Q Reader’s Odor Question
“Sooo…. I’m in college and work at a medicinal marijuana distribution facility. I am very straight edge, and my friends, family and roommates have no idea of this part of my life. I’d like to keep it this way! My problem is that my schooling backpack continually smells of a fresh weed odor. Last night, my roommate Jordy actually asked me if I had been around an area of a skunk spray. I worry that they will soon find out about this additional income source if I don’t take measures to prevent it from happening. Can you help me? Many Thanks! – Kevin”
A Smell Removal Answers
1 White Vinegar Wash Cycle
As a preliminary step, you will want to work to deodorize the backpack to eliminate any musty weed odors. You can accomplish this by adding an deodorizing boost to your normal detergent washing machine cycle of the backpack. Once you have checked to see if your backpack is machine washable, you will want to place the machine settings accordingly, and proceed to add in a additional cup of white vinegar within the cycle. Once completed, hang the backpack outside to air dry rather than opting for the drying machine. This will help to avoid unwanted shrinkage and will help to lift away any additional odors.
2 Baking Soda Detergent Boost
If you do not have white vinegar, baking soda can work well as a deodorizing alternative. Measure one cup of baking soda and add it within a normal wash cycle along with normal washing machine detergent. The baking soda will work to absorb some of the deep weed odors within the fiber and leave it smelling fresh. Similar to white vinegar, you will want to hang to backpack outside to naturally air dry rather than using the drying machine.
3 Vodka Spray
If you are on the go, spraying your backpack down with vodka can be highly effective at cutting through many of the odors. The high alcohol content neutralizes many weed odors on contact and works to dry away odorously. Pour a small amount of vodka within a spray bottle and proceed to spray down your backpack. Once you have sprayed down the entire backpack, put the backpack in the sun to allow the alcohol to quickly evaporate and lift much of the unwanted aroma away.
4 Deodorizing Product Spray
As another fast solution, the use of a store bought deodorizing product can work well at covering up the odor within the short term. Whether it is Glade or Febreze, will need to give the backpack a thorough spray down and place it within the sun to quickly evaporate. In many circumstances, this will be sufficient to properly cover the scent of weed.
5 Trash Bag the Backpack
As a preventative solution, you may want to consider always having a trash bag within your backpack. Any time that you anticipate being around weed, simply place the backpack within the enclosed trash bag. This will ensure that no weedy residues will make their way within the canvas material.
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Photo credit: Chuck Coker
If you have the time, this solution can work wonders in absorbing difficult odors from within a backpack. Place several charcoal briquettes within an old pair of nylon leggings to avoid the charcoal rubbing off within the interior. After washing the residues from the interior area of the spill, place the nylon enclosed activated charcoal briquettes within the interior of the affected pouch and zip closed. Allow backpack to sit for 5-7 days as the charcoal briquettes absorb the unwanted aromas.
These morning grounds are fantastic at absorbing odors from enclosed spaces. Bundle several paper towel balls with coffee grounds inside. Place 2-3 of these bound coffee ground balls within the affected pouch of backpack and zip the compartment closed. Provide 3-4 days for the coffee grounds to absorb the unwanted odors before removing them and putting the backpack into use. The odor will be removed, leaving behind a gentile aroma of coffee.
This solution will have the effect of absorbing the unwanted odor within the wadded up newspaper and adding a gentile scent of vanilla. Wad up several pieces of newspaper and lightly moisten the edges with vanilla extract. Place these newspaper wads within the enclosed compartment and provide 2-3 days for all of the odor to be absorbed within the paper fiber.
This household acid works to strip odors off the outside of a backpack without harming the waterproof sealant. Create a solution of one part white vinegar to three part warm water and pour within a spray bottle. Spritz down the outside of the backpack until the material becomes moist and hang outside to air dry. After a day hanging outside to air dry, fetch the freshened backpack and place back within use.
This solution helps to remove odors by using the powers of active enzymes. You can buy an enzyme cleaning spray at pet stores and most grocery stores. Use the enzyme spray to mist down the entire affected outside portion of the backpack and hang outside to air dry.
The high levels of alcohol help to neutralize odors on the spot. Mix a rubbing alcohol and water in equal parts and pour within a spray bottle. Spritz down the exterior of backpack and hang for the day to air dry. Once backpack completely dries off put back into use.