How do I best remove stale smoke smell from a used nagahide/vinyl
couch without replacing the stuffing on the back panel which is
unremovable?

Hi vinylcouch,

Don't know if this will work with vinyl... but it might be worth a
try.

eHow to Remove Cigarette Smell From Upholstery
http://www.ehow.com/ehow/ehowDetails.jsp?id=13981

Cigarette smoke permeates the fibers and stuffing of sofas. To get
that smell out, use this easy remedy.
   
  Steps:  
1.   Open the windows in the room where the sofa is, allowing fresh
air to pull out much of the odor. Leave the windows open for several
hours if possible.
  
2.   Beat the entire sofa with your hand, or with a large spatula or
serving spoon, to stir up the stuffing and lift the smell from the
fibers.
  
3.   Sprinkle fresh baking soda over the entire sofa. Let it stand for
several hours.
  
4.   Use a vacuum attachment to suck the baking soda off the sofa and
out of the crevices.

Regards,

tlspiegel

I don't know if it's possible to remove the smell of smoke from vinyl.

I quit smoking cigarettes fourteen years ago, but the vinyl upholstery
of my car still smells like smoke.

Hi  vinylcouch,

I called and spoke to the Chemist, Donald Terry at Chemspec® and
Bane-Clene®
http://www.baneclene.com/catalog/Rx_Odor_Remover.html

He said that their product called: Rx Odor Remover ***probably*** will
work for you.

Rx Odor Remover All-Purpose Enzyme-Based Odor Remove
from Chemspec® and Bane-Clene®

"Powerful enzyme action will take care of the nastiest odors. Rx Odor
Remover works on all organic odor-producing stains such as food, pets,
smoke, cooking, mold and mildew. Great fragrance, safe on most
surfaces both hard and soft. Can be diluted or ready to use. Contains
live bacterial cultures."

Directions: 

Test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area prior to use. Apply to
soiled area or source of odor completely. Blot any excess. Allow to
dry. Repeat for difficult odors.

Use Concentration: Undiluted 

Fragrance: Apple 

Use pH: 7-8 

16 oz. Bottle 
Catalog No. 61936............$9.95 

12 - 16 oz. Bottles 
Catalog No. 61936............$8.95 ea 

Call 1-800-428-9512 for more information.  


*****
And more from the Boston Globe Archives
http://www.boston.com/globe/search/realestate/hotton/odors.htm

Q. I inherited a nice recliner, covered with Naugahyde or vinyl, but
with a terrible odor of tobacco smoke. I tried Lysol and a deodorant
soap without success. What will work?

A.G., Brookline

A. No promises, but try one of these tricks, one at a time: 1. Make a
strong solution of baking soda and water, wash and leave the solution
on the vinyl for as long as practicable, then wipe off with a dry
cloth. 2. Wash with a strong solution of salt and water; that is,
dissolve half a cup of salt in a bucket of water. Wash and wipe dry.
3. Wash with white vinegar and water. Start with equal parts water and
vinegar, strengthen that solution if necessary. In all three cases, if
any one reduces the odor, repeat.

If the smoke has gotten into the upholstery under the vinyl, it is a
whole different ballgame. You might have to remove the vinyl cover and
treat the insides, then reupholster.

*****

Q. How can I get a smoke odor out of an upholstered sofa? 

JUDITH MAYER, Halifax

A. Dampen the upholstery with a wet sponge, then sprinkle a whole
bunch of baking soda on the damp surface. Leave it for an hour, then
sweep up and throw away. You can use instead carpet freshener, which
is perfumed baking soda. You could mound up salt over the damp
surface, let dry, and throw away.

The reason you wet or dampen the upholstery: Baking soda will not
absorb dry materials very well, but will do a good job of pulling
dampness out, thereby pulling the smoke odor out, too.
 
*****

Another product that might work is called Natures Miracle, and can be
found at most Pet Supply stores.  It's inexpensive and works on most
anything for odors and stains.

Best regards,

tlspiegel