Looking for tips on deodorizing a gun safe.

[timetofly]

I’ve been noticing an odor coming from my gun safe.  I’ve been good about cleaning the guns after using them, but I can’t seem to get rid of the odor.  I’ve thought about stick-UPs and other such things but I worry that the chemicals they use might be detrimental to my guns.  Recently I thought about baking soda boxes opened up like in a refrigerator.  Has anyone came up with a solution to a gun safe that is giving off odors?

[crc4]

There's nothing that beats an ozone generator for getting rid of odors. In a gun safe that's ideal because it's a small enclosed space. They also are used in the auto business to clean up cars that smokers have used. I don't believe any sprays, baking soda, charcoal, or other chemicals can do a better job as an ozone generator works on the molecular level.

Some crime scene cleaners use them so you can imagine that if it works for them, it would work for you.

Be sure to do your research on using the generator. They can be dangerous if not used properly, then again so can guns.

[Phlyers13]

I was going to say baking soda. 

[Behindblueeyes]

You might try some charcoal. It absorbs odor.

[bang bang]

welcome

you dont say what type of "odor" is in your safe.

to me, if its something YOU are doing, you wont fix the issue.

But when i do things like this i try to take on the medical approach----- do no harm or try the minimal harm first and then work you way up.

so, you can try the baking soda first.  Chances are you dont have an ozone generator so again, KISS principle and what you have on hand.

Also, the SUN can do wonders too.  but if your safe is the size of your truck, then chances are you wont want to take it outside.  But just something else to consider.

good luck

[Wobbly]

A friend has recommended the Eden Pure system...

https://www.edenpure.com/pages/oxileaf-ii-air-purifier-RRB?utm_campaign=W0673&msclkid=1264d25b0d3d127d88b5b1dfbba69ada

It's low voltage and comes with a wall-plug type supply.

[NEKvermont]

The first thing that came to mind was an open bottle of Hoppes No.9 with a wick sticking out of it.

[crc4]

The first thing that came to mind was an open bottle of Hoppes No.9 with a wick sticking out of it.

What? Waste the best aftershave ever made?

[double-d]

Don't have an answer to OP question but wondering if is this a problem in general?  I have never experienced this with my safes. 

Perhaps because all mine are wood shelved verses carpeted as typical with 99% of safes sold to the general public.

Just curious.

[crc4]

Don't have an answer to OP question but wondering if is this a problem in general?  I have never experienced this with my safes. 

Perhaps because all mine are wood shelved verses carpeted as typical with 99% of safes sold to the general public.

Just curious.

That is a great point about carpeting. If the safe is new it very well could be outgassing. As the carpet is probably as cheap as the manufacturer can get, no telling what it's made from or where it's from. If it is the carpeting outgassing, I wouldn't leave my guns in there until it's completely gone. I have no basis to say that on hard knowledge other than a lot of imports of different materials from China and Southeast Asian countries are known for sometimes turning out spurious products with serious problems. Looks good, smells terrible, and could be dangerous to your health. A contractor I hired used paneling that was from China and the formaldehyde in outgassing was terrible. He was made to take it down and use US products at his expense.

I hope it's not the carpet. But check it for mold and mildew as well.


 

[radagast]

        While I will concede the odor cancelling abilities of ozone, I'd caution that it can wreak havoc on unprotected metal surfaces !  Many of the other suggestions would be preferable.
       
Happy Holidays, Shoot straight  !

[larryflew]

The first thing that came to mind was an open bottle of Hoppes No.9 with a wick sticking out of it.

They do sell it as an air freshener also just like the ones you hang in your car.  LOVE THAT SMELL but not sure masking the smell is the right thing to do in this case.

[RSR]

First, I would encourage you to review SecureIt's website regarding the failures of chinesium safes, as that's the most likely cause of the odors:

https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/gun-safe-corrosion/

https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/how-the-gun-safe-industry-lost-touch/

https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/do-you-need-a-fire-rated-gun-safe/

And I'm not affiliated in ANY way w/ sole exception of aspiration owner of their products (meaning, don't yet own but intend to upgrade in order to).

I do think it's prudent to develop a fire resistant envelope around your Secureit cabinets (build them into fire-rated drywall double or triple layer, maybe plus up rear/side security, consider replacing wooden studs w/ metal, etc) and then also use fire resistant containers w/in them for valuables if you don't have a fire-rate actual safe.  Also look at locating fireball extinguisher(s) nearby -- goal is to buy time in event of fire before fire department w/ water tankers arrive...

Re: conventional safes, I think Brownings or perhaps the more premium Liberties (avoid their base models) are about the cheapest I'd go (but not devoid of issues you're referencing), and for classic safes, I'm likely going Pendleton as they're similar in a lot of ways to SecureIt (metal interiors, etc.), and likely only heirloom guns in that w/ other valuables/heirlooms and critical documents -- or if on more of a budget I'd look at Ft Knox w/ various upgrades or Amsec (haven't priced/featured these two recently, but both for Pendleton-like features cost quite a bit more for their true safes vs base "residential security containers")...

DampRid condensed water vapor is caustic (acidic/alkaline -- one or the other) IIRC and not good for metal, fabric, etc., if spilled, so just be aware.  Citrus Magic Odor eliminators do work to absorb odors, but yes, ozone machines eliminate odors (can be had relatively cheap on amazon), but I would get all of my firearms out of the vicinity first as it's an oxidizer -- you also don't want to breathe it in.  and baking soda and coffee grounds and sometimes vinegar in a bowl also work -- wouldn't use vinegar w/ my guns in the safe though.

In a gun safe, you definitely want to eliminate the cause of the odor, not just the smell.  Definitely ensure you have humidity controlled and consider putting a small dehumidifier inside if new to remove as much moisture as possible from drywall lining your safe before worrying about maintenance solutions like DampRid.

Good luck!  Please let us know what works for you.

[Sowbelly]

Damp rid and air freshener

[jlwolff911]

Odoban and a box of baking soda.  Gun rod and dehumidifier Eva dry cylinders

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