Removing cigarette odor from a lens?

Hjonkers · Mar 21, 2025

So. I bought a secondhand Voigtlander 75mm f1.5 (Nikon Z mount) off ebay at what seemed like a pretty good price. Original packaging, from a seller who claimed that they had barely used it.

The problem was that when I opened the box I was greeted by an awful tobacco odor! And of course since this had never come up in previous purchases, so I hadn't even considered it. The seller doesn't claim it's from a smoke-free home either, so no chance to complain to the site.

The lens itself is in perfect condition, at least. No marks or scratches, and the glass seems completely clean. I did test it on my Zf and it worked perfectly. But that smell is quite a problem!

The lens itself doesn't seem to have much of an odor, but when I remove the rear lens cap I can smell tobacco around the recessed rear element. I left it uncapped for a couple hours and the odor seemed to dissipate, so I capped it again; and when I removed the rear lens cap again the odor was back in full force.

I'm pretty sensitive to that tobacco smell, so I'm planning to attempt to leave the lens (uncapped) in a shoebox with an open box of baking soda for a few days. Does anyone have any reason why this might be a bad idea? And are there any other suggestions for removing this odor so I don't soak up an expensive loss?

Lisa Horton · Mar 31, 2025

Stillton said:
ThrillaMozilla said:

Aw, for gosh sakes. Just wipe it with something. Almost anything that evaporates. Well, beware of the effect of petrochemicals and oils on rubber. Just keep your eyes open and be careful that it's not something that eats rubber, etc.

You don't have to buy a crazy machine or let it sit for years. A lot of that will disappear with just a damp cloth. Ammonia may help. Be careful about alcohol. Test it carefully. It might eat rubber, and denatured alcohol may very well leave a residue. They don't tell you what's in "denatured" alcohol, and it isn't all alcohol! The tobacco stuff may keep oozing out of rubber for some time, so be prepared to clean it two or three times if necessary.

Clean the glass with any normal lens cleaner.

Smokers and former smokers have no idea how offensive that odor is, and how long it lasts.

Click to expand...

Yep, this is why I said that using naturally occurring O3 would be enough. Just set it outside for a day or some (obviously not when it is too cold or rainy).

Ex smoker here who had to de-smoke all her gear. Setting it outside for a day won't make much difference at all. It might make enough of a difference to be barely perceptible. Maybe.

People who've never removed smoke residue have no idea how tough that stuff is. Smoke contains substantial amounts of tar. That tar is what forms a film on everything it touches. That tar is what makes the smell. If you don't remove the tar, you won't remove the smell. If you're depending on sitting it outside, it's going to have to sit for months if not years to get rid of most of the smell.

A damp cloth isn't going to make any real difference. You need to use something that will dissolve the tar (and not dissolve your camera's soft parts).

The only thing I found that works well is a long-nap microfiber towel moistened (not wetted) with 409 or similar cleaner. Followed by another towel moistened with clear water to remove the cleaner residue. You have to use something that will dissolve the tar. Period.

Bob · Apr 1, 2025

monte12345 said:
So why UV light. It kills Bacteria and much of what we smell is a result of Bacteria at work. In addition it also kills Fungi and is a common treatment for Lens Fungus so it has a long history of not doing any damage to camera lenses. Finally UV lights are now fairly inexpensive so testing this out won't be a budget buster. BTW, I haven't a clue if this will work but if I were in your position I would try it out.

UV also degrades plastics, destroys foam seals, and fades paint. If not careful, destroys eyes too.

ThrillaMozilla · Apr 1, 2025

For any special cleaning job, it's a good idea to start with the most innocuous solvent. Water will probably remove a good bit of the crud. I haven't cleaned a tobacco-destroyed object recently, but I did hire professionals to clean a whole house that was terribly steeped in tobacco. They use ammonia for the job, with good success. If you get that far, you will probably have removed all or most of the crud. At that point I would try a cleaner, possibly the 409 or whatever. Whatever you use, try carefully on rubber and plastic.

Lisa Horton · Apr 1, 2025

Bob said:
monte12345 said:

So why UV light. It kills Bacteria and much of what we smell is a result of Bacteria at work. In addition it also kills Fungi and is a common treatment for Lens Fungus so it has a long history of not doing any damage to camera lenses. Finally UV lights are now fairly inexpensive so testing this out won't be a budget buster. BTW, I haven't a clue if this will work but if I were in your position I would try it out.

Click to expand...

UV also degrades plastics, destroys foam seals, and fades paint. If not careful, destroys eyes too.

Also, UV light won't do a thing to remove the tar that is the source of the odor.

Lisa Horton · Apr 1, 2025

ThrillaMozilla said:
For any special cleaning job, it's a good idea to start with the most innocuous solvent. Water will probably remove a good bit of the crud. I haven't cleaned a tobacco-destroyed object recently, but I did hire professionals to clean a whole house that was terribly steeped in tobacco. They use ammonia for the job, with good success. If you get that far, you will probably have removed all or most of the crud. At that point I would try a cleaner, possibly the 409 or whatever. Whatever you use, try carefully on rubber and plastic.

I have *extensive* experience dealing with cleaning smoky objects. The main source of the odor is the tar. Water alone won't do anything to tar. My mom made me use ammonia cleaner for the bathroom when I was a teenager and that stuff seems way stronger than 409. Probably a good choice for doing a house, but I'm dubious how safe it is to use on a camera.

To recap, I smoked for 40 years and then quit 10 years ago. I had to de-smoke all my gear. Even gear that was stored in plastic drawers and in camera bags got smoke tar and smell. Camera bodies were the worst since I'm always using them. Some less uses lenses weren't as bad. The worst was my Domke canvas camera bags.

Through the years, being a smoker did adversely affect the resale value of gear that I sold, so I learned to get rid of the smell. All of it. Without adversely affecting the camera. So when I did quit I already knew the right materials and techniques.

ThrillaMozilla · Apr 1, 2025

Lisa Horton said:
I have *extensive* experience dealing with cleaning smoky objects. The main source of the odor is the tar. Water alone won't do anything to tar. My mom made me use ammonia cleaner for the bathroom when I was a teenager and that stuff seems way stronger than 409. Probably a good choice for doing a house, but I'm dubious how safe it is to use on a camera.

To recap, I smoked for 40 years and then quit 10 years ago. I had to de-smoke all my gear. Even gear that was stored in plastic drawers and in camera bags got smoke tar and smell. Camera bodies were the worst since I'm always using them. Some less uses lenses weren't as bad. The worst was my Domke canvas camera bags.

Through the years, being a smoker did adversely affect the resale value of gear that I sold, so I learned to get rid of the smell. All of it. Without adversely affecting the camera. So when I did quit I already knew the right materials and techniques.

Congratulations on kicking the habit!

There are so many suggestions that I thought I'd check with Mr. Internet. It turns out that people recommend almost everything. Almost everyone recommends something different, and they're probably all right. I am amazed.

Nicotine is soluble in water, ammonia, hydrocarbons, and probably acids, so that accounts for all those recommendations. I still believe in plain water as a starting point.

The tar, however, is something else, and you're right. It's sticky gunk. Alcohol, petroleum distillates, acetone, household cleaners. They probably all work--sort of--but some of them might also remove the paint from your camera equipment. As for ammonia, it smells strong, but that just means it's volatile. That doesn't mean that it eats equipment.

To the OP: I'll bet you can't go wrong with Lisa Horton's recommendation. But the main thing is, just do something! Use whatever it takes. You can hardly go too far wrong. And I'm sure people will appreciate it if you report back.

WildImages · Apr 1, 2025

I Googled each recommended item in the above threads and they all are not recommended for use on rubber, especially 409, isopropyl alcohol and ammonia. I suspect that extended use or extended wetting with any of the above would cause the rubber to become brittle or even dissolve. I checked carbon tetrachloride (Probably not available) and it even is not recommended for use as it damages rubber. Also, I have some doubt if some of the chemicals might remove the colors on the lens but cannot make that call.

I used to repair old radio sets that were filled with smoke residue. I would, as mentioned above, use ozone spray and just spray the insides. This always worked for me and is also what car aftermarket accessory sellers recommend. You have nothing to lose with this method but you may, as well as me, be confused by all the recommendations above. Water may well start the de-smell process but it probably won't cut the tar.

It is your lens and your call. Good luck what ever you do!

rsn · Apr 1, 2025

From a Google search: "Yes, vinegar can help neutralize and reduce cigarette smoke smells, especially when used in conjunction with other methods like baking soda and air purification."

ThrillaMozilla · Apr 1, 2025

WildImages said:
I Googled each recommended item in the above threads and they all are not recommended for use on rubber, especially 409, isopropyl alcohol and ammonia.

Are you sure? Most chemical compatibility charts are for prolonged exposure (probably hours to weeks) in concentrated forms. For example, you may have viewed chemical compatibility of rubber with anhydrous ammonia or concentrated ammonium hydroxide. Household ammonia is dilute ammonium hydroxide, and the intended use is with a damp cloth. Also, there are many kinds of rubber.

To the OP: Just try it.

WildImages said:
I suspect that extended use or extended wetting with any of the above would cause the rubber to become brittle or even dissolve. I checked carbon tetrachloride (Probably not available)

Volatile and highly toxic. Don't even think of it.

Victor Engel · Apr 1, 2025

I had the same issue with a bunch of National Geographics someone was giving away. I need to check the boxes they've been sitting in for a few years. I think the smell has mostly faded by now. If not, I'll take them up to the attic one box at a time and set them out the air.

Victor Engel · Apr 1, 2025

Lisa Horton said:
Stillton said:

ThrillaMozilla said:

Aw, for gosh sakes. Just wipe it with something. Almost anything that evaporates. Well, beware of the effect of petrochemicals and oils on rubber. Just keep your eyes open and be careful that it's not something that eats rubber, etc.

You don't have to buy a crazy machine or let it sit for years. A lot of that will disappear with just a damp cloth. Ammonia may help. Be careful about alcohol. Test it carefully. It might eat rubber, and denatured alcohol may very well leave a residue. They don't tell you what's in "denatured" alcohol, and it isn't all alcohol! The tobacco stuff may keep oozing out of rubber for some time, so be prepared to clean it two or three times if necessary.

Clean the glass with any normal lens cleaner.

Smokers and former smokers have no idea how offensive that odor is, and how long it lasts.

Click to expand...

Yep, this is why I said that using naturally occurring O3 would be enough. Just set it outside for a day or some (obviously not when it is too cold or rainy).

Click to expand...

Ex smoker here who had to de-smoke all her gear. Setting it outside for a day won't make much difference at all. It might make enough of a difference to be barely perceptible. Maybe.

People who've never removed smoke residue have no idea how tough that stuff is. Smoke contains substantial amounts of tar. That tar is what forms a film on everything it touches. That tar is what makes the smell. If you don't remove the tar, you won't remove the smell. If you're depending on sitting it outside, it's going to have to sit for months if not years to get rid of most of the smell.

A damp cloth isn't going to make any real difference. You need to use something that will dissolve the tar (and not dissolve your camera's soft parts).

The only thing I found that works well is a long-nap microfiber towel moistened (not wetted) with 409 or similar cleaner. Followed by another towel moistened with clear water to remove the cleaner residue. You have to use something that will dissolve the tar. Period.

The smoke also has very small particles that can travel through things. I once lived in an apartment next door to some chain smokers. Their smoke went right through the drywall into our apartment.

There's a reason hotels have non-smoking rooms. You simply can't just clean a room used by a smoker to the point where a non-smoker can't be overwhelmed by the lingering smell.

WildImages · Apr 1, 2025

ThrillaMozilla said:
WildImages said:

I Googled each recommended item in the above threads and they all are not recommended for use on rubber, especially 409, isopropyl alcohol and ammonia.

Click to expand...

Are you sure? Most chemical compatibility charts are for prolonged exposure (probably hours to weeks) in concentrated forms. For example, you may have viewed chemical compatibility of rubber with anhydrous ammonia or concentrated ammonium hydroxide. Household ammonia is dilute ammonium hydroxide, and the intended use is with a damp cloth. Also, there are many kinds of rubber.

To the OP: Just try it.

ThrillaMozilla said:

I suspect that extended use or extended wetting with any of the above would cause the rubber to become brittle or even dissolve. I checked carbon tetrachloride (Probably not available)

Click to expand...

Volatile and highly toxic. Don't even think of it.

As I indicated I just Googled is ammonia or 409 or isopropyl alcohol safe to use on rubber. Each search returned an answer that it was not advisable. I would never try these on my lens. Looks like you are in favor of using any which is your choice.

I think the OP should be properly confused as to which of the compounds mentioned he should choose.

Lisa Horton · Apr 2, 2025

WildImages said:
I Googled each recommended item in the above threads and they all are not recommended for use on rubber, especially 409, isopropyl alcohol and ammonia. I suspect that extended use or extended wetting with any of the above would cause the rubber to become brittle or even dissolve. I checked carbon tetrachloride (Probably not available) and it even is not recommended for use as it damages rubber. Also, I have some doubt if some of the chemicals might remove the colors on the lens but cannot make that call.

I used to repair old radio sets that were filled with smoke residue. I would, as mentioned above, use ozone spray and just spray the insides. This always worked for me and is also what car aftermarket accessory sellers recommend. You have nothing to lose with this method but you may, as well as me, be confused by all the recommendations above. Water may well start the de-smell process but it probably won't cut the tar.

It is your lens and your call. Good luck what ever you do!

I wouldn't be surprised if "extended wetting" might have adverse affects on rubber. So it's a good thing we're not talking about extended wetting. We're talking about a few seconds of contact, and I'm specifically suggesting removing any cleaner residue with a microfiber towel *dampened* with water.

It's been ten years now since I cleaned all my gear with the method I described. There has been no degradation or other adverse affects to rubber, metal, paint or plastic. Good thing I have enough sense not to immerse my cameras in 409 for extended periods LOL.

Lisa Horton · Apr 2, 2025

ThrillaMozilla said:
Lisa Horton said:

I have *extensive* experience dealing with cleaning smoky objects. The main source of the odor is the tar. Water alone won't do anything to tar. My mom made me use ammonia cleaner for the bathroom when I was a teenager and that stuff seems way stronger than 409. Probably a good choice for doing a house, but I'm dubious how safe it is to use on a camera.

To recap, I smoked for 40 years and then quit 10 years ago. I had to de-smoke all my gear. Even gear that was stored in plastic drawers and in camera bags got smoke tar and smell. Camera bodies were the worst since I'm always using them. Some less uses lenses weren't as bad. The worst was my Domke canvas camera bags.

Through the years, being a smoker did adversely affect the resale value of gear that I sold, so I learned to get rid of the smell. All of it. Without adversely affecting the camera. So when I did quit I already knew the right materials and techniques.

Click to expand...

Congratulations on kicking the habit!

There are so many suggestions that I thought I'd check with Mr. Internet. It turns out that people recommend almost everything. Almost everyone recommends something different, and they're probably all right. I am amazed.

Nicotine is soluble in water, ammonia, hydrocarbons, and probably acids, so that accounts for all those recommendations. I still believe in plain water as a starting point.

The tar, however, is something else, and you're right. It's sticky gunk. Alcohol, petroleum distillates, acetone, household cleaners. They probably all work--sort of--but some of them might also remove the paint from your camera equipment. As for ammonia, it smells strong, but that just means it's volatile. That doesn't mean that it eats equipment.

To the OP: I'll bet you can't go wrong with Lisa Horton's recommendation. But the main thing is, just do something! Use whatever it takes. You can hardly go too far wrong. And I'm sure people will appreciate it if you report back.

I wouldn't be surprised if ammonia based cleaner worked comparably or as well as 409. I just haven't used it and I would only recommend techniques and materials that I have tested on my own equipment.

Thank you for the vote of confidence. Unlike many commenters here, I'm speaking from my own experience cleaning my own smoke off of my own gear.

This month marks ten years exactly for me. I'd tried for so long to quit and always failed. Then one night our new puppy started coughing. I quit the next day and never smoked cigarettes again.

Stillton · Apr 2, 2025

Lisa Horton said:
ThrillaMozilla said:

Lisa Horton said:

I have *extensive* experience dealing with cleaning smoky objects. The main source of the odor is the tar. Water alone won't do anything to tar. My mom made me use ammonia cleaner for the bathroom when I was a teenager and that stuff seems way stronger than 409. Probably a good choice for doing a house, but I'm dubious how safe it is to use on a camera.

To recap, I smoked for 40 years and then quit 10 years ago. I had to de-smoke all my gear. Even gear that was stored in plastic drawers and in camera bags got smoke tar and smell. Camera bodies were the worst since I'm always using them. Some less uses lenses weren't as bad. The worst was my Domke canvas camera bags.

Through the years, being a smoker did adversely affect the resale value of gear that I sold, so I learned to get rid of the smell. All of it. Without adversely affecting the camera. So when I did quit I already knew the right materials and techniques.

Click to expand...

Congratulations on kicking the habit!

There are so many suggestions that I thought I'd check with Mr. Internet. It turns out that people recommend almost everything. Almost everyone recommends something different, and they're probably all right. I am amazed.

Nicotine is soluble in water, ammonia, hydrocarbons, and probably acids, so that accounts for all those recommendations. I still believe in plain water as a starting point.

The tar, however, is something else, and you're right. It's sticky gunk. Alcohol, petroleum distillates, acetone, household cleaners. They probably all work--sort of--but some of them might also remove the paint from your camera equipment. As for ammonia, it smells strong, but that just means it's volatile. That doesn't mean that it eats equipment.

To the OP: I'll bet you can't go wrong with Lisa Horton's recommendation. But the main thing is, just do something! Use whatever it takes. You can hardly go too far wrong. And I'm sure people will appreciate it if you report back.

Click to expand...

I wouldn't be surprised if ammonia based cleaner worked comparably or as well as 409. I just haven't used it and I would only recommend techniques and materials that I have tested on my own equipment.
Thank you for the vote of confidence. Unlike many commenters here, I'm speaking from my own experience cleaning my own smoke off of my own gear.

This month marks ten years exactly for me. I'd tried for so long to quit and always failed. Then one night our new puppy started coughing.

Puppy: "I guess, I will have to do it myself!".

Lisa Horton said:
I quit the next day and never smoked cigarettes again.

Hjonkers · Apr 7, 2025

Thank you everyone for your suggestions and comments, and I do apologize for being late in response!

I did end up wiping down the exterior of the lens with a light fast-drying alcohol wipe, and I purchased new lens caps to replace the ones it came with (in all truth, while I adore Voigtlander's lenses, their caps tend to leave something to be desired).

I've kept the lens packed in the styrofoam casing another CV lens came in (as the 75 came in cardboard casing with fabric wraps; all of which are in the garbage currently), and have kept the lens caps off for the past couple weeks. For the most part the smell has faded, but there's definitely a hint of it left in the rear lens area.

I admit I don't think I'll be using cleaners on the lens, as the most affected part (the interior of the rear) has a rough-feeling material (not sure what it is) that doesn't feel that it will stand up to heavy duty cleaners.

I think at this point I'm going to just let it rest in that box for a couple more weeks, taking it out for a shot here and there. I believe the lack of plastic or rubber parts are the saving grace here, as there's less material for the odor to truly absorb into (at least I hope). Hopefully the last remnants of the odor will fade with more time.

Funny enough, to tell what kind of a person I am, I'm waffling on giving the seller a neutral review. The lens was in 'like new' condition, even with the original wrappings in the packaging, but they said nothing of the smoke smell in their listing. I am a bit too easy going if I won't even write in a complaint on ebay...

But again, thank you to everyone who posted! I appreciated all the advice and have been impressed with how varied the responses have been. I expected this would be easier than it ended up being, but I appreciate all the suggestions (and the stories!).

Lisa Horton · Apr 10, 2025

Hjonkers said:
Thank you everyone for your suggestions and comments, and I do apologize for being late in response!

I did end up wiping down the exterior of the lens with a light fast-drying alcohol wipe, and I purchased new lens caps to replace the ones it came with (in all truth, while I adore Voigtlander's lenses, their caps tend to leave something to be desired).

I've kept the lens packed in the styrofoam casing another CV lens came in (as the 75 came in cardboard casing with fabric wraps; all of which are in the garbage currently), and have kept the lens caps off for the past couple weeks. For the most part the smell has faded, but there's definitely a hint of it left in the rear lens area.

I admit I don't think I'll be using cleaners on the lens, as the most affected part (the interior of the rear) has a rough-feeling material (not sure what it is) that doesn't feel that it will stand up to heavy duty cleaners.

I think at this point I'm going to just let it rest in that box for a couple more weeks, taking it out for a shot here and there. I believe the lack of plastic or rubber parts are the saving grace here, as there's less material for the odor to truly absorb into (at least I hope). Hopefully the last remnants of the odor will fade with more time.

Funny enough, to tell what kind of a person I am, I'm waffling on giving the seller a neutral review. The lens was in 'like new' condition, even with the original wrappings in the packaging, but they said nothing of the smoke smell in their listing. I am a bit too easy going if I won't even write in a complaint on ebay...

But again, thank you to everyone who posted! I appreciated all the advice and have been impressed with how varied the responses have been. I expected this would be easier than it ended up being, but I appreciate all the suggestions (and the stories!).

As someone who, in this thread, recommended a cleaner, I would absolutely not use any sort of cleaner on any sort of fuzzy, soft, or similar surface. Only on hard surfaces, smooth or textured but hard and non porous.

At this point I think time and air are your only answers for the remaining smell.

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Removing cigarette odor from a lens?

Hjonkers

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Lisa Horton

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Bob

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ThrillaMozilla

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Lisa Horton

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Lisa Horton

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ThrillaMozilla

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WildImages

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rsn

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ThrillaMozilla

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Victor Engel

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Victor Engel

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WildImages

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Lisa Horton

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Lisa Horton

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Stillton

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