Date:         Tue, 19 Dec 2000 11:53:37 -0500
Reply-To:     Doug Alcock <dgalcock@HEWITT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Doug Alcock <dgalcock@HEWITT.COM>
Subject:      Re: removing smoke smell-- need help pls
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

> there
> > are other remedies, but I cannot remember!  Anyone know any tricks?
>
> There are professionals that do this in houses that have had a fire...
>
> but if you have a really sensitive nose sometimes no matter what you do
the
> smell never goes away... it just fades a bit...
>
> Bill

I used to be one of those people (fire restoration types). The basic drill is
      clean, clean, clean.

Obviously your upholstery, drapes, headliner, door panels need a major cleaning.
      Smoke, cigarette

or otherwise, gets everywhere ---- particularly anywhere even slightly porous.
      All your insulation is suspect

and needs replacing to be thorough. Interior panels should be smoke-sealed (with
      quick-dry alcohol or naptha

based sealers designed for this purpose) back, front and edges and then
      repainted --- this will take care of nicotine staining if you have that

as well. If this sounds like a lot of work, it is. It is almost impossible to
      get all the smell out --- even when an insurance

company is giving you a pretty much open ticket to do so. You can get most of it
      ---- and the homeowner (or van owner in your case)

simply "gets used to" the little that remains.



Cheers,

Doug

'84 Westy

Toronto, Canada