My figures stink!
 

Some figures I just bought off ebay reek of cigarette smoke. Any tips on eliminating the odor?

This is a pretty common problem within the 'loose' collecting community. One way to avoid this conundrum in the future is to pay close attention to the photos. When viewing a potential loose score on eBay, I utilize the zoom feature of my laptop touch-screen to closely inspect my nabs prior to committing to purchase **I buy many things out of the package - less for me to throw out** If the figure looks dusty, or unkempt, there's a good chance I'll pass opting to pay more for a figure that looks to be from a 'collector's' stash.

Here's a former thread on ideas to rid your toys of unwanted odors (pay particular attention to jabalong and Erland; they've provided the best suggestions IMO):

http://www.toyark.com/best-way-remov...figures-79994/

My friend bought an original Kenner Carbonite block Han Solo at a trade center for dirt cheap, and it had this same problem. I told him to put it in a tupperware bowl, and cover it completely with baking soda. He let it sit for 2 days and all the stink was gone, hope that helps!

Send them back and let the seller know he misrepresented the figures by not telling you they smell like smoke.

If they aren't stained buy a gallon bucket of Damp Rid, and set the figure or figures on top the Damp Rid for a week, if you they still have a smell give them another week or two, and they should be free of any smell.

I think I’d actually quite like a figure of Reek from GoT that actually did reek. Definite MIB job though.

I'm a weirdo who just looks for a non-smoking home in the written description.

I got a die-cast Transformer years ago that stunk of smoke. On advice I wrapped it in dryer sheets, and stuck it in a box ... which worked, but I also had forgotten about it for several weeks, so now the dryer sheet's scent won't go away.

Point: don't do what I did.

Meanwhile, I think I'll try the baking soda thing when I can get to it. (is in storage)

Oh, you're no weirdo. I do the same thing, but add a close inspection of photos because people don't always tell the truth...kinda par for the course these days...

I got a Play Arts that reeked of stale cigarettes. I honestly just forgot about it and it was gone in a month or so... It was behind glass with tons of DC Collectibles figures that reek anyway of the plastic and paints. So maybe that factored into it.

Had some others smell of unclean dog or what have you, goes away eventually. What I can't stand is actual grime and stuff. But it too can clean off.

Guess I'm not as picky because if it doesn't fit itself I can take a little time to take care of it. I even buy broken rare figures on the cheap and fix them for myself. Got an 80 DC Figure for 10 and fixed a simple broken pin. Just like new.

Funny you should mention zooming in on photos. I just put some figures up for sale on ebay and took pictures of them standing on a dusty tv stand. Even though the figures are clean, I wonder if potential buyers are passing on my auction because they think I'm a slob. Lol.

Eh, these figures are pretty rare and were bought at a decent price so I'm definitely keeping them. As for the seller misreprensenting the figures, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. Smokers tend to be "nose blind" to their own smell so it's possible he didn't realize how strong the smell is to a nonsmoker.
That works if you rarely touch your figures, but I constantly fiddle with my new toys for the first couple of weeks. Believe me, the smell gets to you when you handle them regularly. You are correct that the smell will become less noticeable with time but I'd rather they just not smell at all.

In any case, thanks to everyone who offered advice. I'm going to go with the baking soda tip.

@maczero

lol Maybe? It's all in the presentation and marketing, right? 'Greasy-spoon' restaurants usually make some of the best food, but most people wouldn't know that because they're turned off by the appearance of the establishment. I frequent dive bars on the regular in NYC because they're cheaper, less crowded, and more fun. Again, most people are turned off by the appearance, which serves me well enough, but limits the amount of business that eatery/watering hole is able to do.

How does all of this relate to your TV stand? If you're offloading something of value, you may be doing the bidder a favor in not presenting the auction in the best light possible. I've nabbed some items for well below what they generally go for by keying in on a quality auction that looks like it was created by a 'hoarder' peddling 'junk.' Plus...how hard is it to wipe down your stand and take new photos? ;)

*smh*.....i KNEW that was you back in that corner with a Schlitz Malt Liquor in one hand and and Bi-Beast in the other.

LOL no doubt!

I hope your Christmas was a great one, B!