Cleaning Question

#1 10-20-2002, 10:13 PM

Does anyone have any ideas about how to clean a carving that has been exposed to excessive cigarette smoke and now smells like cigarettes? It's painted with acrylics and has an acrylic varnish on it.

Stumped.

Teri

sheltiecarver · #2 10-21-2002, 12:36 AM

You might try spraying it with some Febreeze - it works on lots of strange things. Â*Of course, a quick scrub might take off any tarry stuff. Â*Good luck!

lorax · #3 10-21-2002, 05:58 AM

Wow I feel like a youngster! Im 32, father of a 3 year old boy, 1 year old girl, and been married for years on thursday. I have a Greyhound , two turtles and some evil little fish. I am in the military, and go to art school half time. I know what you all must be wondering--'what does he do with all that free time?'

lorax · #4 10-21-2002, 06:04 AM

Sorry, posted to the wrong message above. But as long as I here, when we bought our house, the walls were covered in nicotine, we used a cleaner called 'Mean Green' found at Wal Mart. It didn't damage the paint at all.

AlArchie · #5 10-21-2002, 07:54 AM

I think Lorax has it right; that green stuff (it's called Simple Green around here) works great, has no hazardous additives and is biodegradable. Seems to clean most everything and has a deodorizing quality, too.

Try it on a small area to make sure it won't damage the finish, but the stuff is really pretty mild. Or ya might try a little Ivory soap on a damp washcloth to get the grime off.
The only thing I've found to really get rid of the cigarette smell (we have smoking relatives) is LOTS of fresh air after the smoke film is removed.

Al

#6 10-21-2002, 05:26 PM

You could try making a mild baking soda solutiion and giving it a gentle bath in that. Have never tried it, but baking soda seems to kill most smells.

#7 10-22-2002, 01:20 AM

Tried the Simple Green, and then a splash of Febreeze!! Smells lovely right now....let's see in a few days ???

#8 10-22-2002, 06:49 AM

Now that you have the surface layer cleaned, give the carving a good airing outdoors for several hours. If the odors return in a couple weeks or less, then the smoke has permeated the paint.
If so, then break up some charcoal(from the grill) and put the carving and charcoal pieces in a plastic bag for a week or more. The charcoal absorbs all the odors permanently.

#9 10-22-2002, 07:16 PM

Bless you, Jack...and everyone.....my life is saved 8)

Teri