Help - Just got an armrest, but it smells! :(

[bobbarley]

I've just been to pick up the armrest for my mk4 GTi.  It looks to be in very good condition, and even comes with the bolts and spacer needed to fit it.

The problem is the cloth is a bit sticky, and it absolutely STINKS of cigarettes!!

Has anyone got any suggestions as to how I can clean it before putting it into my car?

[bobbarley]

I'll try some Fabreeze!

[dabill]

will the clocth not come off. sure it will do, pop it off, take it off its foam backing and wash the cloth, re-fit and hey presto!

[bobbarley]

I tried removing the cloth, but it's a no go, won't budge.

I've sprayed the thing 8 times with fabreeze.  It only smells really close up now, but there is still a not so nice oily feeling when you touch it    I think steaming it would help, but I don't even own a wallpaper remover

[Conker]

I would either...

1)  Buy some decent upholstery foam cleaner (lifts grime out the fabric), and then hang it outside in the fresh air for a few days (taking it in at night times, or...

2) Take it either a dry cleaners or a decent valet place - they'll only charge a few quid to steam it for you.

[bobbarley]

Anyone think this stuff will do the trick?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AUTOSMART-BRISK-DRY-FOAM-UPHOLSTRY-FABRIC-CLEANER_W0QQitemZ370029545511QQihZ024QQcategoryZ72201QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[remapped]

warm water and persil powder !! ( really !! )

works a treat take your time and make sure you don't leave any soap on the cover ! rinse it nicely after