I used a odor eliminating car bomb. like the bug bombs, an aerosol can that you release the button while the car is running in blended recirc mode on the HVAC. It FILLS the car with smoke and then 10 minutes later the car smells.. like nothing. I got it at Walmart but not sure if they still have them in stores.
https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Whole-Refresher-Odor-Eliminator/dp/B00G49DVGG/ref=pd_sbs_263_4/141-5248984-2643131?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00G49DVGG&pd_rd_r=7628895a-038b-4817-9d10-8aa99bb7551c&pd_rd_w=UmEf8&pd_rd_wg=Xi1dj&pf_rd_p=bdc67ba8-ab69-42ee-b8d8-8f5336b36a83&pf_rd_r=07WFRB91R6XE0AGN54K4&psc=1&refRID=07WFRB91R6XE0AGN54K4
I followed that up with leaving an Ozzium odor eliminator gel can in the car for a few months.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozium-Smoke-Odors-Eliminator-Gel-Car-Home-Air-Freshener-Outdoor-Essence-4PK/151427606
Whenever I got back to the car after sitting in the sun it no longer smelled like smoke. Even the headliner no longer had smoke aroma. So it seemed to work.
WAAAAAAY back in the day, Per recommended stuffing a paper towel roll or two full of dryer sheets. I seem to recall this having good results.
Ozone Generator is the only one that will get you anywhere.
dyintorace (Forum Supporter) said:
I read about this in GRM. Works incredibly well. And cheap!
https://www.biocidesystems.com/products/room-shocker-clo2-odor-eliminator-quick-release-vapor?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr9GG6fHj6gIVFvbjBx38jATKEAQYAyABEgJpjvD_BwE
Yep, we've used it in several cars, including my 318is. I am incredibly sensitive to smells, and although Tim had literally steam-cleaned the interior, the car had spent several years outside and abandoned before we bought it as a project and still smelled like the bottom of a lake made of mold. Like, I could not drive it without getting a headache and having an allergy attack. We did one in the interior overnight and it was vastly improved, but I was still getting an occasional whiff. Bought another one and put it in the trunk overnight, and the thing smells absolutely neutral.
Margie
As a follow-up to this, baking soda and two sessions with coffee beans got it back. Granted, this was a short-term exposure, but those coffee beans are pretty amazing. Thanks for the suggestions!
This would be a good time to clean the upholstery, carpets, headliner and other interior surfaces, even the glass. And then I have a nice ozone generator that you are welcome to use, whenever you are in the neighborhood. That does a good job, if there isn't too much residue remaining on surfaces. But if the vehicle hasn't actually been smoked in, you might get away with just airing it out for a few hours with the doors open.
