[scobar]

Estate sale car, 2009 23K that the owner smoked it, it STINKS, any idea on getting the smell out

[opsuper3]

First, you'll need to clean every square inch. Disinfecting cleaner like Lysol on the hard surfaces, steam clean the upholstery. Then, you can buy an aerosol product to clean the heater- A/C system. Febreeze extra strength would be the next step. Hanging an air freshener or two would be helpful.

My Dad was a smoker and to clean the tar out of the A/C, it had to be disassembled. Even after that, we had to hang a deodorizing air freshener in the car.

Since you car is only 2-3 years old, I hope the first proceedures work!

[autoguy87]

If you don't want to do it yourself, I have seen companies advertise in the phone book to clean out smoke smells from homes and cars. The other post mentioned Febreeze. That works pretty well I hear, but you can also try an auto parts store because I think I have seen some other products there that might be a little stronger.

[Pecos Slick]

Replace the headliner. It is to hard to clean and not have it come unglued. Use a razor blade scraper on all the windows, then clean with a good glass cleaner. Have the seats and carpet Steamed, not just shampooed. Most auto parts stores sell some stuff to spray into the a/c (inside) air intake to clean the duct work. Will have to do that about every 2 weeks for a while. Good luck.

[jwko]

I just went through the same thing with cigar odors. Nothing I tried would work and then was told to try this Starbrite NosGuard SG Mold/Mildew Odor Control Fast Release System from Wholesale Marine This is what some car dealers use to treat smokey trade ins.

Worked great! Also change your cabin air filter (if equipped)

Here's some info that passed along to me.

Quote:

About those StarBrite pads. It's a Chlorine based de-odorizer. We got it from our local mobile upholstery repair guy for a car that had a minor underhood fire. He told us to get it in the car and close the door quick. He said wait at least a half an hour to re-enter the car, that fumes are poisonous/toxic.

[jwko]

I forgot to add that you need to air out the vehicle for a little bit after using this product. I rolled my windows down and left it for a few hours.