Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

Julie_23 · ‎04-10-2010

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean the INTERIOR of a bag that the lining does not come out of?

And, too, the bag has a strong odor from the inside. It's not the scent of leather - it's a strong chemical scent. Not quite perfume, but similar. I have tried baking soda and other methods of trying to get out the odor.

But, I don't know how to "clean" the inside of the bag. I don't have a vacuum nozzle. Any ideas on how to get a lint brush into the crevices of the bag?

Thanks

queendiva · ‎03-12-2010

Many dry cleaners clean leather bags.

For the smell: leave it outdoors in the sun, stuff it with newspapers or make a sachet with activated charcoal. Any of these would take at least several days.

For lint removal: try an old toothbrush or foam craft paintbrush.

Julie_23 · ‎04-10-2010

Thanks, @queendiva. I tried the dry cleaners today, and they weren't able to do anything. He did mention they could send it to a "leather cleaner" for a fee of $125. But, I'm just wanting the liner cleaned so I didn't think it would be helpful.

I tried the fresh air and baking soda for several days. Still the scent.

Thanks for your other suggestions!! I really like the bag; but, the scent is so strong.

libbyannE · ‎10-27-2010

I would not keep a soiled bag that also has odors. I have sold some of my Dooneys on eBay, but I would never sell anything that is soiled in any way.

circles · ‎03-10-2010

Couldn't you have sent it back....how was the bag advertised when you bid on it...

Several years ago i bought a Dennis Basso throw from e-bay...it was advertised as new with tags....when it arrived it smelled so bad of tobacco ...it was awful..it was to be a gift....

I wrote the woman and she appologized and said she would refund me and she did...it was a smooth transaction with her...

Just Bling · ‎03-10-2010

I sure would not of had put so much effort in this bag.

I would of contacted the seller and returned it.

At Home Improvement stores, in the household cleaning aisles, there are products that soak up odors, try one of those.

Julie_23 · ‎04-10-2010

The bag was sold as "excellent used condition," and she had great reviews of other excellent used condition bags, as well.

Unfortunately, there are no refunds allowed. And, I do like the bag in that I haven't been able to find this particular color/style elsewhere; but, I was disappointed in the odor and that the inner linings had particles of some kind.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

Occasionally I work at our Church's thrift shop. When we get in a used purse we have a spray that the health department requires the interior of the bag be treated with. It has an odd cross between chemical and perfume odor. I think if you just aired it outside the smell would fade.

circles · ‎03-10-2010

@Julie_23 wrote:

The bag was sold as "excellent used condition," and she had great reviews of other excellent used condition bags, as well.

Unfortunately, there are no refunds allowed. And, I do like the bag in that I haven't been able to find this particular color/style elsewhere; but, I was disappointed in the odor and that the inner linings had particles of some kind.

I hope you made comment on her reviews how bad that bag is...I sure would have....hope you didn't pay a lot for it...seems like you have put much effort in getting it odor free..something you should not have had to...

Any wonder she has a no refund policy...sending out bad items as excellent condition....shame on her...

January121 · ‎03-21-2010

Maybe it's only me but, I would never buy anything from EBay or anywhere else that wasn't new .... how does the OP know where the bag came from & what the prior owner did with it & put in it?? ..... I would never be able to put my stuff in it & actually use it.