The Best Car Smoke Odor Removal Specialists in Kansas City
Utilizing the proper methods to reduce and eliminate smoke odor
Intensive Interior Cleaning and Odor Removal Process
Smoke odor is one of the most difficult smells to remove from a vehicle interior. Nicotine and tobacco residue embed themselves deep into fabric fibers throughout the cabin, including areas you cannot see.
The level of odor removal depends on two main factors: how long the vehicle was smoked in and how heavily it was smoked in. The longer and more intense the smoking, the more time and effort it takes to reduce the odor.
In cases of long term, heavy smoking, complete odor removal is often not possible. While we can significantly reduce the smoke smell, eliminating it entirely may require replacing fabric components such as the headliner, carpeting, or floor mats.
Intensive Interior Cleaning and Smoke Odor Removal Process
Smoke odor removal is not a quick service. Unlike a standard Full Interior Cleaning, this process requires the vehicle to be dropped off at our shop location for a minimum of two days to ensure it is done correctly.
The goal is not to mask smoke odor with fragrances. Our process is designed to remove and reduce the nicotine and tobacco residue embedded throughout the interior. This is the only way to achieve long term results and prevent the odor from returning after delivery.
We have successfully handled many heavily smoked vehicles and are confident in our process. We recommend scheduling a visit to our shop so we can inspect the interior and discuss realistic expectations and available options based on your vehicle’s condition.
Simply shampooing or steaming an interior is not enough to remove smoke odor. True odor removal requires a much more involved process. If your concern is only a mild or lingering smell due to a dirty interior, our Full Interior Cleaning service may be a better fit.
Replacing the cabin air filter is mandatory. If the old filter remains, trapped smoke odor will circulate back into the vehicle as soon as the air conditioning is turned on.
While the process consists of six main steps, the total service time typically ranges from 10 to 15 hours, with much of that time dedicated to ozone treatment and proper airing out before final inspection.
The Empire Customs Smoke Odor Removal Process
All Surfaces Are Vacuumed
Every surface, like the headliner, under the seats, carpeting, floor mats, will be thoroughly vacuumed
Clean All Plastic & Leather Surfaces
Using a specific smoke odor cleaner, all the plastics, leather, and rubber surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned (even the hard to reach areas)
Extract All Fabric Surfaces
Using our hot water extractor and a tobacco specific cleaner, the seats, carpet, floor mats, seat belts, and if possible, headliner will be shampooed
Clean All Windows & Mirrors
Every interior window and mirror will be cleaned to remove smoke residue and leave a streak-free appearance
Completely Dry Interior
Before we can continue, the interior must be 100% dry. We'll place 3 to 6 air movers across the interior to speed up the drying. Based on the condition, this varies greatly in time.
Begin Ozone Treatment
With our commercial grade Ozone machine, we'll run the treatment for 2 to 5 hours depending on the condition and repeat as needed
It is absolutely necessary that you replace your cabin air filter with a new one. If you keep the old one in, even after we do the entire odor removal process, once you turn on your AC, all the trapped smoke odor in the filter will circulate right back into the interior.
Top Rated Detail Shop in Kansas City
While the process consists of six main steps, completing the service typically takes 10 to 15 hours. Much of this time is dedicated to ozone treatment and proper airing out so we can perform a final inspection.
Because of the nature of this service, the vehicle must be dropped off at our shop for a minimum of one and a half days.
Our detailing shop is located behind Bellicose Church in Kansas City.
Smoke Odor Removal Pricing
$500 - $700+
Price will vary based on size, condition, and severity of the smoke odor.
✅Full interior cleaning
✅Replace cabin air filter
✅Multiple ozone treatments
✅Smoke odor removed
Smoke Odor Removal FAQs
Do you remove the seats and carpeting?
Seat removal is done only when the condition of the interior requires it. In many smoke odor removal cases, removing the seats is not necessary. We use specialized tools, machines, and brushes that allow us to clean tight and hard to reach areas thoroughly.
Can you guarantee the odor will be removed?
Results depend on the severity of the smoke odor and the condition of the interior. Our goal is always to remove as much odor as possible and eliminate it when we can. If we complete the full smoke odor removal process and the odor returns days or weeks later, we will perform an additional ozone treatment at no extra charge.
Can this be done at my home or office?
No. All smoke odor removal services are performed at our detail shop. Due to the extensive nature of the process and the time involved, this service cannot be done properly outdoors. Weather conditions, humidity, and airborne debris make mobile service ineffective for this type of work.
Most smoke odor removals take 10 or more hours and require the vehicle to be dropped off at our shop for at least two days. This requirement also applies to services like paint correction, paint protection film, and ceramic coatings.
What products do you use?
We use specialized products and professional grade equipment designed specifically for odor neutralization and removal. This is not a basic cleaning process. Every step is intentional and performed to fully address nicotine and smoke residue rather than mask it.
Will I smell chemicals after the service?
No. Allowing the vehicle to properly air out is a critical part of the process. We use multiple air movers to speed up ventilation so the interior is clean and free of chemical odors when you pick it up.
Can you remove every stain?
Stain removal depends on the type of stain, the material affected, and how long it has been present. While we have the experience, tools, and products to remove or greatly reduce most stains, some may be permanent if they have set in over time.
Full Suite of Services
At Empire Customs Car Detailing, we offer a complete range of services to care for and protect your vehicle. Our focus is on delivering high quality workmanship and exceptional results. Some of our most popular services include:

