Remove smoking smells etc

[Pinto]

We have just bought an Abbey Spectrum 535 92005) at a
knockdown price from friends who are going to live abroad. They’ve had it from
new and the only downer is that they are both smokers and have lived in it 24/7
for the last 18 months as he has been working away from home on contract.
Before I start scrubbing are there any tips for helping me clean it ? I realise
it will never smell as sweet as a non-smoking van but we have two dogs so i
expect non-doggie people would smell them in our current van. Also, the
upholstery covers need a clean and look a bit jaded – can I buy replacement
covers ? I don’t mind if the colour is different. Can I wash the curtains ?

 

[nickmac73]

hi,
good luck with that...
nicotine clings to hard surfaces like a film of oil so you can wash it off with a good lemon type cleaner, hot water and bubbles type thing.
any soft furnishings wash them in the washing machine use a fabric conditioner.
bicarbonate of soda...sprinkle that everywhere thats good...
replace as much as you can with new and open the windows...

 

[SirRogerFFS]

Another thing to remember is what will be in the carpets ,so give them a good clean as well. As was said above nicotine is a terrible smell to get rid of but a Fabric freshener with Fabreeze may help,I know some of the covers in caravans can some what of a pain to remove. You could also leave door and windows open where possible for as long as possible ,this may help too.
Good Luck, Sir Roger

 

[otherclive]

You could shampoo the carpets using something like a Vax/Bissell?Henry as the water/detergent helps penetrate the fibres. Alternatively take out the carpets if they are fitted and replace with vinyl flooring and mats. You can also shampoo covers in situ with Vax etc.

 

[Pinto]

Thanks for the replies. I googled a solution and sugar soap
or Milton was suggested too. Luckily the floors are the wood look a like so no
carpets to bother with and we can buy new mats. I was worried the covers would
shrink if I washed them as they are thick material esp in the washing machine.

The battery on it is shot, so we have had it plugged in at
home to try things out. The mains lights work but not the battery operated ones
– I would have thought that they should do if we have the mains plugged in. Is
there an isolator switch – does anyone know where the fuses are ?

 

[Bri2]

You have said the Battery is shot, thats probably your answer. Also is it still connected? I'm not absolutly certain but I seem to recall you need one fitted for the 12v system to function even on 240v plugin. I stand to be corrected on that though.

 

[Pinto]

Sorted now - operator error Our other van has one switch for power and lights - this one has a battery on switch and a separate one for lights. Hubby knew where the fuses were anyway and had already checked those.
Thanks for all the help

There may be some other daft questions - we've only been caravanning for 22 years !!!!