There’s something about the smell of new leather that’s unmistakable. Whether it’s a brand-new leather jacket, a freshly upholstered leather couch, or a pair of sleek leather boots, the strong scent of new leather can be overwhelming.
While some people love that distinct leather smell, others find it a bit too strong or even off-putting. If you’re in the latter group and wondering how to remove new leather smell, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
In this blog, we’ll explore easy, effective ways to tone down or completely eliminate that pungent leather odor so you can enjoy your new items without the overpowering scent.
Why Does New Leather Have a Strong Smell?
Before we dive into how to remove the new leather smell, it’s helpful to understand why leather has such a distinct odor when it’s fresh.
- Tanning Process: The strong smell of new leather largely comes from the chemicals used during the tanning process. Depending on the method used (vegetable tanning, chrome tanning, etc.), the scent can vary, but it’s generally noticeable and persistent.
- Leather Treatment Products: New leather is often treated with oils, dyes, and other substances to protect and condition the material. These treatments can also contribute to the strong, lingering smell.
- Natural Properties of Leather: Since leather is derived from animal hides, it has natural oils and proteins that add to its unique scent.
The good news is that while this new leather smell can be strong at first, it will naturally fade over time. But if you’d rather speed up the process, let’s explore some practical ways to reduce or eliminate that odor.
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Simple Tricks to Remove New Leather Smell Properly
To remove new leather smell, you can try airing out the item, using baking soda, white vinegar, charcoal, or essential oils to absorb or neutralize the odor. These simple methods can make your leather items more comfortable to use while maintaining their fresh appearance.
If the scent of your new leather item is a bit too overpowering, there are plenty of methods to help reduce or eliminate it. Here are some of the most effective ways to remove that strong leather smell and leave your items fresh.
Air Out the Leather Item
One of the simplest and most effective ways to get rid of new leather smell is to let the item air out. Fresh air can help dissipate the strong odors and neutralize the scent.
- Place the item in a well-ventilated area: Whether it’s a jacket, bag, or furniture, set the leather item in a space with good air circulation. A room with open windows or near a fan works best.
- Avoid direct sunlight: While it’s important to air out the item, be cautious not to expose it to direct sunlight for long periods, as UV rays can damage the leather over time.
- Air it out for several days: It may take a few days of airing out for the smell to subside significantly, but it’s a natural and gentle way to reduce the odor.
This method is ideal if you have the time to wait for the smell to fade gradually.
Use Baking Soda to Absorb the Odor
Baking soda is a fantastic, all-natural odor absorber and can be very effective at reducing strong smells, including new leather odors.
- Create a baking soda pouch: Place a small amount of baking soda in a breathable fabric pouch or sock, and then place it inside the leather item (such as a bag or jacket). For furniture, sprinkle baking soda lightly over the surface and cover with a clean cloth.
- Let it sit for 24-48 hours: Leave the baking soda on or inside the item for at least a day or two to allow it time to absorb the leather smell.
- Vacuum or shake off: After the waiting period, vacuum or shake off the baking soda to remove any residue.
This method is great for more contained leather items, such as shoes, bags, or small furniture.
White Vinegar for Odor Neutralization
White vinegar is another excellent natural option for neutralizing strong odors, including the smell of new leather.
- Make a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the leather: Spray a very light mist over the surface of the leather. Be careful not to oversaturate, as too much moisture can damage the material.
- Wipe and air out: Wipe the surface with a soft cloth and then allow the leather to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer, and while the smell of vinegar might be strong at first, it will dissipate quickly, taking much of the leather odor with it.
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Activated Charcoal for Persistent Odors
Activated charcoal is a highly effective substance for absorbing odors and works particularly well for strong, persistent smells like new leather.
- Place charcoal nearby: Put activated charcoal in a breathable pouch and place it inside or near the leather item. For leather furniture, you can place the charcoal in the same room.
- Leave it for a few days: Activated charcoal works best when given time to absorb odors, so leave it near the leather for several days to a week.
- Replace as needed: If the smell persists, replace the charcoal and repeat the process.
This method is ideal for items that are difficult to treat directly, like large furniture or leather car seats.
Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent
If you want to both neutralize the new leather smell and add a pleasant fragrance, essential oils can be a great option.
- Choose your favorite scent: Lavender, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil are good options because they are not only fragrant but also have natural antibacterial properties.
- Create a spray solution: Mix a few drops of essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Lightly mist the leather: Spray a light mist over the leather, ensuring you don’t soak the material. You can also rub a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and place it near or inside the leather item (like in a drawer or inside a bag).
- Let it air out: Allow the leather to air out after applying the essential oil. This will both neutralize the leather odor and leave behind a fresh, subtle scent.
Essential oils are a great way to personalize your leather items and make them smell fresh without being overpowering.
Coffee Grounds to Absorb and Freshen
Believe it or not, coffee grounds can absorb odors while leaving a pleasant smell behind. If you love the smell of coffee, this trick is perfect for you.
- Use dry coffee grounds: Place dry coffee grounds in a breathable pouch or paper towel and put it inside or near the leather item. For larger items like furniture, you can place the coffee grounds in small bowls nearby.
- Let it sit for 24-48 hours: Allow the coffee grounds to sit near the leather for a day or two to absorb the odor.
- Dispose of the grounds: Afterward, remove the coffee grounds and enjoy the reduced leather odor.
This method is particularly useful for leather bags, shoes, or small items and works as both an odor absorber and a scent enhancer.
Keep It Clean and Conditioned
Regularly cleaning and conditioning your leather items can also help reduce the strength of the new leather smell over time. Leather conditioners soften the material and can mask odors.
- Use a leather cleaner: Start by wiping down the leather with a gentle leather cleaner or a damp cloth to remove any surface chemicals or dust.
- Apply leather conditioner: After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner according to the product instructions. Conditioners not only keep leather soft and supple but also help to mask strong leather odors with a pleasant scent.
This method is particularly useful for keeping leather furniture or high-use items like jackets in good condition while helping to reduce the smell over time.
End Note
Getting rid of that new leather smell doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Whether you’re dealing with a strong-smelling jacket, a pair of new shoes, or a leather couch, these easy and natural methods can help you quickly neutralize the odor and make your leather items more enjoyable to use.
So, the next time your new leather purchase overwhelms you with its strong scent, try out one of these methods and enjoy your leather without the overpowering smell!
