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Troubleshooting: Removing Odors from Vintage Plastic Toys

Troubleshooting: Removing Odors from Vintage Plastic Toys

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Anyone else struggle with getting old plastic toy smells out? I recently picked up a bunch of vintage Star Wars figures, and while they look amazing, some have this distinct musty/plastic-y smell that's kind of off-putting.

I've tried some gentle cleaning with dish soap and water,letting them air out in the sun (briefly!),and even a baking soda bath. Some advancement, but the odor lingers. I'm hesitant to use anything too harsh, like bleach, for fear of damaging the plastic or paint.

What are your go-to methods for deodorizing vintage plastic toys? Any tips or tricks you've found that work well without causing harm? I'm especially curious about any natural or non-toxic approaches. Is there a point where the plastic just holds the odor forever?