Leather is a material obtained from the skin of animals with a procedure called tanning. It is used to produce jackets, furniture, shoes, bags, belts and many other products. Although leather is quite durable, it is more difficult to clean than natural or synthetic fibers. The grain can absorb bad smells, such as smoke, food, sweat, perfume, mold, but also the classic new smell due to the tanning itself. Eliminating them may take some experimenting. If in doubt, you can always take the affected item to a professional to avoid damaging it.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Dry your skin immediately
If it's wet or looks moldy, you need to get rid of all traces of moisture right away. It can permanently damage it and create an odor that will be very difficult to remove. There are several simple methods for drying leather:
- Place the object in a place in the house that receives indirect sunlight. Direct contact with the sun's rays can cause the leather to crack, wear out or otherwise damage it. Choose a spot near a window that filters light or is protected by a mosquito net.
- Turn on the hairdryer at a low temperature. Avoid getting it too close to the skin, as you risk causing it to crack or break. Keep it far enough away to dry it and prevent extensive water stains from forming on the surface.
- Use a clean, dry cloth, especially if you need to treat a pair of shoes, jacket, or bag. Avoid alcohol-based products or products designed to mask odors, such as perfume. Just wipe with a clean dry cloth. Chemicals can be absorbed by the pores of the leather, so the item can be damaged.
Step 2. Wrap the leather item in newspaper or wrapping paper
Its porous quality allows it to absorb all bad odors from the leather article. Always make sure the object and sheets are completely dry. Newspaper has large fibers that make it softer and more absorbent than other options, such as photocopying.
- Crumple up several sheets of newspaper, place them in a box and place the leather object on top. Close the container and do not open it for 1-2 days.
- Check the article to see if the paper has completely absorbed the bad smell. You may need to leave it in the box for another day.
Step 3. Clean the leather with a vinegar solution
The acid will help fight bad odors; even that of vinegar, which for some may be unpleasant, will dissipate.
- Before using an acid-based product on your leather item, test a hidden part to make sure it doesn't fade. Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water. Choose a very small area of the item and dab the solution on it. If it doesn't discolour or crack, go ahead and clean the item completely.
- Use a clean cloth to apply the vinegar solution to the leather.
- You can also use a spray bottle to spray the solution onto the leather. Wipe it off with a cloth.
- If the smell is very unpleasant, you can try soaking the leather item in the vinegar for 5-10 minutes. Make sure you dry the leather after this so it doesn't get moldy.
Step 4. Treat your leather with baking soda, great for absorbing bad odors and safe to use on leather
You will also need a pillowcase or airtight bag large enough to hold the leather item.
- Put the leather item in the pillowcase or airtight bag. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the surface of the skin. You can also apply it on the inside of the article to remove bad smells in this area as well.
- Close the pillowcase by tying it or seal the airtight bag. Let the baking soda sit overnight or for 24 hours.
- Remove the baking soda using a handheld vacuum or a clean cloth. Remove it gently to avoid scratching the leather.
- Repeat the process until the bad smell has been eliminated.
Step 5. Let the skin age so that the bad smell fades over time
Consider the natural properties of leather: the bad smells it absorbs, from cigarette smoke to the new smell due to tanning, gradually decrease. Instead of trying to mask them with perfume or other chemicals (which will actually extend the time it takes for the bad smells to fade), use the item often. If you can handle the smell, wear your jacket or shoes daily to help the aging process.
The aging process will also soften the leather, effectively open its pores and eliminate bad odor
Method 2 of 2: Using Professional Products
Step 1. Buy a leather cleaning product
You can find a professional one from the hardware store or the shoemaker. Always use a specific one for leather.
Apply it with a clean, dry cloth. Most of these products help remove odors, preserve both the color and shine of the leather, and protect it from cracking
Step 2. Apply a special conditioner
After cleaning the leather, you should always use a conditioner. This procedure helps to remove bad smells, but also to maintain the color and the shine of the leather. There are several options for doing this.
- High quality linseed oil: it is a very effective natural product for softening the leather. Avoid using the low quality one, as it will not give the same result. Use a cloth to massage the oil into the leather so that it can be absorbed.
- Shoe polish: it is the oldest method of softening leather, but it is also one of the best. Use liquid on shoes, jackets and bags. You can also choose a polishing paste for leather boots and shoes. For natural leather, buy a product that contains carnauba wax and other non-artificial ingredients.
- Professional Leather Balm: This product can be found in stores that sell horse care products or online. It is generally sold in the form of a spray. You have to spray it on the surface of the leather and the chemicals will be absorbed by the pores. Removes bad odors and helps bring out the gloss of the material.
- Avoid using saddle soap. It requires a lot of rinsing and could give a streaked appearance to the leather or create a sticky surface.
Step 3. You could take the item to a professional to have it cleaned and softened
If the smell persists despite the use of various home remedies or products available on the market, it would be best to take it to a cobbler to have it treated. Depending on the type of item and the severity of the smell, you may be able to remove it from the leather without spending too much.
