I took a maintance class a few months ago and the teacher has two methods she uses to remove the smell. The smell is mildew/mold and heat will kill it. I haven't tried either one yet on my case. I'll probably use the second option. First one is turning on your oven to 200-225 and putting the case in with the oven door closed for 12-18 hours. Second is putting a 40 watt light in the case with the lid propped open and inch or so. She makes a hanger for the cord out of a ruler the tapes the light to it so it doesn't touch the inside of the box. Set it in a covered area outside the house and leave it for 18-24 hours. Like I said I haven't tried either method but she's used both for many years. She owns about thirty at any given time with buying, selling and trading them.