Need advice on getting out cigarette odor..

**jjoseph** · 13th July 05, 10:33 AM

As the oldest child in a brood of ten..... soaking stuff in borax (from diapers to dad's "wreaks of cigar" shirts does wonders): warm pail of water, cup of borax from the local grocer's, soak your wet item overnight, then launder normally w/ some clorox II and detergent. Does wonders and is pretty gentle on cloth.

The lemon, vineagar, soda solution works too, but it weakens material and is more likely to yellow synthetics (as will bleach).

If the material is dark (navy, black, black watch), you may see a bit of fading from borax (no more than you'd see from 10 washings), but if you've already laundered several times, and the wreak is still there, it's worth it.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 17th July 05, 06:35 AM

If it were me.... I'd take them to the dry cleaners, explain the problem to them, let them work on it 'till the problem is solved.

When in doubt.... deligate!

**kiltedpride** · 29th August 05, 01:30 PM

I'd buy a decent kilt in the first place and then you might not have this problem. But try using a steamer - that often does the trick.

**Shay** · 29th August 05, 01:38 PM

kiltedpride, that's rather harsh- I hope you're expressing your opinion about a style of kilt and not slagging on someone for not being able to afford something costing hundreds of dollars brand new.

An old trick from bookselling- put the offending object in a clean bag or box with non-dust non-scent kitty litter for a couple days, changing the litter every once in a while. It sounds silly, but we saved many an old tome this way from cigar smoke, pet scent, and once, skunk smell.

**kiltedpride** · 29th August 05, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Shay

kiltedpride, that's rather harsh- I hope you're expressing your opinion about a style of kilt and not slagging on someone for not being able to afford something costing hundreds of dollars brand new.

Indeed - good quality kilts have a open weave that breathes. It is dangerous to buy cheap in kilting terms. I have 12 kilts and one of my ealry ones is still going strong after 25 years - it must have cost circa £300 by todays prices but after 25years wear what a bargain ! You wont get that wear out of the pretend kilts let alone a pair of trousers. {But I accept that I'd rarther see a guy in any old kilt than no kilt at all - at least he might eventually see the light and decide to buy a proper kilt. I bought a cheap kilt as a starter and it was a complete waist of money, but that is another story}

**Riverkilt** · 29th August 05, 03:04 PM

Ummm Chief...no way Utilikilts are cheap. I own three UK Mockers and wear them to work in an office setting. Yes, I own traditional hand sewn tartans too.

Mark just had a question about smoke removal, no need for questioning his choice of purchase. That's about as individual as it gets.

We try to make nice, most of the time, on this board...of course I'm quite sure Mark can take very good care of himself.

Ron

**motorman4life** · 7th September 05, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

I'm quite sure Mark can take very good care of himself.

Maybe it's me, but I tend to ignore people that don't know the difference between waste and waist.

Thank you everyone for your input. I think I have the problem solved.

**Archangel** · 29th August 05, 03:10 PM

I can appreciate the sensitivity to cigarette smoke smell. I share that. I've found that the best solution for me is to wear the thing frequently. Specifically, going to concerts in bars with my outback duster and coming home just reeking. Seems to be the solution.

BTW, I'm also from Edinburgh, bought an extremely expensive heavy-weight kilt when I was 17, had a job in the merchant marines back then. I now have a sportkilt and a Canadian Army surplus kilt with a 1983 date on the label. Sincere congratulations on your ebay deals.