Remove all trash, ash, cigarette butts, and loose items
Vacuum seats, carpets, floor mats, trunk, and under seats
Clean hard surfaces with an interior cleaner or mild soap solution
Wipe down dashboard, steering wheel, doors, cup holders, and vents
Wash or replace seat covers, floor mats, and other removable fabrics
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and upholstery, let sit, then vacuum
Use activated charcoal bags in the car for odor absorption
Place odor absorbers or odor neutralizers inside the vehicle
Replace the cabin air filter
Clean the air vents and HVAC system
Run the fan with fresh air mode and windows open
Use an ozone treatment only if recommended and with proper safety precautions
Shampoo fabric seats and carpets if the smell persists
Steam clean upholstery and carpets if needed
Leave the windows open in a safe, dry place for ventilation
Avoid using air fresheners alone to mask the smell
Repeat cleaning steps until the odor is gone