Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

[GuitarGramma]

A couple of months ago I bought a used Janome MC 11000. I think its previous owner must have been a smoker; I was immediately struck by the faint smell of cigarettes on both the machine and the User Manual. I figured it would go away within a few weeks.

Well, it hasn't. It's not a strong smell, but neither is it pleasant. I'm considering wiping it down with Febreez or spraying it with perfume.

Anyone have suggestions?

[auntiemern]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Maybe you could put it in a plastic tote or something with a box or 2 of baking soda, and see if that helps. Or even try wiping it down with vinegar. I think if the smell is inside though that wouldn't do much good. I would try the baking soda in a sealed tote.

[WVGranny]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

wipe it down with some vinegar water , the vinegar smell will go away I use it to clean with all the time . The lqs told me to wipe my machines down with windex sprayed on a cloth.

[RiverMomm]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Wipe it with baking soda-and then wipe it off. Then put some baking soda in a dish and place it under the throat. Cover the sewing machine and manual. Leave if for week or longer.

[Vonnie]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

If you spray with perfume you will probably make the smell worse.

Try the suggestions above.

[bubba]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I'd put some newspapers inside every nook and cranny you can. It will suck the stink out.

[Simply Quilting]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Agreeing with the vinegar wiping down and then storing in a sealed area with baking soda.

[K. McEuen]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I was thinking crumpled newspapers and stinky machine sealed up in a garbage bag. Change papers out every couple days. Activated charcoal is good too ( think aquarium charcoal)

[bubba]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I was going to suggest charcoal too....forgot about the aquarium stuff. I'd put the machine in a box w/a lid that has open containers of the charcoal, surrounded by newpapers and tape it all shut and let it sit for a week or so. I think that will do the trick.

[bhaggerty]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I would do all of that except the perfume !!

[dwil23]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Don't even get me started on cigarette smoke!!!!

Vinegar and baking soda will help. There is a product I bought at Home Depot or Lowes that is supposed to absorb the smell. It is made from volcanic rock and is in a mesh bag. Maybe putting inside a plastic tote as someone suggested with all these things might help.

Good Luck.

[rebeccas-sewing]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I agree that perfume isn't a good choice. Wiping it down with windex or diluted vinegar would be the way to start. Cigarettes are so disgusting. I still wonder what on earth I was thinking when I smoked back in my twenties. Obviously my brain was working very well back then.

[Annie Pearl]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Coming from an ex-smoker that smell is going to hard to get out. Febreze has a new odor eliminator out you might have some luck there. Also one of the other things might work. I just wouldn't use the perfume..........you might end up smelling like a bar lady (not to offend). Good luck!

[fliggie]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

There is an odor neutralizer used when a pet has an accident, it is in a red spray bottle--I'm sorry, I can't think of the name of it--but I would try gently wiping down with this rather than vinegar. Vinegar can be quite caustic and the outside of the machine is plastic. Always try on a small area first.

[Annav]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

If it smells like cigarettes though, there is probably a film of that nasty nicotine, tar, or whatever you call it, in the machine as well. My husband said he used to work with a heavy smoker and when she retired, they had to throw out her computer because even the inside had a film of that stuff -- unless you get all that off, it will likely continue to smell. You might need to take it to a repair person who can take the machine apart and clean it really well from the inside. Sealing the manual up with baking soda though may be your only option there. I would definitely not try to spray it with anything though.