Old leather bags impregnated with unpleasant and pungent odors are not very pleasant to carry and in all likelihood make you lose the urge to use them. However, before you decide to throw them away, know that there are several ways to neutralize bad smells and restore them to their former glory.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Perform a Simple Cleaning
Whichever method you choose, you may want to do a simple cleaning first to remove dust, dirt and other residues.
Step 1. Try cleaning it first
If the bad smell persists, you can try one of the other methods suggested below.
- Clean it inside and out with a soft, dry, clean cloth. It will go to collect dust, stray debris and even some mold.
- Rub it with a damp cloth. It will collect more residue deeper.
Step 2. Put it in the air
Choose an outdoor area, as long as it is protected from direct sunlight and heat, such as a table on the porch. If you can, leave it there for a day.
Step 3. Check if the odor is still penetrating
In this case, choose one or more of the methods suggested below.
Method 2 of 7: Clean with White Vinegar
Step 1. Prepare a solution
Mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water. Apply the solution to the bag with a sponge. Rub the inside and moldy exterior for a few minutes.
Before using this method, you should do a test in a hidden place, to exclude the risk of getting stained
Step 2. Wipe off the vinegar solution with a clean, wet cloth
Step 3. Let the bag air dry
Put it outside in shelter, out of direct sunlight and let it air dry.
Step 4. Check if it still smells bad
If the smell persists, repeat the process. If not, you can reuse it.
Method 3 of 7: Clean with Dishwashing Liquid
Step 1. Use a liquid detergent to clean the bag
Step 2. Make a soapy water solution using a liquid detergent
Soak a cloth or sponge and wring to get rid of excess water before using it.
Step 3. Rub the cloth over the bag and inside
Focus in particular on the areas that seem the most smelly to you.
Step 4. Let it air dry
Place it outside in a protected area, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Step 5. Once dry, check if the odor is still penetrating
In this case, repeat the operation.
Method 4 of 7: Neutralize Bad Smell with Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Use baking soda to deodorize the bag
Step 2. Fill a clean sock with baking soda
Close the opening with a knot.
Step 3. Place the leather bag and baking soda-filled sock in a large resealable plastic bag
Alternatively, place both items inside an airtight container.
Step 4. Put everything aside
Let the baking soda sit for at least 24 hours. It will absorb the bad smells of the bag.
Step 5. Remove everything from the resealable bag or container
Check if the unpleasant odor persists. In this case, repeat the operation for at least another 24 hours. If, on the other hand, you've solved the problem, throw away the baking soda, wash the sock, and use the bag again.
Method 5 of 7: Neutralize the Bad Smell with Newsprint
This method is also useful for shoes and boots that give off unpleasant or pungent odors. Be aware that it may leave traces if the skin is light, so insert the bag into a pillowcase or thin pouch before using newsprint.
Step 1. Get some newspapers
Ball up the pages and place them inside a large plastic bag, such as a kitchen waste bag or garbage bag.
Step 2. Slip the smelly bag between the crumpled up newspaper sheets
Arrange it so that it fits snugly into the center of the cards.
Step 3. Close the bag with a knot
Alternatively, use a lanyard.
Step 4. Let at least 48 hours pass
A few more days wouldn't hurt.
Step 5. Remove the bag from the bag
Sniff to see if the bad smell is gone. If not, put it back in the papers for a few more days. Sooner or later the smell will start to fade.
Method 6 of 7: Neutralize Bad Smell with Coffee
This method is great for removing the smell of cigarettes from an old leather bag. However, keep in mind that if it has been exposed to cigarette smoke for years, the coffee pose will not be effective either. The system works if you have been in contact with the unpleasant smell of smoke for a short time.
Step 1. Fill a sock with the coffee pose
The installation must be dry, so if you have recently made coffee, let it dry first. Alternatively, use soluble coffee, making sure you choose the cheapest one. Knot the sock to keep the fragrance of the powder intact.
Step 2. Place the sock inside the old leather bag
Leave it there for a week. During this time, he should absorb almost all of the cigarette smell, if not completely.
Step 3. Test by sniffing
If everything is in order, the bag is ready to be used again. If it still smells bad, put the sock back on for a few more days.
Method 7 of 7: Neutralize the Bad Smell with Potpourri
Step 1. Prepare or purchase a potpourri package
Put it inside a bag.
Step 2. Place the bag inside the smelly bag
Leave it there for at least a week.
Step 3. Place the bag in an airy area
Don't leave it in the closet in the dark. Instead, find a place where there is fresh air, being careful not to place it in direct sunlight.
Step 4. Check it out a week later
You may want to leave the potpourri bag inside the bag even when you're using it. That way, it will continue to deodorize it.
Advice
- Be sure to give it a try before using these methods on your favorite leather items.
- From now on keep the bag in perfect condition. Do not store it where it could get moldy. If you live in a humid place, look for solutions to avoid this risk. For example, you can keep an incandescent light bulb on in the area where you store your shoes or use a device or product to remove moisture.
- You can use dried tea leaves (just bought) instead of laying coffee or instant coffee.
- Since used dryer wipes are useful for eliminating bad odors from books, they might work for leather bags too.
