Smelly Chanel

[EmilyK]

One of my aunts gave me a cambon tote that she found at a consignment shop.

It's definitely real, but it reeks of smoke. As in, I have it in my bedroom right now and it's making my bedroom smell a little.

What should I do? I was reading tips on the LV forum about baking soda and dryer sheets. The entire bag smells, though - the inside worse than the outside. Should I put a little container (open top?) of baking soda inside the bag, zip it up, and then put the whole bag into a plastic bag and put more baking soda inside the bigger bag and then lock the whole thing up? Or should I try to air it out more?

Also - any luck with companies like lovinmybags.com, etc?

Thanks

 

[Swanky]

Is there an outdoor sheltered are at your home where you could let it air out during the day? In the shade?
Arm & Hammer Baking soda makes a nifty fridge box, it opens but has mesh so none of the soda creeps out, I'd get one of those adn leave it outside and see if that helps.

 

[harley]

Not sure if a leather cleaning service could help? I would definitely show it to them because I would be afraid of any color damage but they might have tips.

 

[cynthia111]

i had that same problem with one of my chanel bags i purchased on ebay. i put the baking soda box inside the purse,( the one that does not spill). then i zipped it shut and left it over night it really works. as for the outside leather, i would say you let it out so the air could hit it for several hours or put it in a trash bag with the baking soda inside and leave it overnight.

 

[cynthia111]

oh and i also sprayed febreeze inside the bag and let it air dry, that worked great too!!

 

[echo_23]

I had a similar experience with an ebay Fendi purchase. I thought the smell would never come out of the leather or the interior. I used LMB bag candies in vanilla and they did the trick amazingly, but the bag smelled so much like smoke that it took a few days to really make it smell good. Good luck!

 

[Luccibag]

Isnt the inside washable? I'd turn the lining inside out and wash that little stinker.

 

[EmilyK]

thanks so much for your responses, guys... i was about to cry. i am feeling like the smell has seriously permeated the leather but you guys are giving me hope.

 

[Luccibag]

Also, air it out as much as you can.

 

[Regina07]

I did the same as Cynthia111 -- baking soda inside the bag and light mists of febreeze on the leather. Put it in its dustbag and set it by an open window for a week.

The outside leather smells fine but I keep container of baking soda inside. Inexpensive and works!

 

[cammy1]

for me I love febreeze and fresh air always gets nasty smells out of my bags

 

[Swanky]

it'll clear up, give it time. . . and fresh air!

 

[SWlife]

That happened with a not-chanel purse I bought once, but a dryer sheet inside & fresh air really helped.

 

[EmilyK]

Update - today I washed the inside with Woolite (sp?). I could see the dirt and grime coming out. I think I'm going to wash the inside out again. Can I use a regular detergent, or should I stick with Woolite?

I'm going to buy baking soda tomorrow, and I ordered some bag odor eater things from LMB.

Swanky... sadly, no to a good place to air it out. I live in a condo. I have it sitting in my room atm, with my ceiling fan blowing on it. It's not making my room smell since I washed the inside (although maybe I'm just getting used to the smell? lol)

I'll keep you guys updated!

edit: Buying dryer sheets tomorrow, too!

 

[missisa07]

lovinmybags.com sells these odor candies that you can leave in your bag to take out bad smells. Baking soda also works well too.