Home Cleaning Tried-and-Tested Ways to Remove Leather Smell for Good

Tried-and-Tested Ways to Remove Leather Smell for Good

By Sophia W. Martin
3.4K views 1 min read

Thereโ€™s something undeniably luxurious about new leather items, whether itโ€™s a jacket, a handbag, or a piece of furniture.ย 

However, along with that new leather often comes a distinct smell that some people find overwhelming. If youโ€™ve recently purchased a leather item and are wondering how to remove leather smell, youโ€™re not alone.ย 

While the scent can fade over time, there are ways to speed up the process and neutralize the odor so you can fully enjoy your new leather goods without the strong smell lingering.

Why Does Leather Smell So Strong?

The smell of new leather comes from the tanning process, which uses a combination of chemicals, oils, and dyes to treat animal hides and turn them into leather. 

Depending on the type of leather and the process used, the odor can range from mild to very strong. While some people enjoy the natural scent of leather, others may find it overpowering, especially in enclosed spaces or if the item is brand new.ย 

Fortunately, there are several methods to reduce or eliminate the smell without damaging the leather.

Step-by-Step Process to Remove Leather Smell

To remove leather smell, start by airing out the item in a well-ventilated space, then use natural deodorizers like baking soda or activated charcoal to absorb the odor. For quicker results, try wiping down the leather with a mild vinegar solution or using an odor-neutralizing spray. Proper care will help remove the leather smell without damaging the material.

If the smell of your leather item is too strong, follow these simple steps to neutralize the odor and enjoy your leather goods without the overwhelming scent.

Step 1: Air Out the Leather

The simplest and most natural way to reduce the smell of leather is to allow it to air out in a well-ventilated area. Fresh air helps to dissipate the chemicals and oils used in the tanning process.

  • Place the leather in a well-ventilated area: If possible, place your leather item outside in a shaded, dry area. Exposure to fresh air will help the leather smell dissipate more quickly than if itโ€™s kept in an enclosed space.
  • Avoid direct sunlight: While airing out your leather, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure to UV rays can dry out or fade the material.
  • Leave it for several hours or overnight: Depending on how strong the smell is, you may need to leave the item to air out for a few hours, or even overnight, to notice a difference.

For large leather items like furniture, try opening windows in the room and using fans to increase airflow, which helps remove the smell faster.

Step 2: Use Baking Soda to Absorb the Smell

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and works wonders for absorbing unwanted smells, including the strong scent of new leather.

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the leather: For smaller items like leather jackets or bags, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda directly onto the surface of the leather. For larger items like furniture, you can place bowls of baking soda nearby.
  • Let it sit overnight: Allow the baking soda to sit on the leather or near the item for several hours or overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odor-causing particles, helping to neutralize the smell.
  • Brush or vacuum off the baking soda: After leaving the baking soda on the leather, gently brush it off with a soft cloth or vacuum it up, taking care not to scratch or damage the leather.

If the smell persists, you can repeat this process multiple times until the odor is gone.

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Step 3: Use Activated Charcoal for Odor Absorption

Activated charcoal is another effective natural deodorizer that can help absorb strong leather odors. It works by trapping odor-causing molecules in its porous surface, making it an excellent option for removing leather smell.

  • Place activated charcoal near the leather item: For larger leather items like sofas or chairs, place bags or bowls of activated charcoal near the item to absorb the smell. For smaller leather goods, place the activated charcoal inside the item (such as inside a leather bag) or near it.
  • Let it sit for 24-48 hours: Leave the activated charcoal near the leather item for at least a day or two to allow it to fully absorb the odor.
  • Replace the charcoal as needed: If the smell hasnโ€™t fully disappeared after a couple of days, you can replace the activated charcoal and repeat the process.

Activated charcoal is especially useful for items that canโ€™t be washed or wiped down easily, like leather furniture or large bags.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Leather with a Vinegar Solution

White vinegar is a powerful, natural deodorizer that can help neutralize leather odors without damaging the material. Itโ€™s gentle enough to be used on most leather items, though itโ€™s always a good idea to test it on a small, hidden area first.

  • Make a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or a bowl. Vinegar naturally breaks down odor-causing compounds and can help freshen up leather quickly.
  • Lightly wipe down the leather: Dampen a clean cloth with the vinegar solution and gently wipe down the surface of the leather. Avoid soaking the leather, as too much moisture can damage the material.
  • Let the leather air dry: After wiping down the leather, let it air dry in a well-ventilated space. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the leather odor with it.

Pro Tip: If the vinegar smell is too strong for your liking, you can add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or lemon) to the vinegar solution before wiping down the leather.

Step 5: Use an Odor-Neutralizing Spray

If youโ€™re looking for a quicker solution, an odor-neutralizing spray designed for fabrics or leather can help remove the leather smell. These sprays are specially formulated to neutralize odors without damaging the material.

  • Choose a fabric-safe odor neutralizer: Look for sprays labeled as odor-neutralizing, rather than air fresheners that simply mask the smell. Some sprays are designed specifically for use on leather, so check the label for compatibility.
  • Lightly spray the leather: Hold the bottle a few inches away from the leather and lightly mist the surface, focusing on areas where the smell is strongest. Be careful not to oversaturate the material.
  • Let it air dry: Allow the spray to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before using the leather item.

Odor-neutralizing sprays are convenient for on-the-go solutions and can be especially helpful for refreshing leather items between uses.

Step 6: Use Coffee Grounds for a Natural Deodorizer

Coffee grounds are another great natural deodorizer that can absorb strong smells, including leather odor. This method is particularly effective for smaller leather items like handbags or shoes.

  • Place coffee grounds in a breathable bag: Put dry coffee grounds in a cloth or mesh bag, or even a sock, and place it inside the leather item (like inside a handbag or shoe) or near the item if itโ€™s too large.
  • Let the coffee grounds sit overnight: Leave the coffee grounds inside or near the leather item for several hours or overnight to absorb the smell.
  • Remove the coffee grounds: After letting them work, remove the coffee grounds and let the item air out.

Coffee grounds not only help neutralize the odor but also leave behind a mild, pleasant scent.

Step 7: Maintain Your Leather to Prevent Odors

Once youโ€™ve successfully removed the leather smell, taking proper care of your leather goods can help prevent odors from returning and keep your items looking and smelling fresh.

Use Leather Conditioner:

  • Condition your leather regularly: Applying a leather conditioner will help keep the leather soft, prevent cracking, and maintain its natural smell. Many conditioners also contain mild fragrances that can help keep your leather goods smelling fresh.

Store Leather Properly:

  • Store in a cool, dry place: Leather should be stored in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry environment to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to musty odors.
  • Avoid plastic bags: Never store leather in plastic bags, as they trap moisture and odors. Instead, use a breathable cloth bag or cover.

Clean Spills Immediately:

  • Wipe up spills promptly: If you spill anything on your leather, clean it up immediately to prevent the odor from settling into the material.

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Final Words

While the smell of new leather can be overpowering, itโ€™s easy to remove or reduce with a few simple techniques. By airing out the item, using natural deodorizers like baking soda and activated charcoal, or wiping down the leather with a vinegar solution, you can neutralize the odor and enjoy your leather goods without the lingering scent. 

With these practical methods, youโ€™ll be able to enjoy the beauty and luxury of leather without being overwhelmed by the smell. Whether itโ€™s a new leather jacket, bag, or furniture, your items will soon smell as good as they look!

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