How to get cigarette smoke stains out of car seats?

Getting Pesky Cigarette Smoke Discoloration Out of Car Upholstery

Maybe you recently found a used vehicle for a great price, but the upholstery has cigarette stains all over it. Or perhaps you are a smoker and are looking to thoroughly clean out your car before you sell it. No matter why you’re here, we can help.

Here’s how to get cigarette smoke and nicotine stains out of your vehicle’s seats.

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Removing Cigarette Stains from Cloth Upholstery

Other than typical cleaning implements like rags and brushes, you’ll need white vinegar, baking soda, carpet shampoo with stain remover, and a carpet cleaner. The carpet cleaner is expensive, so if you don’t already own one, consider renting one from a local cleaning service or a big-box store.

1. Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar (without diluting it) and spray it on any vinyl, plastic, and glass surfaces

2. With a clean rag or cloth, wipe away all surfaces sprayed with white vinegar

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until rag/cloth comes away clean

4. Use the carpet shampoo with stain remover and carpet cleaner on any cloth or carpeting

5. Allow the interior to air dry completely

6. Once the car is dry, sprinkle baking soda on fabric

7. Use a soft-bristle brush to work baking soda particles into fabric fibers

8. Let baking soda sit for a week

   If you need to drive that vehicle, put a towel or spare sheet over the driver’s seats while you drive

9. Thoroughly vacuum any fabric that you sprinkled baking soda on

And that’s it! If you’re having issues with any lingering smells, check out our blog on getting rid of car odors.

Don’t Have the Time?

We can do it for you. Schedule an appointment at CrossPointe Motor Cars to have your vehicle professionally detailed.