Lexus: How to Remove Smoke Smell

Cigarette smells may leave stinky odors, but getting rid of them is easy.

By Makeda - December 8, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS, ES, GS, RX (2000-2014).

The day has finally come to buy your dream Lexus. The salesman has you convinced that this used car is a good deal since the price is everything you could have hoped for. As you open the door, you can't help but notice a cigarette odor escaping the vehicle. With your budget in mind, you realize it is the best priced car on the lot. How can this be fixed? Fortunately, a suitable deodorizer will do the job, but there are other things to consider. Read on to discover three common methods for removing odors.

Materials Needed

Clean cloth/towel
New cabin filter
Rugged pro ozone treatment machine
Deodorizing products

Replacing the Cabin Filter

The cabin air filter will capture a lot of cigarette smoke and smell if it isn't changed regularly. Because air regularly gets cycled through this filter, one stained with cigarette smoke will stink every time the fans come on. Check the manual for instructions on removing and changing the cabin air filter in your vehicle.

Ozone Interior Treatment

Treating the interior of your vehicle with ozone is very effective at breaking down smells. This is like the nuclear option when it comes to scent removal. Therefore, you must exercise caution as ozone is a poisonous gas. Be sure that no one is in the car. Make sure the car is outdoors as well.

Step 1 - Connect the hose to machine

Remove the end cap and push the hose into the machine.

Figure 1. Secure the hose to the machine.

Step 2 - Roll up the windows and insert hose

Open a car window and put the other side of the hose in the window of the car. Roll up the window while placing the towel on the top section of the window. Turn the machine on and use a timer or a stop watch.

Figure 2. Roll up the window and insert hose.

Step 3 - Air out the car

When the timer goes off, turn off the machine and open one of the doors of the car. Remove the hose from the inside of the car and allow the car to air out. Ozone machines take care of odors within a fairly short period of time.

Pro Tip

Do an online search for detailers in your area that have experience with smoke and fire restoration. Request that they use an ozone machine which kills mold, bacteria and odors. A hot water extraction on carpets will also do the trick.

Using Deodorizing Products

Meguiar's New Car scent Odor Eliminator costs $7 and comes with easy to use instructions. If Meguiar's doesn't work for your Lexus, consider using a professional detailer.

Figure 3. Meguiar's odor eliminating product.

Related Discussions

How to Remove Smoke Odor - ClubLexus.com
Remove Cigarette Smell from Lexus - ClubLexus.com