Hello!

I recently purchased some toys ‘brand new in box’ from someone. When I got them home I was disappointed to discover they smelled of cigarette smoke. How can I get the smell of the plastic packaging of these toys?


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  • Sunlight works wonders, air them out outside in the sun for as long as possible, how disappointing


  • If you can’t wash the toys, I’d place them in direct sunlight for a day or two and see if that helps.


  • I would give a quick soak and wash and that should work!


  • I would just put the toys through the washing machine, but if it’s just the pkastic packaging that smells of smoke just chuck it out


  • I wouldn’t worry about getting the smell out I would just throw them in the bin. Your baby doesn’t need smoke contaminated toys.


  • Maybe try some of the suggestions that are not harsh on plastics or even seek some advice from toy shops?


  • It often depends on the type of plastic and if it has permeated?


  • Place a lime into the microwave for 10 seconds to release its oils then place into the plastic container cover and leave for a few days this should alleviate some of the smell then wash and repeat.


  • You need to check if there is any holes in the toys that any liquid may go into as some toys go mouldy because of it. I like the suggestion of white vinegar and carb soda. Problem is vinegar has a strong smell so it depends if you can cope with that. I would try it on one toy only to see if it works and whether it damages the toy at all.


  • Depends on what it is, but honestly, lots of fresh air and time. I feel your pain. My Mum is a heavy smoker and I’m a strong never smoked anti-smoker, so every gift she sends, has to be cleaned and aired a lot, or just thrown out. Bicarb and/or vinegar help, I found everything else just mixed cig smoke with it.


  • Try soaking them in bicarb soda or wiping down with eucalyptus or lavender oil. Other than that leave them out in the fresh air and sun maybe.


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