Buzz
If you've smoked or stored cannabis in your car and the scent still lingers, there are various quick and effective ways to eliminate that distinctive smell. Keep reading to discover the best methods for getting rid of this unpleasant odor and restoring a fresh atmosphere in your car.
Steps
Use a car air freshener spray
Air freshening products can help neutralize odors deep within your car's air vents. Start your car and turn the fan on high with the doors closed. Press the button on the air freshener can to activate it, then close the car doors. Allow the spray to circulate in the car for about 15 minutes before opening the doors. After 15 minutes, lower the windows and wait another 15 minutes to let the air inside the car escape.
- Air freshener sprays contain chemicals that purify the air, making this one of the most effective ways to remove cannabis odor from a rented car before returning it, or from your own car after smoking cannabis.
- These sprays contain chemicals that may irritate the skin and eyes, so it’s best to wait until the air has cleared before entering or driving the car.
Allow the air to escape from the car
The cannabis odor will dissipate when you lower the car windows. As soon as you're done smoking, roll the windows down to let the smoke exit rather than linger inside the car. Lower the windows and turn the fan on high while driving to allow fresh air to enter.
- If you park your car in a garage, roll down the windows or leave the car door open overnight to allow the air to escape.
Mask the smell with a car air freshener
Car air fresheners will quickly mask the cannabis scent. Spray the air freshener inside the car and turn on the fan to spread the fragrance throughout. You can also hang an air freshener pouch from the rearview mirror or clip it onto the air vents to enhance the scent coverage.
- Car air fresheners typically only mask the cannabis smell for a few hours. Once the fragrance fades, the cannabis odor may return.
Attach a diffuser to the car's air vent
An essential oil diffuser will mask unpleasant odors every time you turn on the fan. Purchase a car diffuser that can easily clip onto your air vents. Add your favorite essential oil and activate it whenever you're driving. While it won't entirely remove the source of the odor, the essential oil diffuser helps to spread fragrance throughout the car and mask the cannabis scent.
- You can also buy a small electronic diffuser that fits into the cup holder and plugs into the USB port.
Sprinkle baking soda inside the car
Baking soda works wonders in neutralizing cannabis odor from the carpet and upholstery in your car. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the car mats and seats. Let the baking soda sit for at least 2 hours or overnight to absorb the strong odor. Once the smell is gone, simply vacuum the baking soda up, and your car will smell fresh again.
- If the cannabis smell persists, try adding more baking soda to absorb any remaining unpleasant scent.
Absorb odors with activated charcoal
The cannabis odor will be trapped in the tiny pores of activated charcoal. Place one or two bags of activated charcoal on the floor of your car or under the seats if you prefer a more discreet option. Activated charcoal is highly porous, so the persistent cannabis smell will be drawn into the bags and your car will be odor-free within 1-2 days.
- Avoid sprinkling loose activated charcoal on the car’s upholstery as it may leave stains.
- Alternatively, you could try placing a box of dry coffee grounds inside your car. Coffee grounds not only absorb odors but also mask the cannabis smell with the aroma of coffee.
Wipe hard surfaces with vinegar and water
A vinegar solution can help mask and eliminate stubborn odors. Mix white vinegar with water in equal parts in a bowl. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the solution and wring it out before wiping down surfaces inside the car, such as the dashboard, steering wheel, and door panels. The vinegar smell will overpower the cannabis scent, and it also has the added benefit of cleaning dust and stains in the car.
- Alternatively, you can leave a bowl of vinegar inside the car for 1-2 days to neutralize the smell. Be sure to remove the bowl before driving to prevent spillage.
Deep clean the car with a vacuum and upholstery cleaner
Thoroughly clean the car’s interior to restore a fresh and clean atmosphere. Start by wiping down everything inside the car with upholstery cleaner to remove odors lingering on the seats and carpets. Vacuum or clean visible dirt and ash to eliminate smoke smell. Finally, wipe down the car doors with a scented glass cleaner to refresh the air inside.
- If you use an ashtray in the car, be sure to vacuum the ash and wipe it down with a cleaning solution.
- You may need to clean the car a few times to completely remove the cannabis odor.
Replace the car’s air filter
The cannabis smell may linger in an old air filter and be released into the air. If you continue to smell cannabis whenever you turn on the air conditioning, the air filter could be the culprit. The air filter is typically located behind the glove compartment or under the hood, but it's best to consult your car’s manual to be sure. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one that suits your car model.
- After removing the filter, clean the air vents with a vent cleaning spray, as the odor may have settled deep within the system.
Advice
- If the cannabis smell is still present in your car, consider taking it to a professional car wash or detailing service for treatment.
Warning
- Driving under the influence of cannabis can be very dangerous, as it impairs your senses. Additionally, smoking cannabis is illegal in many areas.
