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That Vintage Scent

Oct 03, 2009 @ 12:37pm

vintagechanelbag.jpegHello there,

So I have a problem that I'm hoping you guys can help me with. I just purchased an amazing vintage leather bag that I'm stoked to use as soon as possible.

The thing is, it has that super musty vintage-y smell that so many of my purchases from thrift shops have.

It's not too overwhelming, but I don't want the scent to rub off on everything I put in there. Or god forbid, have people notice it every time I walk into a room.

Any ideas?

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writer talulabelle
posted in Advice tags Vintage Stores

Comments

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posted by AmandaMichele

Oct 05, 2009 4:32PM

Try a bit of Febreeze on the lining if it is cloth, or if it is leather get a good leather cleaner from your local shoe repair place and give it a once-over.

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posted by guest

Oct 08, 2009 5:26PM

Maybe try to put in a nice smelling soap or scented candle for a week or so... the smells might come off into the bag?

posted by SaraSegalStyles

Oct 09, 2009 9:17AM

Try hanging it near a window for a good few days and perhaps placing an air-freshner (like what you can get for your car) inside.

Beautiful bag btw x

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posted by dumbbrunette5

Oct 11, 2009 11:02PM

I had this same problem with a vintage suitcase I bought over the summer. I stuffed it with dryer sheets and shut it tight and left it for a day and night - the next morning it smelled great and still does. I've hear alot of people also try activated charcoal (I suppose you would put the charcoal in some sort of sack and set it inside?) which supposedly absorbs and neutralizes smells. Finally, if none of those work you can sprinkle baking soda all over the inside and leave it over night, in the morning dump out / vacuum out the baking soda (this also works to get smells out of carpets and shoes, especially if the baking soda is mixed with a bit of essential oil).

posted by Pure Style

Nov 04, 2009 5:47PM

Take a dryer sheet and rub it all over the lining and inside any pockets. Leave the dryer sheet you used plus an additional one in the bag overnight. One night should do the trick, but if it doesn't, just leave it for an additional night

posted by maw_photo

Nov 12, 2009 4:32PM

I would AVOID any substance that comes into DIRECT contact with an expensive vintage bag, inside or out. The coal, baking soda, or, believe it or not, KITTY LITTER (designed to absorb odor, of course) can help remove the smell, but you'd have to put the handbag in a container (HEFTY XXXL ziplock or a big plastic bin) with the litter in something porous like a muslin sack or bag, but again--avoid direct contact. Just try to seal the bag in with the odor-absorbing substance of your choice. Perfumed fabric softener sheets may only MASK odor, not remove the source, and they tend to leave an oily residue that can stain. Then it will smell like "fish...and roses."

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