Getting rid of lingering damp/smoke smell

[Coupie94]

Wanted some advice from a wider audience in case I've missed any products. I bought a mk3 Ford Focus for dad duties a couple of months ago. On the test drive I noticed a bit of a damp like smell but assumed it because it had been stood for a while. After i bought it I realised it had the well-known 'leaky rear bumper seals' issue where water gets in behind the bumper and floods the spaces where the soundproofing material is. I've managed to fix this myself, but im still having trouble eradicating a lingering damp-like smell. Its possible the car was also smoked in, and based on the smell I'd be inclined to say cigars over cigarettes as its a bit more pungent. I've tried baking soda all over the upholstery, the same with zoflora, upholstery cleaner and extensive vacuuming and also an odour bomb but every time I get out of the car I can still catch a whiff on my clothes. Apart from this the car is great but its driving me to the point of wanting to get rid - can anyone recommend any cleaning/ detailing products that might be of use?

[Chimune]

Empty and spread whole jar of instant coffee onto tray. Put on seat, close windows and leave for as long as possible. Discard coffee. Enjoy smell free car.

[Darkslider]

Took several odour bombs over the course of 6-8 weeks to get the smell of smoke out of the last car I bought, ultimately I think it needs time more than anything, opening the windows at every opportunity on warm days helped get rid of it in the end.

[nsa]

Ozone is suggested to remove smells. No idea who offers the service or where you can buy/rent a machine:

https://www.google.com/search?q=ozone+to+get+rid+o...

[Coupie94]

Not heard the coffee tip before- will give that a go. Ive had the windows open a fair amount over summer so if it stays dry will carry on doing that and maybe another odour bomb. Will also take a look at ozone options too- thanks for the replies all!

[Demelitia]

I know from experience with vw interior water leaks, once water has had a chance to get in it can hang around for a long time if it’s got in to the sound deadening under the carpets.
Putting an electric dehumidifier in there will probably give you an idea of how much water is hanging about the place.
I usually send an extension lead in through a cracked open window, shove a towel in the gap next to the lead and make sure all the aircon vents are shut.
Once that’s done I use a vax rapide ultra ii wet vac with an upholstery attachment on it.
No matter how clean you think the seats and carpet are to begin with, the colour of the water in the tank usually convinces you you were wrong.
If you can, get the seats out and do every bit of fabric you can see.
Screwfix no nonsense carpet cleaner fluid is cheap and effective.
Once that’s done, the above options will be a good shout.

I’ve found that trying half measure usually just means you spend more time on the problem in the long run

[anonymous-user]

A tray of charcoal is worth a try too