Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Then they showed up today. I opened the bubble mailer and WOW! the awful stink of cigarette smoke hit me! Man! This guy must chain smoke and blow the smoke directly into his stamps!
So the big question.. how does one get the smoke smell out of covers?
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This blog entry from Parks Library Preservation looks promising. The recommended product is Gonzo Odor Eliminator.
Bob
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Try putting one or two in a sealed freezer or plastic storage bag with a dryer sheet, the kind you add to a load in the dryer, leave them for 30 to 45 minutes and check them. Another method is to use a hair dryer, if your married I'm sure you have one hold about 10
inches from the cover and fan the cover,moving the dry back and forth, use a medium heat setting and don't get too close..Hope this helps, I've used these methods on old books and had good results
Bill
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Tom,
Just start smoking a pack of Marlboro Reds a day. After about a week you won't smell a thing
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For real though, dryer sheets
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"Just start smoking a pack of Marlboro Reds a day. After about a week you won't smell a thing "
Yea that's the solution!
I'll bet the seller doesn't think there's anything wrong with them!I will try the dryer sheet thing. I have 80 covers so it could take a while!
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Try a brown paper grocery store bag just fold to seal it that might hold more,
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Hi Everyone;
I don't know what chemicals they put in dryer sheets, and they probably very from brand to brand.
That sounds to me a little like Russian roulette. Just put a Marlboro red in a revolver cylinder (just
one, the rest empty) place against forehead and pull trigger until smell goes away. Makes just
about as much sense as dryer sheets.
I also do not know what chemicals are in Gonzo Odor Eliminator, either. If I don't know what is in
something, it doesn't get anywhere near MY stamps!
Go to pet shop and buy activated charcoal, the type used to filter aquariums and place in air-tight
bag with covers. There isn't any chemicals in activated charcoal, it just is really good at absorbing
things. Go ahead and Google that and see if it is effective.
Whatever you use, do your homework and research it on Google.
I was going to use permethrin to repel ticks, until I read that it is harmless to all mammals except
cats, to which it is deadly for them.
At least you took the right first step, by asking for advice on here tho....so good luck and let us all
know what you used and how good it worked, then we will all learn something too.
Just thinkin' again....
TuskenRaider
PS; I just peeked at Google and got tons of leads about activated charcoal and odor removal, just
be careful to not let the carbon physically touch the covers or it will leave black marks or streaks.
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I have heard that leaving a small bowl of vinegar out on a table for several days can remove cigarette odor from a room. I used to go to a coin and stamp shop where the owner chain smoked, but left out bowls of vinegar everywhere, and the smell was not obvious except when he was actively smoking. I am not sure if it would work for the covers, but it is worth a try.
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Thanks for the responses. I've just set up experiment number one, dryer sheets with a stack of covers in a brown paper bag. I taped the dryer sheets to the upper inside of the bag so they won't touch the covers directly. I will check it in 24 hours.
Next experiment will be the charcoal as suggested by the Raider fellow. It became experiment two because I will need to make a trip to Walmart to buy the charcoal. I already had dryer sheets.
I have a refrigerator that sits in my pool house. Over the winter it gets turned off and I have to leave the doors open a crack for air. Mice were getting in it, so someone said to put dryer sheets in it. This spring? I have dryer sheets with mouse bites on them!
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Hi Everyone;
Lots of people see the mouse bites in all sorts of materials, and assume they will eat anything.
Most of the time tho, they are removing scraps with their teeth to line a nest to keep babies
warm.
I have a pair of almost tame chickadees that go to my kitty's bed and pick up cat hair for their
nest, to line it with. Fun to watch.
Getting back on topic tho....I also saw a thread that said charcoal briquettes are cheaper and
work. However use caution, as most of the brands are treated with chemicals to make them
light more quickly, and I've no idea how that could affect stamps inks or gum.
Just thinkin' way too much agin.... 
TuskenRaider
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I have been experimenting with baking soda and a generic Febreeze spray. Mixed results, but mostly positive. Have only tried the spray on binders, album pages, and bulk/kiloware stamps. I'm not ready to put any chemicals on covers or non-common stamps.
Several months ago, I returned one bulk lot of stamps because they reeked of smoke and were slightly discolored. The auction listing (eBay) did not say smoke damage. Fortunately, I was promptly refunded. All other items I've received that smelled of smoke seemed to do okay with some attention.
-Steve
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I have had moderate success removing odors by getting a rectangular Tupperware-type container, putting backing soda liberally on the bottom, building a little shelf or platform (by using paper folded to make rigid braces) and then laying items in there without letting it touch the baking soda (and sealing the container). A couple days. I can't say it will completely remove it, but it may help without risking anything by contact. Good luck.
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Rodents have poor eyesight, so they navigate mostly through smell. Try moth balls in the refrigerator to keep them out. Works for squirrels.
As for smoke odor on paper, the last collection I got that had smoke odor I left it out to air itself out. It took a few weeks, but no harm came to any of the stamps. With covers, I'd spread them out as best as possible (80 is a bunch). If you can safely put them in an outside area where the breeze and some sunlight will get to them, that might help speed things up. Probably will have to turn the covers over to get the other side too. Bring them in when the humidity gets high, like at night. Also, don't leave for too long in direct sunlight. No chemicals to worry about.
For me, any collection that I buy online that doesn't mention smoke odors is "not as described", and I will handle accordingly.
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Thanks for posting this question. I purchased a Canada album of stamps from a member of our local stamp club who fancies himself a dealer. Didn't notice anything amiss at our meeting, took it home, and it sat for a couple weeks - didn't open it at all. When I did finally get around to opening it up, the cigarette smell was overwhelming. All the stamps were inside clear mounts and also reeked of smoke. I had to wash my hands after getting all the stamps out; even though I used tongs, just touching the pages made my fingers stink.
I took the empty album with me to the next meeting and mentioned it to the person who sold it to me. He smelled the album and said that he couldn't detect any cigarette smoke. No smoke, no problem. I will never purchase anything from him again.
The stamps i have put into individual envelopes and am airing out. So far, the smell is lessening without any other intervention. My plan was to use baking soda next but may have to look into the activated charcoal too. I am reluctant to put any of these stamps in with any other stamps in my collection. Very disappointing, both the smell and the reaction from the club member.
Anyway, thanks for the discussion and the ideas.
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Hey tom. How'd the first experiment go?
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I had the same result as Michael. I tried various techniques such as baking soda but what worked best was simply laying them out on a table undisturbed for a week or so (flip the items every day or two). Placing a fan in the room on low to increase circulation couldn't hurt and putting the items up on edge or on a cake cooling tray couldn't hurt either, but simply sitting out in a room took the smell out faster than an item in a baggie with a bit of baking soda (with the item propped up so as not to touch the baking soda).
Lars
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Approvals
I received an eBay lot of 80 FDC, sold by the same seller for less than 20 cents a cover delivered. All was well and I was happy anticipating receipt of same.
Then they showed up today. I opened the bubble mailer and WOW! the awful stink of cigarette smoke hit me! Man! This guy must chain smoke and blow the smoke directly into his stamps!
So the big question.. how does one get the smoke smell out of covers?
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
This blog entry from Parks Library Preservation looks promising. The recommended product is Gonzo Odor Eliminator.
Bob
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Try putting one or two in a sealed freezer or plastic storage bag with a dryer sheet, the kind you add to a load in the dryer, leave them for 30 to 45 minutes and check them. Another method is to use a hair dryer, if your married I'm sure you have one hold about 10
inches from the cover and fan the cover,moving the dry back and forth, use a medium heat setting and don't get too close..Hope this helps, I've used these methods on old books and had good results
Bill
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this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Tom,
Just start smoking a pack of Marlboro Reds a day. After about a week you won't smell a thing
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
For real though, dryer sheets
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this post
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re: Removing Smoke From Covers
"Just start smoking a pack of Marlboro Reds a day. After about a week you won't smell a thing "
Yea that's the solution!
I'll bet the seller doesn't think there's anything wrong with them!I will try the dryer sheet thing. I have 80 covers so it could take a while!
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Try a brown paper grocery store bag just fold to seal it that might hold more,
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Hi Everyone;
I don't know what chemicals they put in dryer sheets, and they probably very from brand to brand.
That sounds to me a little like Russian roulette. Just put a Marlboro red in a revolver cylinder (just
one, the rest empty) place against forehead and pull trigger until smell goes away. Makes just
about as much sense as dryer sheets.
I also do not know what chemicals are in Gonzo Odor Eliminator, either. If I don't know what is in
something, it doesn't get anywhere near MY stamps!
Go to pet shop and buy activated charcoal, the type used to filter aquariums and place in air-tight
bag with covers. There isn't any chemicals in activated charcoal, it just is really good at absorbing
things. Go ahead and Google that and see if it is effective.
Whatever you use, do your homework and research it on Google.
I was going to use permethrin to repel ticks, until I read that it is harmless to all mammals except
cats, to which it is deadly for them.
At least you took the right first step, by asking for advice on here tho....so good luck and let us all
know what you used and how good it worked, then we will all learn something too.
Just thinkin' again....
TuskenRaider
PS; I just peeked at Google and got tons of leads about activated charcoal and odor removal, just
be careful to not let the carbon physically touch the covers or it will leave black marks or streaks.
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
I have heard that leaving a small bowl of vinegar out on a table for several days can remove cigarette odor from a room. I used to go to a coin and stamp shop where the owner chain smoked, but left out bowls of vinegar everywhere, and the smell was not obvious except when he was actively smoking. I am not sure if it would work for the covers, but it is worth a try.
Login to Like
this post
Approvals
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Thanks for the responses. I've just set up experiment number one, dryer sheets with a stack of covers in a brown paper bag. I taped the dryer sheets to the upper inside of the bag so they won't touch the covers directly. I will check it in 24 hours.
Next experiment will be the charcoal as suggested by the Raider fellow. It became experiment two because I will need to make a trip to Walmart to buy the charcoal. I already had dryer sheets.
I have a refrigerator that sits in my pool house. Over the winter it gets turned off and I have to leave the doors open a crack for air. Mice were getting in it, so someone said to put dryer sheets in it. This spring? I have dryer sheets with mouse bites on them!
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Hi Everyone;
Lots of people see the mouse bites in all sorts of materials, and assume they will eat anything.
Most of the time tho, they are removing scraps with their teeth to line a nest to keep babies
warm.
I have a pair of almost tame chickadees that go to my kitty's bed and pick up cat hair for their
nest, to line it with. Fun to watch.
Getting back on topic tho....I also saw a thread that said charcoal briquettes are cheaper and
work. However use caution, as most of the brands are treated with chemicals to make them
light more quickly, and I've no idea how that could affect stamps inks or gum.
Just thinkin' way too much agin....
TuskenRaider
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
I have been experimenting with baking soda and a generic Febreeze spray. Mixed results, but mostly positive. Have only tried the spray on binders, album pages, and bulk/kiloware stamps. I'm not ready to put any chemicals on covers or non-common stamps.
Several months ago, I returned one bulk lot of stamps because they reeked of smoke and were slightly discolored. The auction listing (eBay) did not say smoke damage. Fortunately, I was promptly refunded. All other items I've received that smelled of smoke seemed to do okay with some attention.
-Steve
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
I have had moderate success removing odors by getting a rectangular Tupperware-type container, putting backing soda liberally on the bottom, building a little shelf or platform (by using paper folded to make rigid braces) and then laying items in there without letting it touch the baking soda (and sealing the container). A couple days. I can't say it will completely remove it, but it may help without risking anything by contact. Good luck.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Rodents have poor eyesight, so they navigate mostly through smell. Try moth balls in the refrigerator to keep them out. Works for squirrels.
As for smoke odor on paper, the last collection I got that had smoke odor I left it out to air itself out. It took a few weeks, but no harm came to any of the stamps. With covers, I'd spread them out as best as possible (80 is a bunch). If you can safely put them in an outside area where the breeze and some sunlight will get to them, that might help speed things up. Probably will have to turn the covers over to get the other side too. Bring them in when the humidity gets high, like at night. Also, don't leave for too long in direct sunlight. No chemicals to worry about.
For me, any collection that I buy online that doesn't mention smoke odors is "not as described", and I will handle accordingly.
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Thanks for posting this question. I purchased a Canada album of stamps from a member of our local stamp club who fancies himself a dealer. Didn't notice anything amiss at our meeting, took it home, and it sat for a couple weeks - didn't open it at all. When I did finally get around to opening it up, the cigarette smell was overwhelming. All the stamps were inside clear mounts and also reeked of smoke. I had to wash my hands after getting all the stamps out; even though I used tongs, just touching the pages made my fingers stink.
I took the empty album with me to the next meeting and mentioned it to the person who sold it to me. He smelled the album and said that he couldn't detect any cigarette smoke. No smoke, no problem. I will never purchase anything from him again.
The stamps i have put into individual envelopes and am airing out. So far, the smell is lessening without any other intervention. My plan was to use baking soda next but may have to look into the activated charcoal too. I am reluctant to put any of these stamps in with any other stamps in my collection. Very disappointing, both the smell and the reaction from the club member.
Anyway, thanks for the discussion and the ideas.
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
Hey tom. How'd the first experiment go?
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this post
re: Removing Smoke From Covers
I had the same result as Michael. I tried various techniques such as baking soda but what worked best was simply laying them out on a table undisturbed for a week or so (flip the items every day or two). Placing a fan in the room on low to increase circulation couldn't hurt and putting the items up on edge or on a cake cooling tray couldn't hurt either, but simply sitting out in a room took the smell out faster than an item in a baggie with a bit of baking soda (with the item propped up so as not to touch the baking soda).
Lars
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