Bought a car that was smoked in? Ozone generators can get rid of the odor

Quick Overview

The narrator successfully used a small, 600 mg/h ozone generator to completely eliminate the severe cigarette odor from a used 2013/2015 Chevy Volt after two overnight treatments, proving that smaller, consumer-grade ozone generators can be highly effective for severe odor remediation in vehicles, despite the risks associated with ozone exposure.

Key Points: The narrator purchased a used 2013/2015 Chevy Volt that had been heavily smoked in, acquiring it for $2,000–$3,000 less than comparable models in the area. The narrator borrowed a small, 600 mg/h ozone generator that plugs into the car's accessory power to treat the odor. The ozone generator was run for 20 minutes every hour on a 1/3 duty cycle overnight for two consecutive nights. After two overnight treatments, the severe cigarette smell was completely neutralized, including odors embedded in the curtains, carpet, and fabric. The narrator notes that the small ozone generator produces significantly less ozone (200 mg/h) than commercial units (like the 90,000 mg/h unit shown in an Amazon screenshot) and is safer for personal use. The narrator strongly cautions users to follow safety warnings and evacuate the space while the ozone generator is running, as ozone is harmful to health. The narrator expresses gratitude to Robert of Aging Wheels for arranging access to the generator used for the successful test.

Context: The video documents the narrator's experience attempting to remove a severe, years-old cigarette odor from a recently purchased used Chevrolet Volt, a task often requiring professional or industrial-grade equipment. The narrator secured access to a smaller, portable ozone generator, similar to consumer models found online, to test its efficacy against deeply embedded smoke residue in the vehicle's interior materials.

Detailed Analysis

The narrator recounts buying a used 2013 or 2015 Chevy Volt at a significant discount because it had been heavily smoked in. To address the persistent odor, which had permeated the cabin materials, the narrator borrowed a small, 600 mg/h ozone generator, noting that this output is significantly lower than the large commercial units sometimes used. The narrator set up the device in the car, running it overnight for two consecutive nights on a timed cycle (20 minutes on, 40 minutes off, or 1/3 duty cycle). This process successfully eliminated the heavy smoke smell entirely. The narrator emphasizes the danger of ozone, strongly advising anyone using such a device to vacate the area and leave the car while it runs, as ozone is harmful to human health, especially for those with asthma. The narrator also mentions that the small unit appears to be less potent than some commercial models but proved effective enough for the task, and thanks a contact named Robert for facilitating the loan of the device.