Bought bag on EBay, stinks of smoke. How do I get rid of it?

ordinary_girl

Bought a satchel on Ebay, and it's been barely used and is in great condition, except for the fact that it absolutely reeks of cigarette smoke. I've tried using a damp cloth to wash it, I've tried using a little bit of washing up liquid and water to freshen it up and but none of it works. It's really pungent, but I really really like the bag otherwise, so would like to actually be able to use it! Does anyone have any tips for fixing this? Thanks.

2rkehij30qtza5

ordinary_girl wrote: »

Bought a satchel on Ebay, and it's been barely used and is in great condition, except for the fact that it absolutely reeks of cigarette smoke. I've tried using a damp cloth to wash it, I've tried using a little bit of washing up liquid and water to freshen it up and but none of it works. It's really pungent, but I really really like the bag otherwise, so would like to actually be able to use it! Does anyone have any tips for fixing this? Thanks.

What fabric is it made of?

ordinary_girl

Says 100% polyurethane on the label.

2rkehij30qtza5

ordinary_girl wrote: »

Says 100% polyurethane on the label.

Ok so that's plastic. You could run it on a cold wool wash in the washing machine. Put some scented fabric conditioner in it and then air dry it on the clothes line! Put it into a pillow slip to keep it safe in the machine.

ordinary_girl

There is a little metal chain that attaches the shoulder bag to the strap (it's not detachable) would that be okay in the wash? And thanks so much for your help!

RainyDay

Why not return to sender and seek a refund?

ordinary_girl

RainyDay wrote: »

Why not return to sender and seek a refund?

Because literally everything else about the bag is perfect and exactly what I want

2rkehij30qtza5

ordinary_girl wrote: »

There is a little metal chain that attaches the shoulder bag to the strap (it's not detachable) would that be okay in the wash? And thanks so much for your help!

Yep. Just be sure to put it in a pillow slip. Tie a hair bobbin at the top of the pillow slip to ensure bag doesn't fall out during the wash. Wash on a cold wool wash.

RainyDay

ordinary_girl wrote: »

Because literally everything else about the bag is perfect and exactly what I want

There is a danger that in attempted to get rid of the smell, you'll be left with an unusable bag and no way of getting a refund. It's a slightly risky approach.

2rkehij30qtza5

RainyDay wrote: »

There is a danger that in attempted to get rid of the smell, you'll be left with an unusable bag and no way of getting a refund. It's a slightly risky approach.

She won't damage it if she is very careful

ordinary_girl

Miah Noisy Temperature wrote: »

She won't damage it if she is very careful

I'll follow your instructions to the letter. Thanks for your help!

dudara

Baking soda is a great odour-absorber. Perhaps a few sachets of that in the bag, and then pop it into a pillowcase with a few more sachets.

I'd rather try that first, before going the washing machine route. I'd be very sceptical that the bag would survive a washing machine cycle.

ordinary_girl

dudara wrote: »

Baking soda is a great odour-absorber. Perhaps a few sachets of that in the bag, and then pop it into a pillowcase with a few more sachets.

How exactly does that work? Do I just pop some small bags of baking soda into the bag for a while?

dudara

Maybe make some sachets from old tights. Then put into the bag, as well as around it.

gizmo555

Spanish Eyes

Leave it out in the back garden for a while with the bread soda mix all over it and inside it.

The air will sort it out + the bread soda I think. Well that's what I would do anyway.

Under a bush or some shelter too BTW!

StripedBoxers

This happened me before. Tried the bread soda, hanging on the clothing line outside, washing machine etc. nothing worked.

Bag came out of the machine misshapen so I wouldn't be quick to recommend it, going by my own personal experience.

Personally, I would just send the bag back or ask for a refund or else say it didn't arrive and ask for a refund.

Lucky for me the seller refunded me all costs as I messaged her about the issue before doing anything with the bag. Haven't bought a bag on eBay since.

LinF

gizmo555 wrote: »

Gizmo you read my mind - this should do it.