removing smoke smells from items

[chezzy]

Hi guys

I am interested in what methods people use to remove/minimize smoke smells from items.

For me the items are books/paper or other items I have acquired that can't be washed.

Not keen to air outside for days/weeks on end. At the moment I have a few smaller items

inside sealed plastic containers with some bi carb soda (hoping it will absorb some of the

smell). Not sure how effective this will be as it has only been a day or so.

[nonny_muss]

The bicarb in sealed containers is good, should lessen the smell at least.  For larger books, place a baking rack in a box and sprinkle baking soda around it. Place the book on the baking rack so it is elevated and no baking soda is touching it. Close up the box and allow it to sit for several days. Check on it regularly and refresh the baking soda once a week until the odor is gone.

I'd also use an odour neutraliser, made from equal parts bicarb and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray away.  Given the items are paper based though you would want to do this lightly.  

Nilodor is also good (tiny bottle from the supermarket that is also pricey) but don't overdo this one, it can be pretty nauseating if you use too much!

[oldworldlady]

You can do the same sort of thing with kitty litter. (preferably new kitty litter 😄 )

[just_kits]

May I suggest going to Super cheap auto or a car retailer similar to it.

We had the same problam with our car to start with but the stuff I brought there worked so well that I used it on everything haha.

Not sure what it's called but it's designed to get rid of cig smells and it won't damage or wet your books. It's just a can that you spray everywhere... so you could even put some books into your car and do it that way also.. win-win.. nice smelling car and nice smelling books 😃

the price range goes from 10-90 dollars for this stuff.. but it works on the first go..

hope this has helped

[chezzy]

Thanks for the great ideas. I think, for now, I will continue with the bicarb soda methods as I am keen to 'remove' smells and not just cover them up with other strong smelling products if you know what I mean?

That said, I think my other half has some unused vouchers for Supercheap Auto so I might have to tag along with him 😉

[lyndal1838]

The Nilodor does not leave a strong smell if used correctly...never put it directly onto the item.

I usually put a drop or two onto a cotton ball and tape it to the lid of the container into which I put the offending item.  It does remove the smell, not just mask it.

Many years ago I was painting through the house and wanted to get rid of the smell quickly as I had a young baby.  I put a few drops of Nilodor on a cotton ball on a saucer in the middle of the room, closed the door overnight and the smell was gone in the morning.

If you do happen to get it onto an item the smell will gradually disappear but you may be left with a slightly oily looking mark.

[havishamandbaggins]

bicarb is fantastic stuff....also a lemon cut in half placed in a bowl of water .. in the room where you want to absorb odours...jilly