Two weeks (one week on each side) in a sealed box, I still can't get dead millipede smell off of $1,200 worth of games. Used Ozium, Baking Soda -- need to get off of PS1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and SteelBook games. Tried just keeping them outside. Hopeless.
I have tried every smell thing I could find. Nothing is getting rid of this smell. It's like hard-sealed to the games. It's awful.
Does anyone have any ideas? It smells like poop but it is from a dead millipede that crawled behind my games that I was temporarily storing in-between places.
GPT's suggestions -- keep in mind, I have a SteelBook along with other games -- I will need some 2nd (human) opinion before trying these:
Activated Charcoal: This should be fine with SteelBooks as it's a non-invasive method. The charcoal absorbs the smell and doesn't need to make contact with the item.
White Vinegar: You should be able to gently wipe the SteelBook with a diluted solution of vinegar and water, but make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. Do not soak the SteelBook or leave it damp as this could cause damage.
Sunlight: This might be okay for short periods, but be aware that prolonged exposure could potentially cause discoloration, especially with colored or printed metal.
Cleaning solution: Be cautious with this one. If you do use a cleaning solution, make sure it's suitable for use on metal, and again, test it on a small, hidden area first to ensure it doesn't damage the material.
Professional cleaning: Professionals should have the knowledge and tools to safely clean SteelBooks without causing damage, so if the smell is particularly stubborn, this might be the safest route.
>Professional cleaning: Professionals should have the knowledge and tools to safely clean SteelBooks without causing damage, so if the smell is particularly stubborn, this might be the safest route.
I hate how GPT ends posts with this shit. The professional will just do exactly what GPT said, so it's basically a legal disclaimer meaning "if you're too moronic for any of this, pay $600 for someone competent to do it."
tbh these are proving to be quite hard to remove but im not giving up
O2 machine. Try not to die using it.
>O2 machine. Try not to die using it.
How would this work?
Are any of GPt's suggestions feasible?
This. I use a small negative ion generator “air purifier” in a big rubbermaid tub with a lid.
A UV bulb will also gerate ozone.
Ok this is the first time I've ever even heard of O3:
How accurate are these instructions?
Ozone generators and negative ion air purifiers are both used to purify air and remove odors. Here's a quick overview of how each one works:
Ozone Generators: These machines generate ozone (O3), a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. Ozone has a strong oxidizing ability, which allows it to react with and neutralize a variety of odor-causing compounds. However, ozone can also be harmful to health, particularly to the respiratory system, and it can damage materials such as rubber and certain plastics. So, if you decide to use an ozone generator, it's important to use it in a well-ventilated area, to avoid inhaling the ozone, and to remove any items that could be damaged. After treatment, the items should be aired out to allow any residual ozone to dissipate.
Negative Ion Air Purifiers: These devices generate negative ions, which are oxygen atoms charged with an extra electron. When these ions encounter airborne particles (including odor-causing molecules), they attach to them, creating larger particles that can then be filtered out of the air or that fall to the ground and can be cleaned up. Negative ion air purifiers can be used in a sealed container, like a rubbermaid tub with a lid, to treat items with odors. They're generally safe to use, but they do need to be used properly to be effective.
UV Light: Ultraviolet (UV) light can also be used to generate ozone. Like ozone generators, UV light can be effective at neutralizing odors, but it should be used with caution due to the potential health risks and material damage associated with ozone.
In all cases, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and safety precautions. You should also be aware that while these methods can be effective at removing odors, they might not work in all cases, especially for particularly strong or persistent smells.
ChatGPT is not wrong.
Ozone is what you smell before a thunderstorm.
The smell from a laser printer is also ozone.
At low concentrations, it isn’t going to be harmful.
They use ozone to do some of the very toughest bio-hazard clean up (at higher concentrations than you’ll ever experience).
Plastics like PP and PE are very porous, so the O3 is small enough to get in there when other things will fail (it’s a molecular gas)
Am I missing something or is this like a $2000 medical device? The other poster made it seem like this was a consumer tech, at least on some level.
Like I really want my game collection back but I don't know where I'm going to find a $1,700 O3 maker. I really would appreciate some links, recommendations or missing context.
And of those,
, I assume only the Ozone generator is what I want?
Unrelated question for science, if you 'breathe in negative-ion'd oxygen' would that be harmful? Why did the poster originally say to be careful not to dui
"dui" --
*die
Also, what about Steel?
Any other precautions? This is for a video game collection of Steelbooks and PS1-5 games. Only exteriors are affected.
I'd definitely remove everything from the inside before throwing any of these cleaners at it. Plastic, paper, and glue are not as tough as steel. But you probably already knew that, it would be a shame to fix the cases and ruin the games and art books themselves lmao
You can make an ozone generator by arcing/sparking AC electricity between bare wires, if you really wanted to. Would be even better if you had a transformer to increase the voltage.
It would just also be really dangerous if you didn't know what the frick you were doing with electricity.
So, no, this doesn't need to be some $2000 medical device. Can probably find stuff for $20 and up. But it also doesn't need to be safe either...
Ozone generators are based
https://www.amazon.com/JOBYNA-Generator-Industrial-Commercial-Deodorizer/dp/B08S7CC3R4/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=ozone+generator&qid=1685886178&sprefix=ozone+gener%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-8&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
Oh and don't stay in the room with it on or you'll probably get popcorn lung or some shit. When it's done hold your breath go in the room open the windows and wait a good 8 hours before using the room normally again.
Mine is a 12” high, 12v “ionic/uv sterilizer” model GH2151. It’s tiny.
I paid $5 for it. It’s probably the negative ion generator that generates the ozone.
I just threw it in a big rubbermaid container with the ion generator on, and a keyboard I pulled out of a dumpster which smelled like smoke.
Smelled totally clean after 2 days in the container with the sterilizer running.
>Mine is a 12” high, 12v “ionic/uv sterilizer” model GH2151. It’s tiny.
>I paid $5 for it. It’s probably the negative ion generator that generates the ozone.
>I just threw it in a big rubbermaid container with the ion generator on, and a keyboard I pulled out of a dumpster which smelled like smoke.
>Smelled totally clean after 2 days in the container with the sterilizer running.
https://aicleanepur.com/gh2151
^^This?
>
We use ozone treatments or hydroxyl depending on the source.
Source
>non moronic competitor
I feel the niche of 'video game cleaning' and also steelbooks and not damagin collectibles makes it hard to even know what to ask, what would you suggest i say with wording?
and any examples of servco competitors would be appreciated, hard to find because of niche situation
>https://aicleanepur.com/gh2151
Yeah but that’s a scam price.
Get a cheap ion generator
> moronic verbal diarrhea blather
This thing is tiny, and doesn’t generate much ozone.
> hire pros in PrepHole
Ngmi
Thanks for these. this still feels way more insane than i thought this would be. i still want to get a pro honestly i feel like i might hurt myself lol im autistically clumsy
someone on reddit said rub coconut oil on it lol
GPT suggested:
For cleaning SteelBooks, you will want to use a non-abrasive cleaner that is safe for use on metals. Here are a few options:
Diluted Dish Soap: A mild dish soap diluted in water can be effective for cleaning metal surfaces. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the solution, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply with a soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly and dry. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help remove odors.
Isopropyl Alcohol: This can be used to clean and disinfect metal surfaces. Apply with a soft cloth and allow to dry. Be careful not to use too much, as it can remove some types of paint or finishes.
Always test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Also, remember to avoid getting any liquid on the game discs or inside the cases where it could damage the artwork or manuals.
Won't liquids and cleaning a Steelbook take away details like art and paint?
"Professional cleaning: Professionals should have the knowledge and tools to safely clean SteelBooks without causing damage, so if the smell is particularly stubborn, this might be the safest route."
And just to be clear, there's no one out there who can do this with the context of my situation? Cleaning services like SERVPRO are too moronic to actually handle delicate stuff like this and video game stores require you to mail everything (assuming they can even help)
There isn't a pro I'm overlooking, is there? This genuinely feels like a professional-grade job.
Look for a non moronic competitor to servpro, they should be able to clean them for you.
We use ozone treatments or hydroxyl depending on the source.
Source
>non moronic competitor
Honestly seems like way better to get professional help for this cleaning job after looking into risks -- what is your service or someone you'd recommend for ~NE USA?
the reality is I don't know about O3 and all GPT does is skip a really moronic post where I just ask you to explain it to me or ask to find what to Google
All GPT has done is skipped to the part where I've done research and still have questions
Be thankful for GPT because otherwise my response wouldve been "can you elaborate / explain?" whereas now it's a specific referential post
and im serious, is
what y'all are talking about?
and im not a zoomer, nor am i millennial, im between the two, for a long time classified as the latter
Ozone, while effective in eliminating many types of odors, is a powerful oxidant that can be harmful or even dangerous to living beings when present in high concentrations.
Exposure to ozone can cause a range of health effects, including coughing, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and worsened chronic respiratory diseases like asthma. In severe cases, it can lead to serious lung damage. Therefore, it's crucial to use ozone generators carefully, in well-ventilated spaces, and to avoid being present in the same space when the machine is running.
what about using it in an outdoor sealed container?
Using an ozone generator in an outdoor sealed container can be a good way to limit exposure to high concentrations of ozone. This allows the ozone to do its work in a confined space where it can't harm people or pets. Here's a general step-by-step guide:
Prepare your container: You'll need a large, sealable container that can hold your games. A plastic storage bin with a lid could work well.
Place your items in the container: Arrange your games in the container, ensuring that there's space for air to circulate around each one.
Set up the ozone generator: Place your ozone generator in the container, ensuring it has a power source. Some generators run on batteries, while others need to be plugged in.
Seal the container: Close and seal the container. Ensure it's sealed tightly, but don't lock it in case you need to quickly open it.
Run the generator: Turn on the ozone generator and let it run for the recommended amount of time. This could range from a few hours to a few days, depending on the severity of the odor and the power of the generator.
Air out the container: After the treatment, carefully open the container and allow it to air out outdoors. This allows any remaining ozone to safely dissipate
^^^^
GPT safety tips
Bros i had no idea this was so dangerous lol
So for the Ozone method, I have like 25 affected games. I found when I used ozium, it would only clean the exposed side -- do i have to do this twice and "flip" all the games?
This is really really a LOT. Is this a place that looks good for pro help? https://reynoldsrestoration.com/content-cleaning-odor-mitigation/ If not how would i even look for something so niche -- who cleans milipede poop smell that requires ozone-level cleannig off video games without removing paint or damaging cases?
how would i even ask or know what to search? im really at my wits end because i don't have the space in my place to just run an ozone cleaner right no w without it being risky....too many games (25+) need too much space
Negative ion generators are cheap and plentiful.
In an enclosed space, like a rubbermaid container it will build up the concentration *inside* the container over a day or so.
You don’t have enough space for a rubbermaid container? 25 games is not a lot. If they don’t all fit at once, do half of them over the first few days and the second half over the next few…
You’d be done by now anon.
Also, store them in ziploc bags next time with those little desiccator bags. Cheap insurance.
It turns out the entire 249 game collection was affected, some less than others, but I'm realizing it was way worse than I thought.
However thank you for that suggestion.
So you are basically saying I can take a rubbermaid container, an ion generator, and a few stacks of games
Should I take the games and items out of the cases first?
the main reason I am hesitant is i need to make sure i'm buying the right thing (ozone, ion or otherwise), that it won't hurt me, that i have the right room/space to do it (container, and then maybe outside?) and i just really finally putting together the pieces. i realize this thread is a mess but im feeling more calm now.
tbh I accepted that I just have stinky games and this sucks but whatever, my collection is so awesome, it just smells, until
1.) I do either the OZone option, the Ion option or another option for all 249 games
2.) I get a pro to do it
3.) I basically just like ozium everything and accpet the smell wont go away but like strongly mask it
again, how critical is it to take out all the paper, plsatics, all kinds of goodies inside the game cases before doing all this? some of it seems to have gotten inside -- the steel really attracted the most smells
i know im realizing how bad it is
Yes, yes, and yes.
Cheap ion generators necessarily generate ozone.
Actually, the cheaper, the better. In addition, the negative ions also help. It’s win-win.
You can even get these ion generators for your car that plug into the cigarette lighter because some people’s cars stink.
Everything should be opened up and out of the cases like you’re “airing it out”
keep the ion generator a few inches away from the stuff you want to treat.
All this happens in a rubbermaid (or whatever brand) container.
After it’s been running for a while, open the lid and take a whiff. Should start smelling like ozone.
You’ll know. If you have a laser printer, print off a page and smell the printer.
Then just wait, and test every now and then.
I usually have stuff in there for 2 days (I dig out stuff from trash bins coated in yellow cigarette smoke residue, but otherwise mint) but your milage will vary.
The whole point of this, is that it’s easy to do, you can ozonate it as little or as much as you want. If you want to run them through again later, you can.
You can use the rubbermaid to store your games when you’re done. Put them in ziplocs next time.
Oh, and one more thing,
my little ion generator has a tiny fan in it, too, but it provides a bit of circulation while it’s in there. Probably a good thing. It is a TINY fan, you can barely feel it, but it’s there. That’s why this thing was $5. Got it at goodwill.
>dead milipede smell from steel and plastics
Thanks
>dead millipede that crawled behind my games that I was temporarily storing in-between places
That's just bad luck buddy. I don'thave any advice for you but I am very interested in your thread. I hope one of these solutions works for you!