Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

[Granny Judy]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Definitely needs a good cleaning first. talk to your service/repair person and get their advice to get rid of the smell. Hope the machine sews like a dream for you... just has to be a little stinker, tho. Hugs.. Granny

[Alpha O]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Have you had the machine serviced? I've seen machines that had whole spools of thread wound around shafts - usually the flywheel.
Smell shouldn't stick to metal or the hard plastic of machine. If there is fabric, thread caught on the inside, wiping machine will not get rid of smell. Thread keeps some odors forever.

[Amarillo19]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

What about setting it out in the sun for a day or so after having it thoroughly serviced. I agree with Alpha O about thread stuck in the inside of the machine.

[Leah53]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Start smoking and you won't notice the smell.

[jsmetcalf]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

If all the above ideas don't work, you might try seeking out the services of a Servpro or other fire and water damage companies in your area. I owned a franchise many years ago, so I am familiar with smoke odors. When we had items that were heavily smoke damaged, hand cleaning did well to clean off soot, but only did so much for odor so we placed them into an ozone room at our facility. I don't know that I ever did a sewing machine, but I did do other types of appliances. I'm guessing that they would not charge much to do it especially if you drop it off and pick it up. Not every location has it available, but it is worth checking with them if you are unsuccessful with other types of attempts.

[Mchelem]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Coffee beans..... Place it in a tote or bag, as someone else suggested and put a cup or bowl of coffee beans or coffee grounds in there, close it up a few days and then throw the coffee out.

We did this when we had an employee smoking in the company truck (even though he wasn't supposed to be) and we let him go. I out 2 large bowls of coffee grounds in the truck, one in the front seat and one in the back, locked the doors, closed them and let it sit for 2-3 days. No more cigarette smell.

I also agree with wiping it down, inside and out, every nook and cranny.... The tar/nicotine is stuck to everything and it won't go away,

My grandma has been passed for 5 years and her things still smell like smoke. (And I can't bring myself to go through them yet)

[GuitarGramma]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Thank you all for your great suggestions. Especially Leah. And the bar girl comment.

OK, no perfume. I did try the Febreeze and I thought that had done the trick. I stood above the machine and the odor was GONE. I was so happy. Then I sat down to sew. Once I had my nearsighted eyes -- and therefore my nose -- next to the machine, there was that lingering odor of cigarettes.

The machine, though used, was cleaned by the dealer from whom I bought it, so I don't think there'd be thread caught up inside. The machine sews like a kitten purring, so I am sure the dealer did a good job servicing the machine.

I think my next steps will be coffee bean and/or baking soda. I used coffee beans with great success on a rolling tote in which I'd left a damp cloth. The mildew smell is 95% gone. If that doesn't work, I will give ServePro a call. You all came up with a lot of great ideas. I'm very grateful.

Thanks, everyone. I'll let you know what I try and what works.

[HandsomeRyan]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Have you considered taking up smoking? Most of the smokers I know can't smell their own cigarette stink.

/just kidding.

[BobW]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I managed one of the first 100% non-smoking hotels in the state of Missouri. It was built as a non-smoking property and we made callers aware of that when they called for reservations. We made sure the rooms were described as non-smoking. From time to time we would have quest who would smoke even though it was non-smoking. We had printed on the registration card that there would be a $150 charge applied to the CC used to pay/reserve the room if it was smoked in. We shampooed the carpet, scrubbed the walls and ceiling, cleaned the furniture. We also shampooed the upholstered furniture and stripped the drapes, bed skirt and all linens to have them washed/cleaned. We also pulled the AC/heater and had to hose it out and clean it.

That said, it is difficult to get the smell of smoke out. I would guess the smoke has accumulated inside the machine. If you opened the machine and took a white damp cloth you would probably find yellow nicotine on the inside components. So to eliminate the smell, you probably will have to take the machine apart and clean all interior surfaces.

I also would consider trying the ozone room through a service like Servpro. You also might check with the manager on a local hotel and ask if they have an ozone generator (portable) that they would (for a charge) put in one of their rooms and let you put your machine in there to see if that helps. I don't understand how the ozone generators work, but they do. I know most Hilton properties will have one as it is a corporate required piece of equipment.

Just my two cents worth. Good luck.

[IBake]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Plain ground coffee works also. When hubby was on active duty AF, we moved 8 times the first 15 years. We found that tying dry coffee in muslin or cheesecloth and leaving it will help keep odors at bay. Works for freezers or fridges. Don't see why it won't work for this. I have put soda and coffee to keep the smell out of things. Heloise swears by vinegar and soda. Newspaper is suppose to pull odors out.

I would think that you will need to try a variety of things over time. Wipe with vinegar, then put in bag with dry soda or coffee, seal shut and let sit. Then redo with a different mix. Put the bag in the sun to sit-if we ever get warm sun. It may take you the better part of the summer.....and you might try the flavor free febreeze. I have found that that takes the smell out very well with no after odors.

Good luck....and you can always get a gas mask.

[Leah53]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I buy a lot of fabric at the auction and have no idea where it comes from, would any of these suggestions, except for the vinegar wipe, help with fabric that smells like smoke?

[auntiemern]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I would use vinegar in the wash, and even a small amount of ammonia. Maybe use Arm and Hammer baking soda detergent. Air dry if possible.

I buy a lot of fabric at the auction and have no idea where it comes from, would any of these suggestions, except for the vinegar wipe, help with fabric that smells like smoke?

[Lisapc]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

I used to smoke and even then I never smoked in the house and the thought of smoking in my sewing room horrifies me. All the fabric that would be ruined. My neighbors smoke and occasionally my hubby fixes their computer and he keeps it in the basement with a fan blowing the stink away from him and out a window to keep from gagging. I had no idea the smell could permeate appliances.

I hope you are able to get the smell out!

[kaydee]

Re: Used Sewing Machine Smells Like Cigarettes

Leah,
Our church group receives a lot of donated fabric, much of it with various smells. To date I have always had luck soaking the fabric in ammonia water, then putting it through a wash cycle. Typically, when I have a lot of fabric, I actually soak the fabric in tubs (storage bins, or whatever I can find) over night, then transfer the fabric to my washer, then wash. The trick is to let it soak for a long time. Hope that works for you!