The Energon Pub

So I've got some smelly TF's and I want to de-stink 'em.

Today I recieved a box of TF's, Energon Hot Shot, Signal Flare and Strongarm. Good stuff, yes. But when I had them in hand... The smell punched me in the nostrils. Now my sense of smell isn't that great, so I can't really identify the stink, my guess is nicotine.

Have you ever had stinky TF's and how do I get them clean?

Well, my PVC anime gals do stink when newly opened Seems like it's the plastic materials that's the cause. In Tfs case I don't recall ever encountering such.

Are you sure its nicotine? try spraying lysol (the aerosol version) on it. Careful with colored parts so try it on a TF junker. Also, I read that ammonia + water on the walls but that would be dangerous on plastics.

Lysol? Check. I'm not sure about the nicotine, though.

I've read that soap and water do a lot as well. Any danger in that?

Since energon figures don't have any labels on them, and I don't believe those particular ones have electronics, if you really get desperate, you could throw them in the dishwasher or washing machine. That's what I did with a stinky Wii remote strap and cover. If you do go that way, make sure you don't use hot water. With the dishwasher probably better to not run the drying cycle and instead hand/air dry them. With the washing machine, I'd keep it to a gentle cycle, and maybe place each figure inside a sock or something (and definitely don't put them in the dryer!)

I think some people have had success just leaving them outside for a while, but then you need to worry about the elements, direct sunlight, animals, etc.

Use your own discretion, if you think anything I've suggested might wreck your toys, don't do it. Good luck in any event.

Maybe soak them for 5 minutes (or longer if needed) in 1 part Vinegar to 8 or 10 parts water. Gently dry them off with a paper towel or towel, then place in front of a fan to let them air dry. This is also great for preventing fruits like strawberries or raspberries from molding within a couple of days of getting them from your local grocery store or farmer's market! You can fix toys and impress your significant other all at the same time. More about the wonders of vinegar can be found here: http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/808075/cleaning-with-vinegar

You could also try a diluted bleach concentration as well, but only leave them in it for a few minutes (and be sure not to get the bleach on your clothes).

Also, just letting them be out where the plastic can breathe for a few weeks will do wonders all on its own. I've bought dozens of collections over the past few years where the figures smell from cigarette smoke or mold and never had a problem after giving them a gentle bath with hot water, soap and a toothbrush, or just letting the really bad ones soak in some bleach water for a few minutes (vinegar is my new thing though because it doesn't cause as many problems as bleach can).

Let us know what you end up trying!

With no vinegar in my kitchen, I tried regular soap and a sponge, followed by a soak for about two hours. After that, I let them dry. I'm happy to say that I didn't damage anything and they smell neutral again. Thanks for all of your input!

RhA wrote:With no vinegar in my kitchen, I tried regular soap and a sponge, followed by a soak for about two hours. After that, I let them dry. I'm happy to say that I didn't damage anything and they smell neutral again. Thanks for all of your input!

Bots with BO, I think you can use baking soda to remove odour? but good to hear your bots are minty fresh-ish again.

MightyMagnus78 wrote:

RhA wrote:With no vinegar in my kitchen, I tried regular soap and a sponge, followed by a soak for about two hours. After that, I let them dry. I'm happy to say that I didn't damage anything and they smell neutral again. Thanks for all of your input!

Bots with BO, I think you can use baking soda to remove odour? but good to hear your bots are minty fresh-ish again.

They smell pretty once more.

Just in case anyone else has the issue, Vinegar will absorb odours. Put some in a bowl and put in a sealed container with the smelly toys stood next to it for a while. After, let the toys air outside to get rid of the vinegar smell and see if that works.

The Blaster i sent ya didn't stink did it?

I suggest chopping up some onions and throwing both the onion bits and the TF in a ziplock bag and put it in the fridge for a week. Onions absorb odour in your fridge and , if left out in the open, from a smelly room aswell. So i reckon it will do the same for your figures.........................trust me.

Its good to hear that your TFs are smelling neutral again. I doubt if onions would have stopped stinking smell of TF toys.