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Antiques & Collectibles

Removing smoke odor from used book?

linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)

8 years ago

Not sure where to post this. I bought a used art book. It was obviously owned by a smoker before it came to the reseller who sent it to me. I don't want to return it, I need it now. It is softcover, glossy paper.

Everything I know about removing smoke odors applies only to hard surfaces or fabrics that can be washed. I thought of laying it on a bed of baking soda in a closed container, but I don't see how the baking soda would pull it out of the inside.

Any ideas? Thanks.

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Comments (6)

colleenoz
8 years ago
Years ago I had a library book the cat peed on (only time he ever did something like that in 19 years; must have really hated the book :-) ). In desperation I covered it in baby powder, liberally sprinkling it between the pages. The smell totally came out.
Now, I wouldn't recommend baby powder again, but I would think you could sprinkle the baking soda between the pages without causing any harm, then shake the book well to get the soda out after a few days.
lazy_gardens
8 years ago
Wash the cover and exposed pages edges (book closed) with a barely damp rag and soapy water, then mist with Febreze.

Then place it upright so you can fan the pages open and leave it to air out for several weeks.

You can try a container with balls of lightly crumpled paper, or FRESH pellet fuel to absorb the odor, with pages fanned open, changing their position periodically.

It takes quite a while - I would return the book as defective (reeking fo smoke is a serious defect) and ask for a non-stinky one.
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bbstx
8 years ago
From Martha Stewart concerning a musty smelling book:

suggestions contributed by the Northeast Document Conservation Center in Andover, Massachusetts, and Glenn Horowitz Booksellers in East Hampton and New York City.

Both our experts agree that there is no guaranteed way to remove the musty smell of old books, but you can try by first wiping your book with a clean, soft, barely damp cloth. Wipe off the cover, the top of the pages, and the pages themselves. If the mildew contains any moisture, open up the book and leave it in a sunny, airy place to dry. A fan will help speed up this process.

Then fill the bottom of a large garbage can with odor-absorbing material such as kitty litter, charcoal, or baking soda. Kitty litter is the most inexpensive of the three. Place the book in a smaller can, and place this can inside the larger one. Cover the large can and let it sit, checking the progress of the book every several days. If all goes well, your book will be ready for reading within a month.
sombreuil_mongrel
8 years ago
Maybe this:
http://bookrepairsupply.com/shop-2/book-deodorizer/book-deodorizer/
Casey

Here is a link that might be useful: book deodorizer
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
8 years ago
I can't return it, as I need to use it now. By the time a replacement arrived I would not need it anymore. I will try the febreze and then put it in the kitty litter in between having to use it.
nhb22
8 years ago
I simply placed an eBay paperback book in a large baggie with a fabric softener sheet. Left it for a few days. Try the Arm & Hammer brand.

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