The dangers of sneaking veggies into the theater (aka how to get smells out of a purse)

Several weeks ago I sneaked cut up veggies into the movie theater as a way to resist the temptation of buttered popcorn. I ate everything except for a singularly spicy radish which soon disappeared into the depths of chaos otherwise known as my purse. Forgetting about the radish, I was confounded at the awful smell emanating from my purse. I dumped everything out and discovered a ziploc bag containing the beginnings of a new life form.

I obviously tossed it out, but my purse still smells awful. Its covered in paint and iron-on patches that are starting to fall off, so I'm afraid to wash it. Does anyone know how to get rid of the smell without causing my lovely decorations to deteriorate?

You could try coffee grounds - if you like the smell of coffee - as that gets rid of the smell (put the coffee in a ziplock bag so it doesn't go all over the inside of your purse), but I've also heard that sliced apples work quite well in absorbing scents. Those are all the suggestions I have, but if you want an actual product for it then I'm sure there must be something on the market that specializes in scent removal for these types of things! :)

You might try putting an open container of baking soda in there overnight.  It absorbs odors in the fridge, so why not in your purse?  You could also try keeping a dryer sheet in there for a few days.

yes, bicarbonate of soda is absolutely brilliant at removing smells in nearly any situation.  Sprinkling it in your purse should work.

Thanks so much! I'll try the baking soda tonight.

If that does not work, empty your purse and fill with activated charcoal (you can find at pet stores). 

I left a sippy cup of milk (can you imagine anything worse) and left for vacation for a week, and discovered it upon our return.  It was a solid form when i found it.  I washed the diaper bag but it still reeks.