topic Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt in Handbags

Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

Julie_23 — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 01:27:26 GMT

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

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

queendiva — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 01:35:14 GMT

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.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

Julie_23 — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 01:56:38 GMT

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.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

libbyannE — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 02:27:21 GMT

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.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

circles — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 03:22:09 GMT

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...

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

Mistreatedbycs — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 03:30:53 GMT

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.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

Julie_23 — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 04:23:15 GMT

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.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

151949 — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 04:25:10 GMT

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.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

circles — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 05:21:53 GMT

@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...

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

January121 — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 05:58:31 GMT

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.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

Nataliesgramma — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 10:55:02 GMT

@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.

EVERYTHING is returnable on Ebay...doesn't matter what the seller says.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

ID2 — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 11:24:42 GMT

Its Ebay! Just file a grievance and return the bag as defective. I would never keep a bag that smells and have unremoveable stuff in it. But, remember, it is Ebay.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

mima — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 12:25:37 GMT

I would try to return it also. If you don't want to do that, take some tape and press the sticky side to the lint to remove the lint. No vac needed. Spray it (the inside) with lysol to kill the germs. Get some X-O Odor remover and spray some of that in the purse and let it dry. The odor will be gone. If not, spray with X-O again and let dry.

Is the leather dirty too? If not, you are good to go. No one sees the inside of your bag anyway.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

queendiva — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 13:05:29 GMT

I also learned the hard way to always contact the ebay seller prior to bidding on a bag as to whether the bag smells of cigarette smoke or has any other odor to it, new bag or not! Often the seller will not disclose this on the ad. I have been delighted with the many bags I have purchased since that time. Good luck OP.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

suzyQ3 — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 17:15:11 GMT

Just contact the owner and tell her the problems and that it was not as described. If she blows you off, begin the resolution process through eBay.

Do not leave feedback during this process.

Re: Ebay bag - removing odor and dirt

JavaQueen — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 19:18:55 GMT

I have sold used bags on ebay. Lots of people buy them. If there is an odor, I always indicate that. It is a problem for some people, since they do have allergies..There is always a chance of odor, etc. with a used bag. People who purchase them know this from the beginning--or they should.

Perhaps, a polite note to the seller about these issues. Do it immediately.

Be willing to pay for the shipping and they might take it back. If they don't note odor as a problem, it doesn't mean that they are being shady. Perhaps they didn't think of it. If they don't note it, it requires due diligence on the part of the buyer. You have to ask any and all questions before the slae.

Unless you paid $$$, it's not worth the hassle of arbitration. It is a hassle for everyone. I have relisted things when they didn't suit. Someone else would always buy it. I have been an ebay seller for over 15 years.

Good luck.