Feb 10, 2026
Last Modified: Feb 10, 2026
Cigars are known for carrying an incredibly rich aroma. This is one of the big draws for smokers. But the stale scent that lingers isn’t so appealing.
Unlike temporary odors, cigar smoke tends to stick to the materials in its near vicinity. This is especially true for smaller areas like the interior of a car.
The smell can be particularly overwhelming in a confined space. That’s why it’s so important to eliminate smell for car comfort and hygiene.
Below, we’ll be discussing how to get that cigar smell out of your car. The best bit? You won't need to forgo your favorite smoke.
Essential Steps Before Removing the Cigar Smell
Before you decide to bring out the big guns, it’s best to use less invasive methods to remove cigar smell from car. There are some basic tips you should always keep in mind. They will help prevent any unpleasant odors from settling into your car’s interior.
- Ventilate: The first and most important step is to ventilate your car properly. Make sure to open all the windows, and leave them open for several hours to properly air it out.
- Dispose of Trash: Secondly, you’ll need to give your car a proper clear out. Make sure there are no ashtrays, or stray cigar butts inside. Even other materials, such as fast food papers, can hold on to cigar particles. These can continue to emit odors over time.
- Check In Between Seats: Give the interior of your car a once over. Take care to check in between the seats for any residue or remaining items. It’s easy for cigar particles to get lost in between crevices and underneath floor mats. Go over everything with a car-safe wipe and a vacuum cleaner.
Methods for Removing Cigar Smell
Next up, we’ll be tackling more hardcore cleaning methods. These are the big guns you’ll need to bring out if surface-cleaning methods have failed to work.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known, natural remedy. It’s considered one of the best methods for eliminating cigar smell in a car. This is especially true for smoke-based smells. Baking soda is a natural absorbent, and can help suck up the oil left over from cigar smoking.
All you need to do is sprinkle a layer over the surface of the upholstery. This includes the seats, carpets, and mats. Leave overnight, then vacuum it up in the morning. The smell should have greatly reduced. You may need to repeat this step a few times, depending on how deep-set the smell is.
Vinegar Solution
Another natural method for eliminating cigar smell, vinegar is a powerful, odor-busting solution. Pick up some white vinegar, and mix it with an equal amount of water in a plastic spray bottle.
Spritz it all over the surface of the vehicle, including the dashboard and vents. This will help break down a lot of the scent clinging to the surface of your car. Then, simply wipe it down with a clean cloth after leaving it to sit for a few minutes. Don’t worry about the vinegar scent lingering in your car. As it dries, the odor will naturally dissipate.
Replace Cabin Filters
To maintain a fresh smell in your car after deep-cleaning, replace your cabin filters. This should be done periodically if you choose to smoke inside your car.
You’ll find instructions inside your car owner’s manual for replacing the cabin filter. It usually involves locating it behind the glovebox, then opening the housing. You’ll need to remove any screws keeping it in place. Then, you’ll need to replace the old paper filter.
Activated Charcoal
A lesser known tip for eliminating cigar odor from cars, activated charcoal is an important tool in your arsenal. It’s an incredibly easy yet powerful way to protect against any unpleasant smells.
All you have to do is place some small bags of charcoal around your car. Activated charcoal is a great absorbent, and will suck up any stray smells. Plus, the charcoal itself doesn’t carry any smell, so you can avoid adding another odor to the mix.
It’s also non-toxic and totally chemical-free. Bear in mind, it’s a long-term solution. So, you’ll need to keep the charcoal in your car for extended periods of time. So, make sure they’re placed out of the way and not obstructing you or your passengers.
Why Cigar Smell Sticks to Cars
Cigar smell is renowned for sticking to cars and lingering long after you’ve put out your smoke. Ironically, what causes the smell is what we appreciate most in our favorite blends. Premium cigars are made from oily, flavorsome tobacco leaves. This causes thick molecules to stick to the fabric of our clothes, homes, and car interiors.
Fabric like you find inside cars is naturally porous. This makes it the perfect place for cigar odor to settle into.
Special Tips for Upholstery and Fabric Seats
Below are some final tips for cleaning the upholstery and fabric seats in your car.
Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning is a great way to eliminate odor, as it penetrates deep into the material. This can loosen the odors, providing a great DIY method for getting rid of lingering smells.
Professional Detailing: Car detailers are equipped with specialist industrial-grade tools. This includes things like ozone machines to get rid of smells. These are great for stubborn smells that don’t seem to go using other methods.
Sunlight: This is an easy method for giving your car the best chance for replenishment. Simply park your car in a sunny area, outside of any shade or cover. The UV rays from the sun naturally break down compounds that cause odors.
Avoid Heavy Fresheners: Though using air fresheners in your car is a good idea, we’d recommend avoiding heavy scents. These can actually mix in with the smell of the smoke and make the interior smell even more pungent. Natural options, like coffee grounds or tea bags, make better, gentler deodorizers.
Smoke Without Lingering Odors
Though cigar smoking can cause odors to linger in your car, it’s not something you have to live with. Incorporating proper car hygiene practices into your daily routine prevents smells from settling.
Now that you know how to take care of your car, it’s time to buy some smokes. Here at Swiss Cuban Cigars, we sell a wide selection of premium, authentic Cuban cigars. Browse today to start your journey.
