How to get rid of smoke smell in a case and guitar?

DavidE · #1 10-02-2022, 05:55 PM

Recently bought a guitar and case that stink of smoke. So far Ozium is not cutting it to get rid of the smoke smell.

Suggestions?

wrench68 · #2 10-02-2022, 06:02 PM

Activated charcoal vegetable crispers. 3 or 4 in the sound hole, and 1 or 2 in the headstock cavity in the case.

Could take up to 2 weeks, but very effective.

DavidE · #3 10-02-2022, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrench68

Activated charcoal vegetable crispers. 3 or 4 in the sound hole, and 1 or 2 in the headstock cavity in the case.

Could take up to 2 weeks, but very effective.

Do you think this would do? https://www.amazon.com/100-Natural-B...%3D%3D&sr=8-10

Other choices include way more bags than I need and are more than double the price.

B Chas · #4 10-02-2022, 06:13 PM

My 48 LG-2 came really broken in, must have been played in every smoke filled bar around. Sounds wonderful and plays like a dream, but it had that smell when I got it.

Sunshine and air did the trick. Had to be on the lookout for rain, but I put it outside with a fan to force the outside air into the guitar & case. Then bought another case anyway, the chipboard case didn't offer much protection.

Lots of other ways are said to work, try them until that smell goes away.

Rolph · #5 10-02-2022, 06:37 PM

A common houseplant called Pothos, left in the closed case, may reduce the intensity of the smell. Baking soda scrub will lessen it as well. Good luck, I hate when that happens and it isn't disclosed. Maybe smokers are oblivious to it.

turfguy · #6 10-02-2022, 06:42 PM

I got a D41 once that I couldn’t play in the house due to the intense cigarette smoke smell. I tried a bunch of different tactics. Socks full of baking soda placed inside and plenty of airing out in the garage did a pretty good job. Unfortunately, this took several months to make the smells go away.

DavidE · #7 10-02-2022, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B Chas

My 48 LG-2 came really broken in, must have been played in every smoke filled bar around. Sounds wonderful and plays like a dream, but it had that smell when I got it.

Sunshine and air did the trick. Had to be on the lookout for rain, but I put it outside with a fan to force the outside air into the guitar & case. Then bought another case anyway, the chipboard case didn't offer much protection.

Lots of other ways are said to work, try them until that smell goes away.

The case was out in the sun today, but it's only 65 degrees here. Case is a Calton, so it's not going anywhere. ;-)

DavidE · #8 10-02-2022, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turfguy

I got a D41 once that I couldn’t play in the house due to the intense cigarette smoke smell. I tried a bunch of different tactics. Socks full of baking soda placed inside and plenty of airing out in the garage did a pretty good job. Unfortunately, this took several months to make the smells go away.

Winter temps aren't far away, so no way the guitar will be airing out in the garage. LOL.

czgunner · #9 10-02-2022, 06:54 PM

Have you tried an ozone generator?

DavidE · #10 10-02-2022, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by czgunner

Have you tried an ozone generator?

I don't have one. But I tried Ozium.

wguitar · #11 10-02-2022, 07:00 PM

Pet bedding wood chips (found in any department store pet department) work pretty good, and the other thing is as much sunlight as possible. Baking soda is also helpful. Be patient as it will take time.

Good luck!

buddyhu · #12 10-02-2022, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by czgunner

Have you tried an ozone generator?

Some folks say this is the best treatment. Put the guitar and open case and the ozone generator in your car, and leave it, overnight, or longer.

I don’t have experience with this; just repeating what I have read in other AGF threads.

jp2558 · #13 10-02-2022, 07:19 PM

If I were desperate I'd mix some white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and give the case a good spraying. Not sure about how to deal with the guitar itself.

czgunner · #14 10-02-2022, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidE

I don't have one. But I tried Ozium.

Grab one from Amazon. They are very useful.

wrench68 · #15 10-02-2022, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidE

Do you think this would do? https://www.amazon.com/100-Natural-B...%3D%3D&sr=8-10

Other choices include way more bags than I need and are more than double the price.

Yes, they look like they'll work fine. Don't be shy about the low price. The pieces I used were four for a dollar at the local dollar store.

To drive my point home, the guitar I saved with this wasn't just smelly, it was stone dead. I left it outside overnight a foot away from a smoldering wood fire. Actually, I didn't leave it, I was there with it. Don't ask.