Cleaning inside of guitar case?

Question

A while ago I bought a used Fender Strat, only to find that the inside of it's case smelled less than pleasant. Anyone know some way to rid myself of said stench?

Answer 1

Hello Jack.   I am familiar with your dilemma and this is what I do.    First of all,  vacuum out the case with one of those small hand held machines...  be very thorough as tiny lint and dust particles will contain some of the odor.   Set the case in a safe place where it will not be disturbed / kicked / opened / moved.  Inside the case place two or three small opened containers of vanilla extract ....  I suggest using catchup cups - like you get from a fast food place (don't fill all the way to the top)  Vanilla is what painters and carpenters use to remove strong paint smells.  What will happen is the vanilla will absorb the odor  right into the cup...  it is really amazing.   After about 24 hours,  remove the vanilla and set the case outside in bright daylight sun.   If there is still a lingering odor, and there might be,  depending on how bad it is now..... you can repeat the process.     I am not sure if you want to actually spray the inside with any chemicals if you want to put the guitar back into it... might not be good for the wood or varnish.   Hope it does the trick for you....   I has worked for me with cases that have strong old metal odors.

Answer 2

The smell is due to the case not being opened for a while.

Put it outside and let it air for one or 2 days. Also, use febreeze . It contains agents that kill the odor.

But first, air it in the open. That usually works ...