The only thing I have no clue on how to fix it on a bike....smoke odor
04-16-11, 01:08 PM
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The only thing I have no clue on how to fix it on a bike....smoke odor
Hi guys, recently I picked up a Bianchi Strada LX for a relatively low price. It's previous owner was a chain smoker and the bike has the smoke odor. Yesterday I had the bike under the sunlight and wind for some nice fresh air. Now the bike is cleaned but the saddle (the vintage leather Turbo saddle) is still the same and has a strong, awful smoke odor in it. Wondering what should I do in order to remove that awful smell from the saddle. Thanks! 
04-16-11, 01:29 PM
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Most motels and auto detailers have a spray to mask cigarette smoke. I don't know if it'll work on a saddle but you can stop in and ask if they'll help you out with a shot.
Otherwise, if it's a full leather saddle, saddle soap or another leather treatment might help. In any case this will go away on it's own eventually.
Otherwise, if it's a full leather saddle, saddle soap or another leather treatment might help. In any case this will go away on it's own eventually.
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
04-16-11, 01:43 PM
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Check the bar tape as an odor source also but it's easy to change if it's one of the culprits.
04-16-11, 01:50 PM
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traditionally, ammonia is used to to clean/cut nicotine. I'm not sure how ammonia and your leather saddle will get along, but diluted and immediate follow up with saddle soap (as in horse saddle) and maybe a leather balm might help. I bought a bike to flip, stripped it down, and the frame alone stunk like cigarettes. Wiped the frame down (several times) with a 50/50 solution, and no more stinky work area. Proceed at your on risk, or maybe replace the saddle.
04-16-11, 04:12 PM
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I'd check with a leather care and cleaning outfit. I'm sure they run into this issue with leather garments or furniture a lot. They'll have the product or can clean your saddle for you.
As for the rest clean and bring in items one at a time to check for residual smoke odor in a still room.
As for the rest clean and bring in items one at a time to check for residual smoke odor in a still room.
04-16-11, 09:06 PM
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So, swap the bar tape/grips, and follow these tips (from Livestrong, of all places.) For the saddle soap, car guys swear by Zaitano Z-10 leather cleaner to get nicotine smoke smell out of their car's leather upholstery.
04-16-11, 10:38 PM
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A cheap and easy mix is a box of arm & hammer baking soda, add water and mix into paste. Rub it on the bike, seat, and bar tape. Let it dry over nite. Wash it off the naxt day and put some treatment on the leather. Saddle soap is great. Baking soda neutralizes and absorbs the chemicals in the smoke.
