Leather is often chosen for clothing, furniture, and other items because it gives an expensive appearance without the high cost of other materials. Unfortunately, leather can take on odors that can cause people to be uncomfortable around it. Removing the odor allows the use of the item once more.
6 tips to remove odor from leather
Allow the leather to breathe
The leather cannot breathe as a solid mass, so it picks up odors within itself. Airs the leather on both sides for an hour or two, some of these odors will go away on their own, making them easier to remove.
Odor absorber
There are many commercial products on the market that absorb odors from leather, including saddle soap and commercial cleaning agents. Commercial cleaners can often be found in pet stores where they are used to clean animal furs and bedding. Many of these cleaners use chemicals with high levels of alcohol, so it’s important to be careful when using them and to avoid spraying them directly onto the leather. Instead, spray a small amount on a cloth and rub the area where the odor is located.
Clean the leather
In addition to the odor absorber, some cleaners also remove stains from leather. This is a good way to get rid of faded or stained areas on an otherwise clean piece of leather. Cleaners may damage the color as well as remove dirt and odors, so it’s important to test them in a small hidden area of the leather to make sure it is safe for use.
Salt and baking soda
When all else fails, try using common household items such as salt and baking soda to remove odors from leather.
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and neutralizer, which means it gets rid of smells without just covering them up. It’s also great at cutting grease and oil stains. You can use baking soda to clean anything: the kitchen sink, the bathtub, even your carpet!
Combine equal parts salt and baking soda in a bowl, then sprinkle it onto the area where the odor is located. Allow this mixture to sit on the leather for about an hour, then brush it off with a soft-bristled brush. Allow the leather to sit for another hour so that any remaining odors can escape on their own.
When you’re finished cleaning with baking soda, just rinse it out and you’re done! No rinsing, no chemical smells – just a clean, healthy home.
Essential oils
Baking soda absorbs odors and essential oils provide a pleasant smell that masks the odors on the leather. A thin layer of baking soda rubbed into the surface of the leather with a dry cloth will absorb most types of odors, including smoke and musty smells. Essential oils are best used to mask the smell of leather that has gone bad or become slightly mildewed. These oils can be found at many craft stores or in specialty markets.
Cleaning Solutions
If none of these methods remove the odor from the leather, cleaning solutions may be used. These are available at most local grocery stores and typically contain high levels of alcohol. They may cause damage to the leather if used improperly, so it’s important to test them in a small hidden area of the leather to make sure it is safe for use.
How to remove tobacco smells from leather
Tobacco smoke has an unmistakable scent that’s tough to get rid of. It can permeate your clothes, furniture, and even your car seats if you don’t take precautions. If you have leather furniture or shoes with tobacco smells, this is the recipe for how to remove them! To remove the smell, you’ll need some baking soda, club soda (not tonic!), an empty spray bottle, and essential oil. You can use any of your favorite scents to help mask the tobacco smell – a lemon is a good option!
Put leather out in the sun to let them air. When they are ready, sprinkle baking soda on the leather. Then spray with club soda and add essential oil. Let it dry outside if possible or leave for a few hours before you take it back inside and then put it away. When everything is dry, just brush off any remaining baking soda with a dry cloth. If you can still smell it, do the steps again. Be sure to test it out on a small area before rubbing the leather conditioner into the material to make sure that it works well.
If you don’t like the smell of essential oils, dust baking powder all over your item instead. Leave it overnight and then vacuum up any excess the next day.
How to remove the odor from leather shoes?
It is common knowledge that leather shoes often have a bad odor, but not many people know how to remove them.
The most important step in removing the smell from leather shoes is to clean them thoroughly with water and soap. After cleaning them, dry off the surface of your shoe so it can absorb any excess moisture. If you don’t do this, there will be no way for the inner material of your shoe to soak up any moisture which could lead to mildew or mold growth on the inside of your shoes.
Another technique you can use is by using baking soda as an absorbent agent because it removes odors without leaving behind a chemical residue as vinegar does. The last thing you should do after drying off your shoes with a towel is hit them with a blow dryer. This will remove any excess moisture which if left in your shoes, could lead to mildew or mold growth.
