How to Get Weed Smell Out of a Car – Fool Proof Methods

Published on August 8, 2024

Still smell weed after a spray of air freshener? Baking soda and a seat shampoo might do the trick.
Weed odor can linger in various parts of your car, including upholstery, air conditioning systems, and carpets, even if you haven't smoked directly in the vehicle.
Some materials absorb odors more than others. Leather cars won't smell as long as fabric.
By following some steps and preventive tips, you can effectively remove and prevent weed smell in your car, ensuring a clean and fresh environment.

Getting rid of the weed odor from your car can be a real pain, whether you’ve been smoking in it or just bought some from the store. This guide will give you practical steps and insights into how to get rid of that smell effectively. We definitely don’t support driving under the influence, so it’s essential to address the smell if your car has been smoked in. The scent of weed can get into various parts of your car, like the air conditioning system, dashboard, carpets, seats, and fabric ceiling. Even though it might seem cool, it’s never safe to drive under the influence. Here are some steps you can take to tackle the issue.

What Does Weed Smell Like?

Ever wondered if the smell of weed will just vanish? It’s a bit like expecting your roommate to clean up their dishes; the outcome depends on various factors.

Different types of weed, how much you smoke, and how long you’re exposed to it all play a part in how long the smell sticks around. Getting rid of the weed smell from cars can be tricky, especially if it’s been there a while or if hotboxing is a regular thing. But with the right tools and techniques, eliminating weed odor is possible.

If you’ve ever wondered why your weed doesn’t smell or what causes its distinct odor, you’re not alone. Each cannabis strain is unique, like a snowflake – no two are alike.

Every cannabis strain has its own unique smell because of the aromatic compounds known as terpenes found in cannabis flowers, which are the part of the plant that is typically smoked. While terpenes offer various health benefits, their main role is to protect the plants from predators. Terpenes can include limonene, caryophyllene, myrcene, and others.

The cannabis smell can be anything from fruity and calming to earthy, overwhelming, or even foul, depending on the main terpenes present. Some strains give off an earthy fragrance like a forest, while others have a skunky smell that might remind you of a rebellious phase. When smoking in a car, the lingering smell can be tough to remove because of the diverse range of cannabis odors produced by different strains.

How to get weed smell out of your car

Just a heads up: Even if you haven’t smoked but have had someone who did or kept a stash in your car for a while, people might still find a weed smell in your car. So, if your car smells like weed or a Red Rocks concert, and you want to take care of it, here are five ways to deal with the issue:

1. Start with Thorough Cleaning

Deep Cleaning: Begin by removing all trash and personal items from your car. Pay attention to ashtrays, glove compartments, and other storage areas.
Vacuuming: Use a vacuum to clean the car’s upholstery, floor mats, and seats thoroughly. This helps in removing any smoke particles trapped in the fabric.

2. Use Baking Soda

Sprinkle Baking Soda: Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors. Sprinkle it generously on cloth seats, carpets, and floor mats. Leave it for a few hours to allow it to absorb the weed smell before vacuuming it up.

3. Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal: Place bags of activated charcoal inside your car. Activated charcoal is highly effective at absorbing unwanted smells, including the skunky odor of cannabis.

4. Air Fresheners and Essential Oils

Air Fresheners: Use air fresheners like Little Trees or other strong scents to mask any remaining odors.
Essential Oil Diffuser: An essential oil diffuser can also help spread a pleasant fragrance throughout the car, combating the cannabis smell.

5. Coffee Grounds

Coffee Grounds: Place bowls of coffee grounds in your car overnight. Coffee grounds can absorb and neutralize lingering weed smells effectively.

6. Odor Eliminators

Odor Eliminator Spray: Use an odor eliminator spray designed to tackle strong odors. These sprays can neutralize the cannabis smell quickly.
Ozone Generator: For intense odor removal, consider using an ozone generator. It breaks down the molecules causing the smell, completely eliminating the cannabis odor.

7. Change Cabin Air Filters

Cabin Air Filter: Replace the cabin air filter if you’ve been smoking weed in your car. A new air filter can prevent the recirculation of weed smoke odors within the vehicle.

8. Clean Air Vents and Air Conditioner

Air Vents: Use a cleaning solution to wipe down air vents and the air conditioner. This ensures that the weed odor isn’t circulated back into the car’s air.
Air Filter: Clean or replace the car’s air filter to remove any trapped cannabis smoke.

9. Clean All Surfaces

Hard Surfaces: Wipe down all hard surfaces inside the car, including the steering wheel, dashboard, and windows, to remove any residue of cannabis smoke.
Cloth Seats and Upholstery: For cloth seats, consider using a fabric cleaner to deep clean and remove weed odors.

10. Let Fresh Air In

Fresh Air: Air out your car by leaving the windows open for a few hours. Fresh air can help dissipate any lingering weed smell.

To prevent the return of cannabis odors, avoid smoking weed in your car.

If you need to transport cannabis, store it in airtight containers to prevent the smell from spreading in the vehicle.

How can you prevent weed smell in your car?

Instead of figuring out how to remove the weed smell from your car, it’s better to prevent the smell from getting into your car’s seats, cushions, or vents in the first place. But let’s be real, if you’re still going to smoke weed in the car, try these tips to stop the smell from sticking around.

Here are the tips to remember:

The best way to stay safe is to avoid smoking cannabis while driving. Instead, consider vaping or eating edibles.
If you’re a regular smoker, try to keep your car windows open when you smoke. However, this may not always be practical.
Change your car’s air filter regularly, at least every six months, to help get rid of any lingering odors.
Keep dryer sheets in your car, especially in areas where weed odors tend to stick, like in the car cushions.
Use a smell-proof stash box for transporting weed.
Consider using specialized anti-weed-smell sprays before smoking, as regular air fresheners don’t work well and may contain chemicals that are not good for your health.

How long does weed smell last in a car?

It’s best to wait around 30 minutes after smoking before the smell goes away. If you open the windows and make sure there’s good airflow, the smell should be gone in about 40 minutes. But keep in mind, if you smoke regularly, the weed smell will stick to your car’s vents, seats, and cushions. You’ll have to do a deep cleaning to get rid of the strong smell it leaves behind.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Weed Smell Out of a Car

Removing the weed smell from your car requires a comprehensive approach that combines thorough cleaning with effective odor-neutralizing techniques. By using baking soda, activated charcoal, coffee grounds, and specialized odor eliminators, you can absorb and eliminate persistent cannabis odors. Regularly replacing cabin air filters and cleaning air vents further ensures that the weed smell doesn’t linger. Preventive measures, such as avoiding smoking in the car and properly storing cannabis, will help maintain a fresh and odor-free vehicle environment. With these strategies, you can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling car free from any traces of weed odor.

Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post contains no legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.

Other Articles You Might Be Interested In

References:

FAQs About Getting Weed Smell Out of Car

How do I use an ozone generator to remove weed odor?

Place the ozone generator in your car, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and let it run for a few hours. It will help neutralize and eliminate the weed smell by oxidizing odor-causing molecules.

Can essential oil diffusers help in freshening car air after weed smoke?

Yes, essential oil diffusers can help freshen car air. Use oils like lavender or eucalyptus to mask lingering weed odors.

How can I prevent the weed smell in my car from returning?

To prevent weed smell from returning, avoid smoking weed inside the car, store cannabis in airtight containers, and regularly clean and maintain your car’s interior surfaces.

Does cleaning car interiors help in removing weed smell?

Yes, thorough cleaning of car interiors, including vacuuming, shampooing carpets, and wiping down surfaces, is essential to remove embedded weed odors.

Are air fresheners effective in getting rid of weed smell?

Air fresheners can temporarily mask weed smell, but they may not eliminate it completely. It’s better to use them in combination with other odor-removal methods.

Does baking soda help to remove weed odor?

Yes, sprinkling baking soda on carpets and upholstery, letting it sit for a few hours, and then vacuuming it up can help absorb and neutralize weed odor.

stay informed!

Never miss an article again! We'll send you a notification whenever a new article is published.

Our Latest articles