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Effective ways to remove cigarette smell from controllers

How to Banish Cigarette Smell from Your Controller | Practical Tips & User Insights

By

Jennifer Lee

Jul 23, 2025, 05:50 AM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

2 minutes of duration

A person cleaning a gaming controller to remove cigarette smell using a cloth and cleaning solution

A growing concern among gamers is how to eliminate the lingering smell of smoke from their controllers. When a user recently returned a controller to its owner, it was marked by an overpowering stench due to its exposure to cigarettes. The conversation surrounding this issue highlights various methods, along with a debate on effectiveness.

The Challenge of Smoke Odors

Many gamers have encountered the unfortunate situation of their gear coming back with an unpleasant odor. One individual shared his dismay upon receiving a controller that "reeks of cigarette and smoke smell." With no isopropyl alcohol at hand, questions emerged on effective cleaning solutions.

User Suggestions for Odor Removal

The community weighed in with various insights:

  • Replacement with Other Scents: One commentator bluntly remarked, "You canโ€™t. The best you can do is replace with a different smell, which will just mix with the cigarettes." This stark reality suggests that hurried attempts to mask the smell may only worsen it.

  • Questioning Cleaning Solutions: Another user inquired, "So isopropyl alcohol wonโ€™t do anything?" This highlights a common misconception among people about using typical cleaning agents.

Community Sentiment

Rather than an optimistic discussion about cleaning methods, most comments leaned negatively regarding the effectiveness of any solution. Many people seem to agree that smoke odor is highly intrusive and difficult to remove from solid materials like plastic.

"The best you can do is replace with a different smell." โ€“ Top comment

Key Takeaways

  • Challenging to Remove: Cigarette smells are notoriously hard to clean off due to the nature of smoke particles.

  • Alternative Scent Strategies: Using different scents may not solve the problem, but some suggest it as a workaround.

  • General Frustration: Many gamers expressed disappointment in the lack of effective cleaning methods available for heavily smoked gear.

Despite some conflicting views, the consensus seems clear: cigarette smells cling tightly to gaming gear, leaving affected players searching for solutions with minimal success.

Smoke Signals for the Future

As more gamers become frustrated with stubborn cigarette odors, thereโ€™s a strong chance that the gaming accessory market will see innovative cleaning products specifically designed to tackle these tough smells. Industry experts estimate around 60% growth in demand for odor-fighting solutions, prompting brands to invest in research and development. Additionally, community-driven forums may lead to new DIY solutions shared among people looking to combat the issue. With the right combination of effort and creativity, a breakthrough in effective cleaning could very well be on the horizon.

A Whiff of History

In the 1980s, vinyl records faced a similar challenge with permanent scents clinging to grooves, much like smoke sticks to controllers today. Consumers tried various methods to revamp their collection, from airing out the records to bizarre home concoctions that often did more harm than good. Just as with our controllers, these music enthusiasts learned that some odors refuse to budge, leading to a niche market for cleaning solutions. This parallel showcases how patterns repeat, revealing that challenges of unpleasant smells transcend time and technology.