[Libs-Or] How to remove cigarette smell from books?

[Perry Stokes, Library Director]

We use a Stinkboss<https://stinkboss.com/> athletic gear/shoe deodorizer
It uses ozone and mild heat (optional).

Pros

·         Generally effective for smoke, pet, and mystery odors on books and AV media cases.

·         Most items only need a standard 90 minute cycle. Additional time may be needed for stubborn items.

Cons

·         Only a few items can fit in it at one time.

·         Locate in an area where staff exposure is minimized. Some people are sensitive to ozone exposure even at low levels.

·         Sniff test is only way to determine if items are sufficiently deodorized.

-----------------------------------------
Perry Stokes | Library Director
Baker County Library District | 2400 Resort St | Baker City, OR 97814
o: 866-297-1239<tel:866-297-1239> | m: 541.403.0450<tel:541.403.0450> | f: 541-523-9088<tel:541-523-9088> | e: director at bakerlib.org<mailto:director at bakerlib.org>




From: Libs-Or <libs-or-bounces at omls.oregon.gov> On Behalf Of Sophia Bogle via Libs-Or
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2025 3:43 PM
To: akuestner at luld.org
Cc: LIBS-OR at omls.oregon.gov
Subject: Re: [Libs-Or] How to remove cigarette smell from books?

Here is a video I made on the subject. The key is the zeolite granules which are reusable and are safe to be next to books. Propping the pages helps and having a tight seal on the container.
Good luck!
~Sophia Bogle
[9-103-Prop-open-smelly-book-to-deodorize.png]
9-103: Deodorize Books<https://saveyourbooks.com/course/how-to-deodorize-smelly-books/>
saveyourbooks.com<https://saveyourbooks.com/course/how-to-deodorize-smelly-books/>


On Jul 25, 2025, at 2:59 PM, akuestner--- via Libs-Or <libs-or at omls.oregon.gov<mailto:libs-or at omls.oregon.gov>> wrote:
Hello,

Some of Lower Umpqua Library District's patrons smoke and have returned books with a very pronounced cigarette smell. Staff have made several attempts to remove the smell but not yet been successful. How do other libraries handle this? Is there an efficient and inexpensive way to remove cigarette smoke smell from books?

Thank you,

Alex Kuestner
Library Director/District Manager
Lower Umpqua Library
395 Winchester Ave
Reedsport, Oregon 97467
(541) 271-3500
www.luld.org<http://www.luld.org>
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