How to Get Rid of Weed Smell

The smell of cannabis is strong, persistent, and easily recognisable. Whether you’re trying to stay discreet, remove lingering odours, or clean up after a session, the key is knowing how to deal with weed smell effectively—not just cover it up.

This guide outlines practical, proven methods to get rid of weed smell from clothes, rooms, furniture, and cars.

Why Weed Smell Lingers

Cannabis odour comes from terpenes, natural compounds in the plant that stick to fabrics, upholstery, walls, and even hair. Smoking leaves a more stubborn smell than vaping or edibles, and indoor use makes it harder to disperse.

Getting rid of the smell isn’t just about air freshener—it’s about eliminating the source.

1. Ventilate the Space

Before doing anything else, open windows and doors. Let fresh air circulate.

Use a fan to push air out the window.
Create cross-ventilation between rooms.
Leave the space open for at least 30 minutes.

Good airflow helps dilute and disperse airborne smell molecules quickly.

2. Use Odour Neutralisers (Not Just Masking Sprays)

Sprays like Febreze or Oust don’t just cover smells—they help break down odour particles.

Better options include:

Ozium spray – used in cars and hospitals to neutralise airborne smells.
Activated charcoal bags – absorb odours over time.
Baking soda – leave a bowl out or sprinkle on fabric and vacuum after 30 minutes.

Avoid heavily perfumed sprays alone—they may just mix with the weed smell and make it worse.

3. Wash Clothes and Fabrics

Weed smell clings to clothing, curtains, bedding, and upholstery.

Wash clothes in a hot cycle with a strong detergent.
For lingering odours, add white vinegar to the wash.
Vacuum soft furniture thoroughly. Use fabric spray and leave in fresh air if possible.

If it’s a coat or hoodie you wear often while smoking, wash it regularly—even if it doesn’t “seem” dirty.

4. Wipe Down Surfaces

If you smoke indoors, residue can settle on walls, ceilings, windows, and furniture.

Use a solution of warm water and vinegar or a multi-surface cleaner.
Pay attention to windowsills, desks, and high-use surfaces.
For painted walls, avoid harsh chemicals that might strip the paint.

This is especially important in smaller rooms where smell builds up quickly.

5. Deodorise Your Car

Weed smell in a car is notoriously difficult to remove, and it lingers in seat fabric, air vents, and carpets.

To clean a car:

Air it out with windows down for 30+ minutes.
Wipe down the dashboard and surfaces.
Use car upholstery cleaner on seats.
Replace or deep-clean floor mats.
Use an air-con bomb or vent freshener to flush out the system.

Activated charcoal pouches under the seats can also help long-term.

6. Prevent Future Smells

If you want to avoid dealing with lingering odour again:

Use a smoke filter or smoke buddy to trap exhaled smoke.
Vape instead of smoke—vapour leaves less odour behind.
Smoke near an open window or extract fan.
Consider switching to edibles or tinctures if discretion is important.

Final Word

Getting rid of the smell of cannabis requires more than just lighting a candle or spraying air freshener. With proper ventilation, fabric cleaning, and odour neutralisers, you can eliminate the smell from clothes, cars, and rooms effectively.

Whether you're cleaning up for guests, neighbours, or just prefer a fresh-smelling space, these methods will help clear the air.