the same thing in my 74 back in 1984 and I bought it from a friend who bought it from the original owner, his uncle. My buddie said it wasn't his...
At least the car didn't smell like cigs.




not to get off topic, but I was in a pick a part a few years ago with my grampa, and we were looking for a stock radio for a 1982 280zx...we started pulling one out, and a bag of weed fell onto the passenger floorboard...my grampa picked it up, opened it, said it was crappy weed and broke it up on the wind...lets just say I look at my grampa a little bit different now hahahaha


and in one of the posts it mentions a film on the windows when a car is smoked in....this is definately true..my grampa smoked in the 73 lincoln, and the 72 d100 I drive now...there is ALWAYS a greasy film on the inside of the windows, even though they havent been smoked in for 5 years. One trick I use is rubbing alcohol mixed with windex...I spray the window, then rub with my hand...THEN wipe clean with a rag, turn over and buff dry...

they stay clean and clear for about a week in the winter, but in the summer, a couple of days makes them film up again, BUT its getting better and better every year lol..its ALMOST gone...

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