Sam Huck
February 22, 2025
Removing cigarette smoke from a car requires a meticulous approach
Like what you see? Sign up to receive our newsletter and exclusive offers straight to your inbox
The first step is a meticulous deep clean of the entire interior. Smoke particles and tar settle into carpets, seats, door panels, dashboards, and even glass, creating a sticky film that traps the odour. If these surfaces aren’t thoroughly cleaned, the smell will always return.
We start with a full vacuum, reaching under seats, inside storage compartments, and into all the tight crevices where debris collects. Upholstery, carpets, and headlining are then shampooed using low-moisture extraction to lift out deeply embedded nicotine and tar. Leather, plastics, and trims are carefully cleaned with specialist products to break down the residue that causes lingering odours. The air vents, which are one of the worst culprits for holding onto smoke smell, are flushed and sanitised to prevent the odour from being re-released every time the fan is turned on.
Even after deep cleaning, some smoke odour will still remain in places that can’t be physically scrubbed, such as inside the ventilation system and deep within upholstery fibres. This is where ozone treatment comes in.
Ozone is a highly reactive gas that works by breaking down odour-causing molecules. Unlike deodorisers, which simply mask the smell, ozone chemically destroys the smoke particles at a molecular level. We run an ozone generator inside the sealed car, allowing the gas to circulate through the air vents, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas like behind the dashboard. This final step ensures that no trace of cigarette smoke remains.
Cigarette smoke can make a car feel unpleasant and lower its resale value. Without a proper deep clean followed by ozone treatment, the smell will always return. By removing as much of the residue as possible before introducing ozone, we ensure that the odour is eliminated for good, rather than temporarily covered up.
If your car smells of smoke and you want it properly restored, book a professional deep clean with Definition Detailing today.
Definition Detailing is the pinnacle of luxury in the world of mobile car detailing services, proudly serving the discerning clientele of Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region.
Under the expert guidance of renowned detailer Sam Huck, our company has consistently set the industry standard for top-tier craftsmanship and professionalism.
For an impressive four consecutive years, we have been honored with the esteemed title of "Car Detailer of the Year" at the Yorkshire Prestige Awards, a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence.
