how do you get rid of smoke smell? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**thelonerife** · 01-02-2010, 04:59 AM

Looking at a newer vehicle but I could tell instantly that the previous owner smoked. Cloth seats,carpet. 3 row seats too. Is there a process or a way to get rid of the smell

?

cdowns · 01-02-2010, 07:45 AM

a good rug shampoo on carpet and fabric seats will remove alot then treating with a fabric spray like febreeze// some newer cars have airfilters for the interior of the car that holds smells too// recently i saw a product on "2guys garage" that they used to desmell a car but i didnt get info on it..

tapeworm · 01-02-2010, 08:18 AM

The dealership I work at has a electric ion cleaner thing (sorry, forgot what the actual name is)

I'm told is does wonders for removing tobacco smoke sell. The machine plugs into
120V and left inside the car all day.

See if a local detailing shop offers such a service

2badgn · 01-02-2010, 11:46 AM

If u have 1/2 day on your hands, u can save money and do it yourself. I would completely vacuum the interior. Shampoo the carpets and matts with a spray cleaner and then air dry & re-vacuum. Since they are cloth seats, buy a spray fabric cleaner and gently brush in the cleaner and then re-vacuum to dry. Protect with Automotive Fabric Spray. Clean the interior door panels and dash with vinyl cleaner and then protect with a Protectant such as 303. Clean the interior windows. Finally, spray with Auto Fabreeze and change the cabin air filter.

This should completely get rid of all odors.
Check out Auopia.org for more ideas and/or Autogeek.net

Joe67 · 01-02-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelonerife

Looking at a newer vehicle but I could tell instantly that the previous owner smoked. Cloth seats,carpet. 3 row seats too. Is there a process or a way to get rid of the smell

?

Pull the seats, steam clean the carpets and seats. Scrub all plastic trim with Simple Green or another cleaner of choice.
Don't forget the headliner

Febreeze will only mask odors, cleaning will do the trick

72BlckButy · 01-04-2010, 09:46 AM

tapeworm presented a great machine. My dad used to work at a dealership after he retired, and when they would get in a "smoker" they would set this machine inside the vehicle and let it run for a 1/2 day, a day, or however long it would take. This thing did wonders for several vehicles they sold not long after.

2badgn presented some great ideas as well. If it were me I would completely remove the seats and break down the clean up as Joe mentioned.

piecesparts · 01-07-2010, 04:45 PM

The one place that the smells will be the most predominant in will be the headliner. This of course is the worst thing to try to clean. Most headliners are now the cloth with the foam backing that is glued to a fiberglass formed piece. if you get this too wet it deteriorates and starts to hang down in the vehicle. You can use a wet upholstery clearner/vacuum and apply a very light mist of water to the material and suck the residue from the fabric, but be careful. I have used a squirt bottle with water that has a small amount of vinegar in it to do such cleaning. Be sure to use the upholstery vacuum to pul what you can from the material.

Crone84 · 01-07-2010, 04:46 PM

You could try smoking something else to cover up the smell.

Joe67 · 01-08-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crone84

You could try smoking something else to cover up the smell.

I like how you think

piecesparts · 01-08-2010, 11:23 AM

Wow Man, what is that in the rear view mirror?????? Is it Officer Stidanko?

oldblue1968chevy · 01-09-2010, 10:36 PM

LOL you crack me up

I gotta AWFUL burnt wire smell in my truck no carpet headliner only thing cloth is the seat tried febreeze worked great for 5 minutes then it came back whats next? lite up a joint in the cab lol

JK bout the joint...

any ideas

**thelonerife** · 01-09-2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crone84

You could try smoking something else to cover up the smell.

I gave that up years ago lol. thanks guys for all the replies and advice. My wife doesn't even like to talk about the smoke smelling suv so I kept looking and found a truck in TX. I will fly out and drive it home next Sat. It supposedly hasn't been smoked in but if it has I will be taking a lot of your suggestions and puting them to work. I hope that it hasn't as shes going with me.

THANKS AGAIN!

badriv455 · 02-22-2010, 10:20 PM

I have heard of people using a spray sold in sporting goods stores that deer hunters use to mask their smell from the deer. Never tried it. If anyone does, post whether it works or not. Its worth a try.

**DPowers** · 02-22-2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badriv455

I have heard of people using a spray sold in sporting goods stores that deer hunters use to mask their smell from the deer. Never tried it. If anyone does, post whether it works or not. Its worth a try.

Just don't get "Buck Lure" by mistake....

badriv455 · 02-22-2010, 11:17 PM

Unless you have a gunrack in your back window

310lissik_70'C10 · 03-02-2010, 02:32 PM

fabreaze?

70k52wd · 03-07-2010, 12:28 PM

I have never tried this, I was told that lemon juice and water in a spray bottle works great for odor removal. Spray on liberally, and let dry. I have a very stinky truck to try this on, so I will.

MylilBowTie · 03-15-2010, 08:09 AM

It amazes me how many people think that fabreeze cleans. Its a synthetic fragrance that masks odors. Not saying it doesn't have its place but never as a cleaner. That is like putting deodorant on when you need a bath/shower.

BIG10 · 03-15-2010, 12:31 PM

I believe you guys are thinking of an ozone machine. You would close up the car and let it run for about 24 hrs. Don't try to clean the headliner, just get some quotes on replacement. Clean the windows several times. I've seen cars so caked with nicotine that when I'd spray window cleaner on the windows it would run yellow and puddle on the door panels. There was one in particular that was so bad I spend an entire day cleaning the windows and it never stopped. I think we finally just sent that terd to auction.

5150 · 03-17-2010, 06:21 PM

Chuck, eat a bunch of Chili and then go to work baby!!!!!!

**leddzepp** · 03-17-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crone84

You could try smoking something else to cover up the smell.

This, or Lysol

**thelonerife** · 03-17-2010, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5150

Chuck, eat a bunch of Chili and then go to work baby!!!!!!

I do that in every vehicle I own. Luckily the sales person was right and the truck hadn't been smoked in. It still smells new. Heres a pic of what I wound up buying. i got the 20'' wheels from Ron586. TY.

72BlckButy · 03-18-2010, 08:23 AM

Nice truck Chuck!

**thelonerife** · 03-18-2010, 10:09 PM

Thanks.

HOGDADDY · 04-01-2010, 02:14 AM

After having quitting smoking (both) for several years I could never get the cig smoke outta my 97 Silverado til one day it was gone.........yea some sob stole my truck!
I have not been having great luck with trucks past few years seems.

And now a freaking tree fell on my 86 but before that I rolled and tumbled a 77 lwb chevy and found myself lying in a hospital bed with a broken neck (crushed C5 bone).

It has healed really well but to think I have another person's bone in my neck freaks me out somewhat.

Sorry I got off track a little. Just needed to vent some.

01-02-2010, 04:59 AM	#1
thelonerife Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clarksville TN 37043 Posts: 8,702	how do you get rid of smoke smell? Looking at a newer vehicle but I could tell instantly that the previous owner smoked. Cloth seats,carpet. 3 row seats too. Is there a process or a way to get rid of the smell? __________________ Chuck 68swb Fleetside build ''Choncho'' http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374892 My trailer redo http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...69#post5893869 Chuy my 59 bug http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653798 Putnam 87 GMC Shop truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707687

01-02-2010, 07:45 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? a good rug shampoo on carpet and fabric seats will remove alot then treating with a fabric spray like febreeze// some newer cars have airfilters for the interior of the car that holds smells too// recently i saw a product on "2guys garage" that they used to desmell a car but i didnt get info on it.. __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-02-2010, 08:18 AM	#3
tapeworm fan of "Butters" Stotch Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 267	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? The dealership I work at has a electric ion cleaner thing (sorry, forgot what the actual name is) I'm told is does wonders for removing tobacco smoke sell. The machine plugs into 120V and left inside the car all day. See if a local detailing shop offers such a service __________________ 64 shortbox fleetside replacing rusty junk with more junk, and one day to become a real truck again

01-02-2010, 11:46 AM	#4
2badgn Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 276	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? If u have 1/2 day on your hands, u can save money and do it yourself. I would completely vacuum the interior. Shampoo the carpets and matts with a spray cleaner and then air dry & re-vacuum. Since they are cloth seats, buy a spray fabric cleaner and gently brush in the cleaner and then re-vacuum to dry. Protect with Automotive Fabric Spray. Clean the interior door panels and dash with vinyl cleaner and then protect with a Protectant such as 303. Clean the interior windows. Finally, spray with Auto Fabreeze and change the cabin air filter. This should completely get rid of all odors. Check out Auopia.org for more ideas and/or Autogeek.net Last edited by 2badgn; 01-02-2010 at 11:50 AM.

01-04-2010, 09:46 AM	#6
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? tapeworm presented a great machine. My dad used to work at a dealership after he retired, and when they would get in a "smoker" they would set this machine inside the vehicle and let it run for a 1/2 day, a day, or however long it would take. This thing did wonders for several vehicles they sold not long after. 2badgn presented some great ideas as well. If it were me I would completely remove the seats and break down the clean up as Joe mentioned. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

01-07-2010, 04:45 PM	#7
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? The one place that the smells will be the most predominant in will be the headliner. This of course is the worst thing to try to clean. Most headliners are now the cloth with the foam backing that is glued to a fiberglass formed piece. if you get this too wet it deteriorates and starts to hang down in the vehicle. You can use a wet upholstery clearner/vacuum and apply a very light mist of water to the material and suck the residue from the fabric, but be careful. I have used a squirt bottle with water that has a small amount of vinegar in it to do such cleaning. Be sure to use the upholstery vacuum to pul what you can from the material. __________________ Frank

01-07-2010, 04:46 PM	#8
Crone84 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: London, ON Posts: 41	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? You could try smoking something else to cover up the smell.

01-08-2010, 11:23 AM	#10
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? Wow Man, what is that in the rear view mirror?????? Is it Officer Stidanko? __________________ Frank

01-09-2010, 10:36 PM	#11
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? LOL you crack me up I gotta AWFUL burnt wire smell in my truck no carpet headliner only thing cloth is the seat tried febreeze worked great for 5 minutes then it came back whats next? lite up a joint in the cab lol JK bout the joint... any ideas __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

02-22-2010, 10:20 PM	#13
badriv455 '67 Chevy C-50 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Monticello, IA Posts: 62	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? I have heard of people using a spray sold in sporting goods stores that deer hunters use to mask their smell from the deer. Never tried it. If anyone does, post whether it works or not. Its worth a try. __________________ Bad Riv '67 C50 Flatbed Dump '98 Z71 Ext. Cab

02-22-2010, 11:17 PM	#15
badriv455 '67 Chevy C-50 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Monticello, IA Posts: 62	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? Unless you have a gunrack in your back window __________________ Bad Riv '67 C50 Flatbed Dump '98 Z71 Ext. Cab

03-02-2010, 02:32 PM	#16
310lissik_70'C10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Torrance Posts: 37	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? fabreaze?

03-07-2010, 12:28 PM	#17
70k52wd Blaze-Air Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,117	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? I have never tried this, I was told that lemon juice and water in a spray bottle works great for odor removal. Spray on liberally, and let dry. I have a very stinky truck to try this on, so I will.

03-15-2010, 08:09 AM	#18
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? It amazes me how many people think that fabreeze cleans. Its a synthetic fragrance that masks odors. Not saying it doesn't have its place but never as a cleaner. That is like putting deodorant on when you need a bath/shower. __________________ 1974 C25 LWB: 454 4bbl Carb / TH400 / 3.73 1992 Camaro RS 305 TBI

03-15-2010, 12:31 PM	#19
BIG10 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 314	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? I believe you guys are thinking of an ozone machine. You would close up the car and let it run for about 24 hrs. Don't try to clean the headliner, just get some quotes on replacement. Clean the windows several times. I've seen cars so caked with nicotine that when I'd spray window cleaner on the windows it would run yellow and puddle on the door panels. There was one in particular that was so bad I spend an entire day cleaning the windows and it never stopped. I think we finally just sent that terd to auction. __________________ Jay 1978 Big 10 Silverado, 355 + 700R4 + 3.42 + factory tach + A/C + dual tanks + working cruise control = awesome highway cruiser.



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03-17-2010, 06:21 PM	#20
5150 C10 Club Tennessee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: White House, TN 37188 Posts: 8,279	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? Chuck, eat a bunch of Chili and then go to work baby!!!!!! __________________ Bryan www.gmtruckshow.com Project "Andes"-Halen's First Truck Project: Patina Burb for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

03-18-2010, 08:23 AM	#23
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? Nice truck Chuck! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

03-18-2010, 10:09 PM	#24
thelonerife Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Clarksville TN 37043 Posts: 8,702	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? Thanks. __________________ Chuck 68swb Fleetside build ''Choncho'' http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374892 My trailer redo http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...69#post5893869 Chuy my 59 bug http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=653798 Putnam 87 GMC Shop truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707687

04-01-2010, 02:14 AM	#25
HOGDADDY Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 661	Re: how do you get rid of smoke smell? After having quitting smoking (both) for several years I could never get the cig smoke outta my 97 Silverado til one day it was gone.........yea some sob stole my truck! I have not been having great luck with trucks past few years seems. And now a freaking tree fell on my 86 but before that I rolled and tumbled a 77 lwb chevy and found myself lying in a hospital bed with a broken neck (crushed C5 bone). It has healed really well but to think I have another person's bone in my neck freaks me out somewhat. Sorry I got off track a little. Just needed to vent some. Last edited by HOGDADDY; 04-01-2010 at 02:33 AM.

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