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Su asked: How do I get rid a “fishy” odor from my plastic pocketbook. My large tote plastic pocketbook smells terrible. It is kind of a fishy smell. How can I get rid of it? This is not a cheap bag. Thanks for your help.
Plastic products can absorb odors of all kinds. Whether the odor came from something inside of the bag or sat in an odor filled space, the plastic will absorb the smell and hold it. Removing the smell is most successful when using common odor-fighting household products. Always test a small area first to ensure there are no adverse effects to the plastic or the coloring.
You Will Need:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Water
- Soft cloths
- Mild detergent
- Plastic bag
- Vacuum with attachments
Steps to Remove the Odor:
- There are several different ways to remove the odor from plastic. Most plastic pieces are durable and can tolerate a range of cleaning products. Again, always test a small area first to ensure there are no changes to the color or finish.
- We’ll start with the easiest method – baking soda. Place the bag inside of a plastic bag.
- Sprinkle the entire surface of the pocketbook with baking soda. Use a liberal amount.
- Seal the bag and allow it to set for at least 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove the bag and brush off the excess baking soda. If needed, a vacuum with attachments can be used to remove the baking soda from the inside.
- Repeat as necessary until the odor is removed.
- If the odor remains, make a mixture of one part vinegar to one part water.
- Moisten a soft cloth with the mixture and use the cloth to wipe down the pocketbook.
- Allow the bag to dry completely.
- If there is a vinegar odor, don’t worry. It will dissipate in a day or two.
- Washing the bag is also an option. Mix a small amount of dish soap or mild detergent with water.
- Use a soft cloth to wash the bag with the sudsy water.
- Rinse by wiping the bag with a moist, clean cloth.
- Allow the bag to dry completely.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Newspaper can also absorb odors. Wrap the bag in newspaper and allow it to sit. If you can place it in a plastic bag, it will help even more. The paper will absorb the odor from the bag.
- Ammonia can be also be used when mixed with water and applied to the surface. Be sure to do a test area first as ammonia can discolor decorative plastic.
This tip worked very well! Thank you so much!!!!!!!
I have a Lois Vuitton suitcase that was stored in the attic when it was very hot for several days. It has a very strong burnt plastic smell. I’ve tried everything. Nothing is absorbing the odor. Should I give up?
Linda,
There are a couple more ideas in the guide How to Remove Burnt Plastic Odors: fresh coffee grounds or activated charcoal. If you want to do the bag trick with these, put them in a cup or bowl inside the suitcase and/or next to it in the bag, and be careful not to tip the bowls when putting the suitcase in the bag as they might stain. Good luck!
I did that too. Nothing is working!!!! I think they are ruined. But thank you anyway.
Old costumers trick. Buy the cheapest vodka you can find. Put it in a spray bottle. MIST, do not saturate the cloth. Leave the suitcase open to dry out. With costumes, we hang them by a small fan. Odors sometimes evaporate as the alcohol dries. If not, make cocktails.