Get rid of tobacco smell from a minivan that was previously owned by a chain smoker.?

Question

I bought the van from a smoker and afterwards I noticed that I have headaches when I drive for a long distance. Sometimes I smell and sometimes I don't smell the tobacco smell. But I get the headache most of the time. Funny thing is that other passengers many times don't smell anything. Still I feel like subjecting myself and my family to the harms of second hand smoke while in the van.

Answer 1

Take it to a detailer you can get a smoke bomb that will remove all the smells from the car!
I had the same problem with my camaro when I test drove it, told the salesman and he took it to the detailer and it hasn't smelt like smoke since (2 years now)

Answer 2

First of all, I don't think that you are subjecting anyone to second hand smoke. Second hand smell, maybe. If it has cloth seats, they absorb the smoke worse than leather. The smell gets in the roof cloth, carpets and vents also. Don't leave your car closed for long periods of time. Let it air out by leaving the windows open every day outside for several hours. Don't run your AC on recirc. Choose fresh air.

Trying to cover up the smell is almost as bad as the smell. It's about as effective as a smoker trying to cover up their habit with mouthwash and perfume - you get the smell of tobacco behind mint and perfume.

If it were my car, I'd have it completely detailed and tell them to work on the smoky smell and do whatever magic they can. After that, if you still don't like the smell, you obviously have 2 choices - put up with it or sell it and pay attention when you buy your next car.

If you know someone with an ozone air cleaner (they're expensive to buy so borrow one), you could try running it all night in the closed car. Some swear by it. I don't know 'cause I've never tried it. Actually, if you take your car to a detailer, they may use one. Check first.

Answer 3

Someone I know had the same problem while selling a car that was previously owned by a smoker. This may seem gross, but if you put pans of vinegar in the car for a couple days, it makes the smell go away and surprisingly, doesn't smell like vinegar. Putting the windows open when you drive will also help air the van out.

Answer 4

"A. Try Fabreze or a like spray

A. Ex-smoker and Ex-hair stylist...there are several citrus products out there that are made to neutralize odors rather than cover them up. I used one at the Salon when Perm solution stunk up the room. - BB

A. There is a substance called “sweet rock”. I have seen it sold at large gas station/convenient stores and truck stops while traveling. I do not know the more scientific name for this substance, but it will remove any odor any place any time. It is a very porous material that soaks up every smell around. It works even if flat, but it is often sold carved into animals and such and ready to hang on your car mirror. Judy

A. Hi, This is in response to the readers who have odors they cannot get rid of in their car (smoke) and home (motel madness!) Leave a dish of citrus peels in the car and wherever the odor is in the home. I had a "vomit on a very hot summer day" smell in my car and it went away in a few days with the citrus peel. The trick is to leave it until it dries out. Hope this helps! - Monica

A. This is a suggestion for the above question regarding cigarette smoke in the car. Use some coffee (not already perked) and put it inside a sock. Tie the end of the sock. Then, just put it in the car, maybe under the car seat and it will take the odor out. It works really well at getting rid of lingering odors anywhere, not just the car. - Robin.

A. This will also work for the cigarette odor in the car. Place a bowl of white vinegar in the car and leave over night and the next day the smell should be gone. This worked for a friend who had some meat fall out of her grocery bag in the trunk of her car in the summer in Florida and found it a few days later by following her nose. She could still smell it even after having the car professionally cleaned. At her wits end she tried the vinegar and it worked.

A. Years ago my mother in law bought a used car that had been used by some kind of Dr. The inside had a medicinal odor. They suggested she put a fresh l/2 can of coffee on the floor in back seat and start it on fire. The burning coffee grounds took the smell out pretty good. This might work for the cigarette odor in car and also for the lady with the smelly house. Not guaranteed but worth a try. - Ruth"

Answer 5

You have a long term project if you are sensitive to the odor of cigarette smoke (I am).

I'm not familiar with the Febreeze that some are recommending to you. You might want to try that out.

But another passive thing you can do is to be sure you park it in the hot sun as often as you can with the windows cracked and a small fan in the window to circulate air and odor out of the car. The tars and odors of cigarettes are volatile (otherwise you wouldn't smell them) and will eventually evaporate away.

Answer 6

I stop smoking 10 months in the past. fortunately, we moved right into a sparkling domicile at about an similar time, because the scent now drives me easily nuts. I scent it the position even the non-those who smoke i recognize won't be able to. right here is what labored for me interior the few aspects of this domicile the position someone had smoked: one million) Wash any linen or curtains with a detergent containing Febreze. 2) Spray down any fabrics you won't be able to bathe with Febreze, and get it outdoors for awhile, if in any respect plausible. 3) Wash the walls. you'd be surprised on the quantity of nicotine that sticks to them. 4) Wash down any glass surfaces like mirrors, domicile windows, or television reflects. 5) airborne dirt and dirt timber with a reliable polish. 6) Use a reliable cleanser on hardwood flooring or linoleum, use an smell remover powder on a carpet. 7) Open the window for awhile, if in any respect plausible. 8) positioned an air freshener with a scent you want interior the room once you're executed. sturdy success! widespread, what you favor is time. The longer they have used it, the harder it will be.

Answer 7

You may be more susceptible to the tobacco "residue". You will have no problem w/ second hand smoke physically, other than the headaches. I guess the best way to answer is you will probably never find a financially viable way to get the vehicle "into shape"

Answer 8

no good way... perhaps have the upholstery professionally cleaned and detailed ( about 100 bucks in Mass, whre I am from) and then febreze it and maybe an air freshener... if its still in there and it bugs you so much, Id have to ask why you bought it in the first place... seriously tho, get it professionally detailed!

Answer 9

leave a red snapper under the seat for a week. that'll take care of the tobacco smell....

Answer 10

this is the worse thing i could do is getting a used van by smokers. get baking soda and water and clean ur van with it .it will help.good luck ewwwwww