How to get a smell out of a bag

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#226
ohmeohmybag said:
I have had the best luck using a little baking soda in a cup. I put the cup in the bag. I zipper or shut the bag overnight and then remove it the next day. I then repeat this the next day with a new cup filled with baking soda. After about five days, I keep the bag open and in the sun for a bit. Works every time.
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Great advice! :tup: It works for me too, especially when it comes to a faint perfume odor.
 
#227
sanity said:
I contacted him but he did not replied to my last 2 emails. I think he is travelling. What should I do if I do not hear from him?

This smell reminds me of clothes that are left in the water for many days.
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It seems like you're describing the mildew odor, which is quite difficult to get rid off without killing the mold that causes it. You can have it professionally cleaned, but it is expensive. You can also return it, if the seller is not responsive. But don't rush to file a report without waiting for a reasonable period of time - give them the benefit of the doubt, out of courtesy, and let them respond first. He could be a recreational seller tied up with work, travel, sickness or some other problem. If there's no response after a week and several emails, file for a return/full refund. Good luck! :smile1:
 
#230
I am a firm believer in ozone to clean up smells. I invested in an expensive industrial one (can use with new carpet, paint, etc). I have twice used it on bags with smells (one was tobacco and the other was just moldy). Gets rid of the smells but also of mold spores and it just doesn't hurt the leather or fabric. Mine is a bio blaster and cost 350.00 but it has now saved two bags for me and three for my daughter as well as some rare books and an hermes scarf that had a mothball smell.
 
#233
I have not tried this yet; but, I read that putting coffee beans inside the bag will remove any odors. Of course, you will smell coffee beans (they smell good though). I think it will be worth trying.
 
#234
I had the same problem with my gucci bag stored for so long inside my cabinet. I bought a charcoal based odor remover from the utility store, stuck it in and after a few days odor was gone. Now I maintain them odor free by putting stacks of dehumidifier and making sure that they get free air once in a while.
 
#235
Hello, I just received a bag with a really weird smell to it. I dont think its the lining, I actually think its the leather. I am the third owner and the bag is from 2010, however by the perfect condition its in I think it has not been used at all and I guess it was stored in the dust bag for a long time. I can´t really describe the smell but its strong and it comes from the leather (the dust bag smells too but I think it was transfered from the leather). Will baking soda help in this case too? Would you close it in something and let the baking soda sit inside the handbag or outside it to get rid of the smell of the leather? Or do you think I should try to "clean" it before that with some leather cleaner and condition it? Thank you for any tips, I really love the bag but it really smells.. however my priority is to keep it and get rid of the smell.
 
#236
I filled up mine with newspaper and Febreeze and left it out in the terrace.

It was an old suede bag from mom, and I thought it was gonna be "stinky" forever, but the second day I did the same the smell desapeared. It just needs fresh air.

Good luck!!!
 
#238
valby said:
I recently bought a vintage LV Alma and I have the feeling it will smell like Mothballs (from some comments others have made about the source of my bag) anyway has anyone been successful with removing this smell from a bag? :idea:
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If the bag had mothballs in it then just take it outside on a cool, dry day and let it air out. You may need to let it air out a few days.

You could also put a dryer-sheet into the bag, close and, and see whether it removes the smell.
 
#239
Vitta said:
It seems like you're describing the mildew odor, which is quite difficult to get rid off without killing the mold that causes it. You can have it professionally cleaned, but it is expensive. You can also return it, if the seller is not responsive. But don't rush to file a report without waiting for a reasonable period of time - give them the benefit of the doubt, out of courtesy, and let them respond first. He could be a recreational seller tied up with work, travel, sickness or some other problem. If there's no response after a week and several emails, file for a return/full refund. Good luck! :smile1:
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The seller could be traveling. Or she/she could simply ignore you. If you bought a bag with a heavy mildew odor remember that it is near impossible to remove this odor. You don't just have to deal with the odor but the spores. There may also be a health issue.
Ask to return the bag. In the future before you hit the "buy" button ask the seller whether the bag has a mildew smell, vintage smell, etc.
Good luck!
 
#240
catx said:
Hello, I just received a bag with a really weird smell to it. I dont think its the lining, I actually think its the leather. I am the third owner and the bag is from 2010, however by the perfect condition its in I think it has not been used at all and I guess it was stored in the dust bag for a long time. I can´t really describe the smell but its strong and it comes from the leather (the dust bag smells too but I think it was transfered from the leather). Will baking soda help in this case too? Would you close it in something and let the baking soda sit inside the handbag or outside it to get rid of the smell of the leather? Or do you think I should try to "clean" it before that with some leather cleaner and condition it? Thank you for any tips, I really love the bag but it really smells.. however my priority is to keep it and get rid of the smell.
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Something else that comes to mind: are you sure the bag is genuine? Fakes often use inferior materials that may have a tendency to smell.
 
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