Remove Odors From Musical Instruments and Cases with Nok-Out
Can Nok-Out Remove Odors From Musical Instruments and Their Cases?
Yes indeed! Nok-Out or SNiPER can get rid of musty odors commonly found in old instrument cases. Can it get rid of tobacco smoke odor, too? You bet! As long as you can get Nok-Out or SNiPER to come into direct contact with the odor source, it can remove all those stale odors. If mold has become an issue, SNiPER can safely get rid of those odors and kill the mold too. With Nok-Out or SNiPER, you can easily remove odors from musical instruments and their cases. Here’s how:
Remember that Nok-Out and SNiPER are Mostly Water
If there is wood present as with a guitar, violin or other stringed instrument, then take care that you don’t do anything that might result in ordinary water damage. Never allow water to puddle on wood. Instead, if you feel you really need to spray the wood directly, then spray a soft cloth until it is damp instead and gently use the rag to wipe down the instrument. For tobacco smoke, it may take more than one application to get it all. Every time you apply a bit of Nokout or SNiPER, you will remove a bit more of the stink. It is smartest and safest to remove a bit of that odor every time you apply, rather than try to get it all at once.
It may be appropriate to remove the strings so that you can wipe down every single square inch of the instrument. You may even be able to use the cloth to wipe down the inside of the instrument once the strings are removed. Pay special attention to frets, seams and any places where crud can accumulate. If you spray the instrument directly, do not allow the wood to remain wet for longer than 2 to 3 minutes, then wipe away the excess. Be extremely cautious if you decide to spray inside the sound hole. You don’t want to leave a wet spot.
What About Wind Instruments?
For wind instruments it is much better to spray with a fine mist. Remembering that SNiPER is also a very mild all-purpose cleaner that is non-corrosive and non-abrasive, you can also destroy old odors and bacteria/pathogens from these instruments without causing harm to the instrument.
Spray a cloth until it is damp, but not dripping for this application. Gently, carefully, wipe the entire instrument paying special attention to areas that normally get damp. If you can, drag the cloth through the inside of the instrument. Repeat as needed.
For Brass instruments, never spray directly on finished, shiny metal. Nok-Out and SNiPER are both non-corrosive and non-abrasive, so it is unlikely that any harm could happen to the finish, but for older instruments, better to err on the side of caution to keep that instrument looking beautiful.
The Case Really Stinks!
Odors collect in musical cases also. Spray the outside of the case evenly and allow it to air dry naturally. If the inside is not lined with cloth, spray it too. If the inner liner can be removed, do so and treat them separately. Make sure that you spray seams and areas where crud accumulates.
If the case is lined with some type of cloth, test first to see if the colors are colorfast. Get a white cloth and wrap a bit of it around your index finger. Spray that fingertip with Nok-Out or SNiPER until it is very wet and rub that wet cloth in an inconspicuous place for 10 to 20 seconds. Then examine the cloth for color transfer. If some color transfers to the white cloth you will need to take more care. In this event, spray that cloth covering very lightly, and don’t touch it. Allow it to air dry naturally. Give it the “nose test”. Repeat as needed.
Nok-Out and SNiPER are Gentle Cleaners
Nok-Out and SNiPER will eliminate odors from musical instruments and cases on contact with the odor source. Sometimes those odors are deeply embedded. If you notice that odor returns after a day or two, it is likely to be the deep down odors leeching through to the surface again. Remember that this stinky stuff may have been laid down over a period of years and need to be removed slowly and methodically. Removing these deep odors is a process – one layer at a time! Follow these steps and you can safely and gently remove odors from your musical instruments – and their cases. And then these treasures can go on to produce music again!
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding how to apply Nok-Out, or SNiPER® check out our How To Articles or, call Ted Price toll free at 866.551.1927.