Getting smoke smell out of non washable item?

Primrose

I think even hanging outside in the fresh air for several days would not necessarily completely get rid of the cigarette smell. It's almost impossible to remove. We have some old papers of my late M-I-L in a filing cabinet. She was a chain smoker who died nearly 15 years ago even now they still stink of tobacco. For the amount of money you have paid I would be returning the back and asking for a refund, and also suggesting that the buyer didn't try to sell any more of her stuff while it is so badly tainted.. The problem is that smokers completely lose their sense of smell so she probably had no idea that it stank so badly.

vintage_beanpole

Thanks Primrose. I can believe it. I used to smoke a little, but never inside. I can't believe how someone could live in a house where it smelt like this bag! The moment I opened the bag I thought "Ooh, it smells like Rita!". Then I figured out why. Rita was an 70 year old, chain-smoking woman who lived next door to me when I was growing up. Her walls and teeth were yellow. It was quite something.

I am a bit annoyed with the seller though - because she ought to have known that her things would smell, or at least she ought to have said that it came from a smoker's house. I didn't think to ask.

Also, there's a couple of tiny tears in the leather which she didn't mention. Although they don't bother me that much, she really should have done. Not least because she listed the condition as 'excellent'...Grrrr:mad:

floss2

I think you have come to the answer you were seeking.....personally I would send it back, especially if it was not noted that there were tears, £100 is a fair chunk of anyone's money for a bag that isn't what you had expected.

charlies-aunt

How disappointing to get a bargain that isn't a bargain :mad: I have had a few items of clothing from ebay but have been lucky so far - a ex and now non-smoker I can detect the faintest whiff!

Might be worth packing it the inside with newspaper and then wrapping the whole bag in several sheets of newspaper and then sealing it in a plastic bag for a few days. Newspaper is brilliant at removing persistent strong smells like animal pee & poo so fingers crossed it might just work.

esmf73

Hope you've contacted the seller and outlined all your attempts and the marks on the leather that you've found. If you really like the bag at least they should refund you half of the money, if not more!

Leave feedback and report the seller maybe.

Fire_Fox

Dry cleaners? To be honest I'd air it for a good few days, my hall carpet smelled of fags when I moved in and that took a while to go, as did the ex-Mr. Fire Fox's belongings when he moved in.

vintage_beanpole

Hey,

Thank you to everyone for your help. I tried dry cleaners, but the ones that did bags wanted at least £45 which is just silly.
I spoke to the seller, and she says that she's partially sighted etc etc. Anyhow, she offered me £10 back, and I've asked for £20, which I think is more than fair given the time I'm investing. Do people think that's fair?

I left the bag with newspaper in it all last night and it's definitely better. Will keep going with that suggestion and if I find some essential oil that will be my next step. And then a good leather condition I think. Even if it doesn't go completely, hopefully it will eventually fade with use!

Em
x

imho

vintage_beanpole I think £20 is a fair price to have refunded.
Good luck with the newspaper

Reverbe

Sorry vintage but her being partially sighted is not really an excuse for not being totally honest about the tears or the smell..I would deffo leave her bad feedback and as the bag is no use to you reeking so revoltingly.. I think youare well in order to ask for a full refund and then return.

Good luck x

charlies-aunt

vintage_beanpole wrote: »

Hey,
I left the bag with newspaper in it all last night and it's definitely better. Will keep going with that suggestion and if I find some essential oil that will be my next step. And then a good leather condition I think. Even if it doesn't go completely, hopefully it will eventually fade with use!
Em x

Pleased my suggestion has been useful ! I never fail to be suprised how well newspaper works on nasty niffs - and so cheaply too!