scrappingfaye58

I would make sure that there isn't lint or thread still on it... good luck... I HATE the smell of stale cigarettes... amazing how my my hair can smell when we go out somewhere and there isn't even smoking allowed inside, but it clings to those who do...

sandy l

You might also want to try getting some aquarium charcoal, put the machine in a large plastic bag. Slit open the bag of charcoal, set it in the bag with the machine and seal it up completely. Leave it for a day or two. Might help, might not.

MamaBear61

Bounce dryer sheets will absorb smells. We used to use them at the car dealership when a smoker's vehicle was traded in. Leave one or two in or on the machine and in the case for a few days.

Dina

Keep us posted. I am very curious to see what works, and surely several of these ideas will.

Dina

Prism99

I would place the machine (and case, if there is one) inside a large garbage bag along with a pair of OdorEaters shoe inserts -- the ones with charcoal in them. Two pair if you can afford it. Tie the bag and leave it for two weeks. Charcoal absorbs odors, and this is a non-messy way to use it.

Edit: I should add this is how I got rid of the musty smell in my featherweight's case -- after trying many other methods. I keep one of the OdorEaters in there all the time now, as it also cushions the foot from the rest of the machine.

AudreyB

All good ideas. Thanks!!!!! I'm not sure which one I will try first, but they all sound good. I'll probably try the Bounce idea first because I have one of those handy. I'll let you know what works.

BellaBoo

It's the built up tar that is smelling. It's inside the machine, coating the parts. Remove the housing as much as you can and clean the parts you can reach. I doubt you will ever get the smell out but it will lessen over time.

mighty

I agree, clean everthing you can get to. Over time the smell should get less and less.

ktbb

may be worth it to take it to a repair person for a complete cleaning and explain the problem. I'd rather pay once and get it done than have to put up with something like this for an extended time.

HillCountryGal

It's been my experience that vinegar works great in removing odors.
If you can place the machine (assuming it's a portable and not in a stand-alone wood cabinet) in a plastic garbage bag along with an open dish of vinegar... leave it for days. Then see if it's better.

I bought a small wood secretary years ago. Once I got it home, I realized it smelled of smoke. After wipeing it down with vinegar (inside the drawers) and setting it outside for a week, it was much better.

Hope you are able to remove the odor. And enjoy your machine.