Get rid of the smell of smoke...

[sunflower]

Through Marktplaats (Dutch EBay) I bought a big lot of Playmobil (Safari and Zoo). This is meant to be a Sinterklaas present for my boys (and me).

Everything was complete and in good shape but the smell is horrific... I think it has been in a smokers house as a display for years.

I washed everything by hand with soap and cleaning vinegar. When this didn't help enough I buried it in Cat litter which also absorbs smell. After this I put everything in the dishwasher. But still when I open the plastic box there is a smell of smoke.

I have to start start hiding the gifts ans giftwrap them. Does anyone have more cleaning tips for me to avoid a smelly surprise when they open their gift?

[tahra]

Let me know if you find it - one of the weird trailers still stinks some, and probably got it over 10 years ago, I think...

[Sylvia]

It sounds like you've been very thorough with your cleaning already! I can't  think of any other product you might try.

Many years ago, I also bought a large box of Playmo from eBay and discovered it was all reeking of smoke when it arrived. I don't think regular cleaning did much to remove the odour, but you could try leaving it open to the fresh air somewhere that the kids won't see it, as I think the smell did gradually fade away on the items I had. Keeping it in boxes or bags probably just helps it to retain the smell. I know you don't have much time to get it clean, but it might help a little.

[sunflower]

Let me know if you find it - one of the weird trailers still stinks some, and probably got it over 10 years ago, I think...

Oops really! I have it now on the garden table. I have two hours before they come home.

I'll try to buy some nice smelling items to put in the boxes just to mask (is this English?) the smell.  Let you know if I can find a permanent solution or this was a new lesson learned in buying or maybe a punishment for me being greedy...

[playmofire]

Oops really! I have it now on the garden table. I have two hours before they come home.

I'll try to buy some nice smelling items to put in the boxes just to mask (is this English?) the smell.  Let you know if I can find a permanent solution or this was a new lesson learned in buying or maybe a punishment for me being greedy...

Your English is quite right.

You say you are keeping it in plastic boxes which presumably came from the same house.  This will also hold the smell of smoke, so washing the Playmobil and then putting it back in the original box from the house will just undo anything the washing has achieved.  Wash the Playmobil again and out it in some other boxes, maybe new plastic ones. You could also try putting a dish of baking powder in with the Playmobil as this absorbs smells and, lastly, polish the Playmobil with a nice smelling furniture polish, but one that won't stain it.

[sunflower]

The boxes are new ones. The cardboard boxes it came in didn't even make our livingroom. I'll try the baking powder.

Polishing is also a good idea. Maybe something that is used for the plastic dashboards in cars?

[playmovictorian]

Good morning 

This is a interesting topic indeed and shows how incredibly bad is smoking, not only for himself but his environment 

I have used essential oils at home for years and I would recommend putting a few drops of Eucalyptus or Peppermint essentiel oïl in luke warm water and let your Klickies take a bath over night 

Karim

[bonniebeth]

Yeah, I don't think you'll smell anything over the peppermint oil. That's strong stuff, and it will certainly at least mask the odor. Be sure and wash the insides of the boxes, too, because every time you put the klickys in there, the plastic box is absorbing the smell. Most ebayers will say on the listing if the items are from a smoke-free home, and that's always a good thing to look for! The tobacco can also yellow the items, besides making them smell.

[sunflower]

Most ebayers will say on the listing if the items are from a smoke-free home, and that's always a good thing to look for! The tobacco can also yellow the items, besides making them smell.

That is what people do here too. Also if it's from a pet-free home. I thought this was important information when buying clothes or books. Now I know that I will ask before buying more Playmobil.

Thank you for all your tips.
I think I'll wash the boxes again and give the animals and rangers a peppermint bath after Sinterklaas. It's too hard to hide them while drying now.

[tahra]

Well, it's good that it's from a smoke free home - don't really care if it's pet free (their loss)... But that never really decided an auction for me, either way.