A tonneau cover is a protective cover that goes over the truck bed, helping to shield your cargo from the weather. It can be made from vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass, or canvas. Unfortunately, these covers can easily absorb foul odors from things like cigar smoke. So you may be wondering, how do I get cigar smoke smells out of my tonneau cover?
There are several methods you can try to remove stubborn cigar smells from your truck bed cover. The key is using odor removal techniques that don’t damage the tonneau cover material.
How Does Cigar Smoke Smell Get Into My Tonneau Cover?
Cigar smoke contains many chemicals that produce a strong, lingering odor. Nicotine and tar particles in the smoke get released into the air and can stick to surfaces like the fabric or vinyl of a tonneau cover. Additionally, smoke particles can seep into porous materials over time.
With regular exposure to cigar smoke, the unpleasant smells can become deeply embedded in the tonneau cover. So you need to use the right cleaning solutions to break down the odor-causing compounds.
Can I Prevent Cigar Smoke Smells in My Tonneau Cover?
It’s ideal to avoid exposing your tonneau cover to cigar smoke in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Smoke outside of the truck bed area. The further away, the less chance for odors to cling to the cover.
- Roll up vinyl covers or remove fiberglass covers when smoking cigars near the truck. Don’t trap the smoke inside.
- Air out the truck bed interior thoroughly after smoking. Let fresh air circulate for at least a few hours.
- Use car air fresheners inside the truck cab and bed area.
- Clean the tonneau cover regularly with mild soap and water to prevent odor build-up.
But even with precautions, smoke smells can still make their way into the tonneau cover over time. So here are your best options for removing cigar odors from the cover once they set in.
How Do I Get Cigar Smoke Smell Out of My Vinyl Tonneau Cover?
Vinyl covers are prone to absorbing odors. Here are some DIY cleaning solutions that can help eliminate smokey smells from vinyl truck bed covers:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is excellent for absorbing odors rather than just masking them. Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda across your vinyl tonneau cover. Let it sit for several hours, or even overnight if the smell is very stubborn. The baking soda will work to pull out the stench from the vinyl material. After letting it soak in, use a soft brush to sweep off the baking soda.
Vinegar
The acids in vinegar help to neutralize odor molecules. Make a cleaning solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. Use a sponge or soft cloth dampened with the vinegar solution to wipe down the entire vinyl cover. The vinegar smell may be strong at first, but it will fade after the tonneau cover fully dries.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal has pores that trap odor molecules. Place bowls filled with activated charcoal near the tonneau cover when it’s rolled up or removed. Let the charcoal sit near the cover for 1-2 days to fully absorb tobacco smells. You can find activated charcoal at pet supply stores.
Sunlight
The UV rays and heat from the sun have natural deodorizing abilities. Remove the vinyl tonneau and let it sit in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours. Flip it over halfway through. Just be cautious of sun exposure if the vinyl is prone to fading.
Automotive Odor Spray
Look for odor removal sprays made specifically for cars and trucks. These can contain powerful enzymes that help eliminate stubborn tobacco smells from vehicle interiors. Carefully apply the odor spray onto the vinyl cover according to the product instructions.
How Can I Remove Cigar Smell From a Fabric Tonneau Cover?
Fabric covers like canvas absorb odors readily. Here are some tips for removing smoke smells from cloth truck bed covers:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix a paste of baking soda and vinegar and apply it to the affected areas of your fabric cover. The chemical reaction of the ingredients helps remove stubborn odors. Let it bubble for 5-10 minutes and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Oxygen Bleach
Make a cleaning solution of oxygen bleach (like Oxiclean) and warm water. Use a sponge to scrub the fabric with the solution. Oxygen bleach helps remove odors and whitens the material without harsh chemicals. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Laundry Detergent
For removable fabric covers, try washing them in your laundry machine. Use an odor-fighting detergent and the largest load size. Air dry the cover to prevent shrinking. Washing can help eliminate odors trapped deep in the fabric fibers.
Lemon Juice
The fresh citrus smell of lemons can help mask smokey odors. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the fabric cover and let dry completely in the sun. The acidity of the lemon juice also helps remove odors.
Enzyme Cleaner
Look for enzyme-based cleaners that specialize in removing organic matter like smoke residue. Follow the product instructions to pre-treat and clean your fabric tonneau cover. Enzymes break down odor molecules for effective smell removal.
How Do I Eliminate Cigar Smell from My Aluminum Tonneau Cover?
The slick metal surface of aluminum covers makes them easy to wash. Here are some odor-busting methods:
Baking Soda Scrub
Make a paste of baking soda and water and use it to scrub down the aluminum cover. Baking soda will absorbs odors without scratching the finish. Rinse clean afterwards.
Salt and Vinegar
Mix vinegar and salt to create an effective aluminum surface cleaner. The vinegar cuts through grease while the salt acts as a gentle abrasive. Rinse thoroughly when finished scrubbing.
Disinfectant Wipes
Alcohol-based disinfectant wipes contain powerful antibacterial properties that also eliminate odors. Carefully wipe down the entire aluminum cover. Dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Automotive Shampoo
Gently wash the aluminum cover with car wash soap and water. Use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the finish. Let the cover fully dry before replacing.
How Can I Deodorize a Fiberglass Tonneau Cover?
Fiberglass covers are rigid and may need extra cleaning care. Here are some tips for removing smoke odors:
Vinegar Wipes
Dilute vinegar with water in a 4:1 ratio in a spray bottle. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution. Gently wipe down the fiberglass cover, avoiding bare metal parts. Vinegar removes odors without harming the glossy finish.
Baking Soda Paste
Mix baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Apply the paste onto difficult areas of the fiberglass cover with lingering odors. Let sit for 1-2 hours before rinsing clean.
UV Treatment
Park your truck in the hot sun and remove the fiberglass cover. The UV exposure for several hours can help eliminate unpleasant smokey smells. Just be sure to rotate it to prevent uneven sun fading.
Compressed Air
Use short bursts of compressed air to force out grime and debris where odors can collect. Pay close attention to hinges, joints, and crevices. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fiberglass.
When Should I Consider Replacing My Tonneau Cover?
With the right cleaning methods, you can often revive a smelly tonneau cover. But if you’ve tried every solution with no success, it may be time for a replacement cover. Consider replacing your old cover if:
- The material is stained, worn or damaged despite cleaning attempts.
- Seams are coming apart and difficult to repair.
- Odors are too heavily saturated and impossible to eliminate.
- The cover has reached the end of its optimal lifespan.
Purchasing a new cover is worthwhile if the current one is too far gone. Just be sure to take preventative steps to protect the new cover from cigar smoke exposure. With some work, you can keep your truck bed cover smelling fresh.
Conclusion
Stubborn odors like cigar smoke can make their way into any tonneau cover material over time. To remove smokey smells from your cover, leverage odor-fighting solutions like vinegar, baking soda, sunlight, oxygen bleach, and enzyme cleaners.
Targeted cleaning methods can eliminate stuck-on cigar stench without damaging the vinyl, fabric, aluminum, or fiberglass tonneau cover. Act quickly when you notice unpleasant odors and clean regularly to prevent permanent saturation. With the right mix of techniques, you can have your tonneau cover back to neutral in no time.
