# Bought a car that was smoked in? Ozone generators can get rid of the odor Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYKpKMFIdGQ Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/RYKpKMFIdGQ Generated: 2025-10-11T15:39:39.081+00:00 --- ## 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. ![Screenshot at 00:04: The digital dashboard of the Chevy Volt displays 0 MPH, indicating the vehicle is stationary, while the battery shows a charge level and range estimates, setting the scene for the odor remediation test.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-00-04.png) **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. ### Odor Problem & Solution - Purchased smoked-in Chevy Volt for a discount - Borrowed a small 600 mg/h ozone generator - Ran two overnight treatments using a 1/3 duty cycle (20 min on, 40 min off) ### Ozone Generator Effectiveness - Complete elimination of cigarette smell from car cabin materials after two treatments - Small unit was effective despite lower output compared to commercial options - Strong warning issued against ozone exposure due to health risks (asthma) ### Product Details & Context - The specific unit used was rated for 600 mg/h output, which is much lower than industrial units (like the 90,000 mg/h unit shown in an Amazon screenshot) - The narrator borrowed the unit from Robert of Aging Wheels - The narrator mentions the unit's operation cycle (20 min on, 40 min off) and its failure to degrade plastics/adhesives like some stronger units might ![Screenshot at 00:04: The digital dashboard of the Chevy Volt displays 0 MPH, indicating the vehicle is stationary, while the battery shows a charge level and range estimates, setting the scene for the odor remediation test.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-00-04.png) ![Screenshot at 00:19: Close-up of the black Chevy Volt's side profile, highlighting its clean exterior parked on a shaded, tree-lined road.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-00-19.png) ![Screenshot at 00:57: The host retrieves a white, rectangular ozone generator from a storage area, preparing to demonstrate its use.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-00-57.png) ![Screenshot at 01:31: A screenshot of the "Good+Store" website advertising the 'Technology Connections - 6 Month Sock Subscription' featuring colorful, tech-themed socks.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-01-31.png) ![Screenshot at 04:36: The host gestures emphatically while explaining that the hotel charged a fee because the previous guest had smoked in the room.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-04-36.png) ![Screenshot at 06:36: An Amazon product page displays a large, black PowerScale Ozone Generator rated at 90,000mg/h, contrasting with the smaller unit the host discusses.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-06-36.png) ![Screenshot at 08:13: The host points out that he never mentioned the odor issue to the previous owner's contact, Robert, when borrowing the ozone generator.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-08-13.png) ![Screenshot at 10:05: The host holds up the small white ozone generator, displaying the unit's design and controls to the camera.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-10-05.png) ![Screenshot at 12:21: The host inspects the bottom of the small ozone generator, pointing out the specification label showing the 600 mg/h output rating.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/RYKpKMFIdGQ/00-12-21.png)