Mercedes-Benz C-Class: How to Remove Smoke Smell From Interior
Don't let a bothersome smoke smell ruin your morning commute. Have your Mercedes-Benz C-Class smelling like new with the steps below.
This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007-2014).
For the sake of your Mercedes-Benz, the best thing to avoid is smoking inside of it. The strong odor from the smoke can get trapped in the seat upholstery, carpets, and other interior components made of fabric. However, if you've done so already and that smell has been lingering for quite some time, this article outlines an excellent method of restoring your car's interior to a more neutralized smell. Follow these instructions to properly clear the air in your C-Class.
Materials Needed
- Car detailing kit
- Vacuum
- Carpet and upholstery cleaner
- Water and soap
- Spray bottle
- Leather cleaner and conditioner
- Microfiber cloths
- Odor Bomb by Dakota, or scented air freshener spray
Step 1 – Air out the vehicle
Lower your windows and open the sunroof to allow air to circulate throughout the cabin. Take a drive for at least 30 minutes (preferably on the freeway or highway) and turn the fans on. The smell may not completely go away but this will allow the interior to be well-ventilated.
Pro Tip
Never run the A/C when you or someone else is smoking inside of your vehicle as this could trap the odor in the upholstery.
Step 2 – Tackle the carpeting
Park your car in a shaded area with the doors, sunroof, and windows open. Make sure to remove all trash from inside of your vehicle as well as all the removable carpeting. Vacuum all carpeted areas of the vehicle's interior as well as the ones you have removed. Then, spray all of these carpeted areas with a high-quality carpet and upholstery cleaner of your choice. Wait for about 10 minutes before wiping the cleaner with a microfiber cloth. Before moving on to the next step, allow the interior to dry for at least 15 minutes.
Pro Tip
It's recommended to use Meguiar's Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, which retails for approximately $8 to $10.
Step 3 – Clean the leather
Mix water and a small amount of soap in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the leather-covered interior surfaces and wipe them clean with a microfiber cloth. With the leather cleaner and conditioner of your choice, apply a generous amount to the leather surfaces and wipe them with a clean microfiber cloth to a shine. Make sure to clean the leather one section at a time.
Pro Tip
It's recommended to use Meguiar's G7214 Gold Class Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. If the smoke odor on the leather surfaces is strong, this product will clean and help to remove the smell without causing premature drying and fading. Expect to pay around $11 to $13 for a 0.6 ounce bottle and $40 for one gallon.
Step 4 – Spray the odor away
If the smoke smell still permeates your C-Class, then the last step is to use an odor eliminating product overnight. Close all windows and the sunroof of your vehicle. Start the car and turn on your A/C to its max setting. Also make sure that the fans are set to recirculate the cabin air. Place the Odor Bomb on the passenger side floor and push the nozzle to set it off and lock it. Get out of the car and allow the Odor Bomb to fog the interior for around two to three minutes. Do not go over three minutes as the interior of your car may smell of strong chemicals. Enter your vehicle and turn off the Odor Bomb. Let your car sit over night (with the sunroof and windows open) in a safe and well-ventilated area to air out remaining odors from the interior.
Pro Tip
Odor Bomb, manufactured by Dakota, is available online or at your local auto parts store for around $10 per can. A scented air freshener spray would also work with this technique, but Oder Bomb is stronger at eliminating car odors.
Related Discussions
- Combating Smoke in Your C-Class - MBWorld.org
- What to Do About Cigarette Smoke - MBWorld.org
