I will be in a group this weekend where there are at least two people who repair sewing machines. I will ask their advice about the smell problem.

Thanks!
I would not consider leaving anything liquid on the machine. A wipe-down is only going to affect the outside while at this point I'm thinking the smoke odor is coming from the interior more than exterior.

So far, I'm thinking that charcoal and/or baking soda in an enclosed box are the safest ideas. If I knew 100% that there was no way an open dish/cup/glass of vinegar wouldn't get spilled, I'd try that in the box. However, having a 4 year old and a min-pin in the same house makes me think more than twice about trying it! ;-)

I've scrubbed things with baking soda by wetting my finger, dipping it in the soda and rubbing vigorously. It doesn't scratch the surface.

yes vinegar is great for eliminating odors so is charcoal. the odor eaters are a great idea. i will have to try those some day.

I decided to try the vinegar dishes in a plastic box thing as I have both the box and the vinegar. :)
I've placed the it away from danger of getting disturbed ~hopefully!
Let's see what happens.

I'm going to give it 24 hours then see if there's been any improvement.

I would put it in a garbage bag with activated carbon (the stuff they put in aquarium filters--fairly cheap at Wal-mart). Tie the bag shut and leave it sit. I've done this with thrift store and hand me down clothing to get rid of the "grandma" smell as my kids call it.

Maybe it would be enough to wipe all the surfaces down with vinegar, which you should do at least once anyway.

Another thought: instead of vinegar in a dish, why don't you try wetting a sponge with vinegar and setting that on a saucer, or something unbreakable. That way, there's nothing to spill, even if bumped, and it will give off the vinegar fumes, probably better than having an open dish because the sponge will be drying and giving off fumes from all surfaces, not just the top of the bowl. And if it's enclosed, the fumes should penetrate everything. Just a safety thought.

Here's to Success!