How to get weed smell out of your car

Using cannabis while driving isn’t a fresh (or smart) move, but that doesn’t mean you’ll never smoke weed in a parked car. Maybe you don’t smoke in the house and the weather doesn’t allow smoking outside. Maybe you’re just enjoying the comfort of plush plush seats while listening to the latest episode of your favorite podcast. Or maybe your previously owned wheels had an inherited stink.

Whatever the reason, when you’re faced with a dank stench that you need to get rid of, there are a variety of tools at your disposal. Depending on the severity of the stench, some of these options might be more effective than others. And if it’s an overwhelming type of stench, you may need to resort to a full, multi-pronged plan of attack to remove the weed smell from car fabric and air vents.

Classic methods

Getting a strong weed smell from a car is not a new problem, and cannabis lovers everywhere have experimented with all sorts of solutions over the years. Here are a few classic options.

air freshener

Air fresheners are the first line of defense for many, ranging from the OG hanging trees to sprays and air vent clips. These can be enough if you have a slight odor that needs to be eliminated, but air fresheners usually mask odors more than they eliminate them. Consider an essential oil car diffuser — some models plug directly into USB ports — or a car air purifier for another handy approach.

odor absorber

The next line of attack could include odor absorbers like baking soda, coffee beans and coffee grounds, or activated charcoal. Spraying these substances on carpets and upholstery could do the trick for a less than entirely objectionable odor, but reports vary. You’ll also need access to a very powerful handheld vacuum, as cleaning is going to be quite a thing.

Leaving a bowl of white vinegar or vodka overnight to absorb odors is another method cannabis connoisseurs have tried with mixed results.

Odor neutralizers and eliminators

When fresheners and absorbers aren’t enough, neutralizers and eliminators could be the next step. There are many such sprays on the market and a few products that cannabis lovers swear by – like Ozium – but keep in mind that many are highly toxic, especially in small, confined spaces like car interiors.

A variety of all-natural and cannabis-specific odor eliminators have also hit the market recently. Despite the “neutralizing” and “eliminating” labels, these sprays are often a short-term fix and need to be used regularly to maintain freshness.

The serious game plan

If you’re serious about odor elimination, it’s best to go on the offensive. A concerted deep cleaning attack or full professional detailing should produce the most durable results.

1. Remove all clutter and litter, including real weeds or smelly accessories.
2. Vacuum all upholstery, surfaces and carpets.
3. Then perform a light clean with a foam upholstery shampoo or a deep clean with an upholstery machine.
4. Replace the air filter.
5. When the car is running and the air conditioner is set to recirculation mode, use an ozone machine to deodorize your car and air it thoroughly before driving.
6. Finish with an air freshener of your choice.

high-maintenance method

If you’re consuming cannabis in your car, you might consider a vape option instead. Although vapes tend to be a bit more expensive than pure bud, you are guaranteed a stink-free car after consuming it. Or simply have your car aired out thoroughly after smoking while keeping an eye on regular cleaning and maintenance.