How To Clean Headliner In Car Smoke

How To Clean Headliner In Car Smoke

Cleaning a car headliner can be a daunting task, especially if it has been exposed to the cigarettes smoke smell. Smoke not only leaves a lingering smoke smell, but it can also discolor and stain the headliner, making it difficult to clean.

Image by Michael Kauer from Pixabay

However, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily restore your headliner to its original condition. This deep clean of the headliner thoroughly may take an hour or two.

Step One- Remove Loose Debris or Dirt

The first step in cleaning a cigarette smoke damaged headliner is to remove any loose debris or dirt. You can do this by gently brushing the headliner with a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can damage the headliner.

Once the headliner is free of loose debris, it’s time to tackle the smoke stains. To do this, you will need a mild cleaner and a soft cloth.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the headliner. Instead, opt for a gentle, non-toxic cleaner such as vinegar or a specialized upholstery cleaner.

Step Two- Blot The Stained Areas Of The Headliner

Dampen a soft cloth with your chosen cleaner spray or a steamer if you want to steam clean , and gently blot the stained areas of the headliner.

Be sure to use a gentle, circular motion and avoid scrubbing or rubbing the headliner too harshly.

You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all of the smoke stains. You may need to let it air dry or you can use a couple of fans to blow dry it out.

Step Three- Apply Protectant Sealant

Once the headliner is free of smoke stains, it’s important to protect it from future damage. To do this, you can apply a protectant specifically designed for car upholstery.

These protectants help to repel stains and prevent discoloration, keeping your headliner looking clean and fresh for longer.

Why Cigarette Smoke Odor Is Bad For You?

Cigarette smoke has a distinct odor, but the potential harm it can cause to your health is much greater than simply an unpleasant smell.

Cigarette smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals and particles that can lead to numerous health issues for both smokers and non-smokers alike.

The dangers of cigarette smoke are not limited to just physical ailments; its powerful odor can also have negative psychological effects on people exposed to it. 

The effects of secondhand cigarette smoke are well documented, with research demonstrating that non-smokers exposed to the odors of cigarettes have higher levels of stress hormones in their bodies.

Additionally, studies suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke may even increase the risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Even if you do not actively seek out cigarette smoke, being around people who do can still put you at risk for some of these adverse psychological impacts.

Resale Value Of Used Car That Was Smoked In

When it comes to the resale value of a used car that has been smoked in, there’s no easy answer.

The amount of damage done by smoking can vary greatly from one vehicle to the next, depending on how much and for how long the car was smoked in.

Even if you are able to remove all traces of smoke smell and discoloration, potential buyers may be skeptical of buying a car that has been exposed to cigarette smoke.

The best thing you can do when trying to resell a vehicle that has been smoked in is to be upfront with potential buyers about its history.

Provide as much information as possible about any cleaning or repairs you’ve had done, and make sure the vehicle looks its best inside and out before you put it up for sale.

Conclusion- Recap Of the Cleaning Steps

In summary, cleaning a smoke-damaged headliner doesn’t have to be difficult.

By using the right tools and techniques, you can easily remove smoke stains and get rid of the cigarette smoke odor once and for all!

Here is a quick recap of the cleaning process to restore your headliner to its original condition.

Start by removing any loose debris, then use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to tackle the smoke stains.

Finally, apply a protectant to keep your headliner looking clean and fresh.

With a little effort and the right approach, you can easily clean your car’s headliner and keep it looking like new. Enjoy your clean headliner! 

Edward Cole
Edward Cole

Hi, my name is Edward Cole and I have been in the car customization industry for a decade now. I also specialize in repairs, so I have plenty of experience with looking after my vehicle and showing it off.

When your car is in pristine condition, with a fresh wrap around it, people notice. I cannot tell you how many compliments I have received through my car and its condition. People appreciate a customized car and it will give you a great deal of satisfaction to be driving the most envied vehicle on the road.

One thing that I have found to be incredibly popular in the car customizing industry - by both owner and admirer - is color seatbelt customization. Having anything other than the plain black seat belts like every other car will get you being the talk of the town in no time.

I have created my website in the hopes of inspiring some of you to customize your own vehicle and improve your self esteem. Taking care of your car is an extension of taking care of yourself. So, take a look around and see if you find anything you fancy - you could be steps away from a fresh new look.

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