Leather is a material made of tanned animal hide. It is used to make jackets and many other products. The “new leather smell” from the tanning process signifies that it is a genuine piece, but some may find it unpleasant.
And I know you must be searching for how to get smell out of leather jacket. Getting this smell out may require some trial and challenges because we can’t wash leather jackets. However, this guide will help you get rid of any unpleasant odors from your leather jacket — without ruining its fabric.
5 Different Ways to Remove Smell From A Leather Jacket:
- Clean the jacket surface
- Let it air out
- Baking soda solution
- Vinegar and water solution
- Leather conditioner
CLEAN THE JACKET
Fetch a clean, dry cotton cloth and rub it gently all over the leather, especially in the area where you can smell the bad odor more. In this process, do not use chemicals, alcohol, or other odor-removing products like perfumes since these can damage the leather.
Are you searching for a leather jacket? Read “How To Pick The Perfect Leather Jacket For Your Age?“
LET IT AIR OUT
The first thing you can do is hang the leather jacket right away. Hanging your leather jacket in a well-ventilated area is the best way to remove the smell. It allows the air to pass through the jacket, but never hang your leather jacket near the kitchen or in direct sunlight, as this can damage its finish. The heat from cooking can also cause it to crack and wear out more quickly.
Make sure to choose a spot by a window that filters sunlight or behind a screen so that you do not have direct sunlight hitting it.
BAKING SODA SOLUTION
Baking soda is good for absorbing bad odors, and the best part, it is also safe to use on a leather jacket. Get baking powder and a big zip-lock bag that is big enough to fit your leather jacket. Now follow these steps.
1- Place the leather jacket in the bag and sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the leather. Now zip the end of the bag tightly and leave it for 24 hours in this condition.
2- After 24 hours, open the bag and gently dust off the baking soda with a brush or a dry cloth. Do not use a sharp brush that can add scratches to the exterior.
Also, check the “Guide to leather jacket cleaning and conditioning.”
VINEGAR AND WATER SOLUTION
Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the leather. Avoid getting the solution on metal parts, as vinegar can cause corrosion. Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes, and then wipe it off with a clean, damp cloth.
LEATHER CONDITIONER
To use a leather conditioner to remove odor from your leather jacket, follow these steps:
Clean the jacket: Wipe down the surface of the jacket with a damp cloth to remove any surface dirt and debris.
Apply leather conditioner: Choose a leather conditioner specifically formulated for use on clothing. Read the instructions on the label carefully and apply the conditioner to the leather jacket according to the instructions.
Allow the conditioner to penetrate: Let the leather conditioner sit on the jacket for the recommended time, usually 10-15 minutes. This will allow the conditioner to penetrate the leather and neutralize any odors trapped within the material.
Wipe off excess: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any excess conditioner that has not been absorbed. Be sure to wipe the cloth over the entire jacket surface to ensure that the conditioner has been evenly distributed.
Air dry: Place the jacket in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry completely. Avoid exposing the leather to direct heat or sunlight, as this can cause the material to dry out and crack.
By using a leather conditioner to remove odor from your leather jacket, you can restore the natural scent of the leather and keep it soft and supple at the same time. Repeat this process every few months to maintain the health of your jacket and keep it smelling fresh.
CONCLUSION
Following these simple steps, you can remove unpleasant odors from your leather jacket and keep it looking and smelling fresh. Remember to regularly clean and condition your leather jacket to maintain its appearance and prolong its life.
Note: Before using any cleaning methods, check the care instructions for your leather jacket to avoid damaging the material.
You can also read “How to Protect Leather Jackets From Getting Wrinkles?
