Smokin' Soldiers (1 Viewer)

[jazzeum]

I just received in a bunch of old soldiers which I think are K & C (not 100 percent sure now, but that's another story) and the seller or the prior owner must have been a smoker because, man, these things, the box, the packing (including the original K & C packaging) reek of smoke.

Other than airing them out and throwing away the packaging (except for the K & C box) is there any way to get that smell out? Had to wash my hands twice, that's how bad it is.

 

[thebritfarmer]

You are going to have to wash them Brad with a cleaner it is the only way to get rid of the smell. You could also try burying them in a container filled with baking soda.

The smoke just sticks to everything. I still smell it on some of my stored items and I quit smoking 1 year ago and before that I moved house and didn't even smoke indoors.

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Sorry to endorse a brand here, but...Febreeze. Use the spray, not the pump and not too close to the articles (including boxes). You don't want to get them damp, but a couple of mists should do the trick. It will get rid of the smoke smell. I can't tell you how to get rid of the pretty Febreeze smell though.

 

[4th Hussar]

soak in dishwasher detergent - it should cut the grease of the nicotine

 

[jazzeum]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is probably a dumb question but won't washing them bother the paint?

 

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Thanks for the suggestions. This is probably a dumb question but won't washing them bother the paint?

Generally cold water wont damage professionally painted figures, not that I have ever let them soak. You just want to be sure to rinse off the soap film. You don't want water spots either. Pat dry, don't rub. The other option is to fashion a cigarette for the figure and justify the smell.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Before trying to wash them, you might try using activated charcoal which does remove the carbon molecules from surfaces. Put the figure in a box beside an open dish filled with activated charcoal. I don't know if it will remove the smell from the figure's paper box, but you can try activated charcoal for that too.

Terry

 

[gi546]

you guys really make me feel stupid.

 

[kreddy]

Does anyone know if wrapping them in a fabric softener sheet would help/hurt them?

 

[thebritfarmer]

Does anyone know if wrapping them in a fabric softener sheet would help/hurt them?

Interesting question, I am not sure although I do know that sometimes those sheets can feel quite greasy, so it may not be a good idea.

 

[jazzeum]

End of story: After I took them out, the smell went away in fairly quick order. The box and foam inserts were another story. I left them out for a couple of weeks and the smell went away.

Shannon mentioned to me that wrapping them in newspaper helps get rid of the odor because the newsprint draws off the smell.

Sorry, don't know about fabric softener.