Removing the smell of smoke

[MarkRae]

Sorry it this isn't the best place to post this, but I couldn't think of anywhere more appropriate.

I recently bought an electric guitar from eBay and the seller delivered it this afternoon. He was an extremely heavy smoker to the extent where he'd recently been in hospital with smoking-related problems.

Anyway, both the guitar and its flight case absolutely reek of smoke to the extent that I've had to leave them in the front hall. Obviously I can't leave it outside due to the cold (and the fact that it would be stolen!), so does anyone have any other recommendations for removing the smell of stale smoke from household objects?

[boxtops]

Oust 3-in-1 spray
or
Febreze spray

You'd have to be careful with the electriic guitar obviously, but you can certainly spray the case.

[society]

Do you have a garage? Perhaps you could leave it in there for a while with saucers of vinegar around it. Or if you don't have a garage you could leave it in your car trunk for a while; baking powder has a similar effect. Commercial air fresheners only mask odours with an artificial scent and don't provide a long-term solution.

[MarkRae]

I don't have a garage.

By 'trunk' do you mean 'boot'? I could leave it in there, I suppose...

What do I have to do with the baking powder...?

[society]

Sprinkle plain, dry baking powder on guitar and inside the case and let sit for as long as possible. Then vacuum up or use a soft-bristle brush to brush away from the guitar. Baking soda is also good for eliminating odours. I always it keep in my linen closet and refrigerator.

[society]

Hi Mark, how did you make out with the smoke removal from the guitar and its case?

[MarkRae]

I let it stand next to the open window in the spare bedroom with the door shut so the cold wouldn't get into the rest of the flat. It's much better than it was now - you actually have to put your nose almost against it before the stench of the smoke is noticeable...

[society]

Great. Perhaps you could also put some lavender bush inside the case and close it for a while. See if that might make a difference.

[MarkRae]

I'll try it.