How To Get The Smell Out Of A Leather Jacket

Like yours, leather garments and handbags are not alone in their tendency to absorb and hold on to unwanted odors. They can easily pick up smells like cigarette smoke, body odor, pet odors, and musty scents from damp environments. The process to remove odor from leather jackets can be challenging once it permeates the leather. However, rest assured that employing suitable cleaning and treatment techniques can significantly reduce or completely eradicate these odors in some instances, giving your leather items a fresh lease of life.

Try To Avoid Improper Storage 

To prevent your leather jacket from developing a bad smell, it's crucial to consider how and where you store it. If your jacket is kept in a damp or humid environment, it can create the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to thrive, leading to an unpleasant, musty smell. Similarly, storing the jacket in an airtight space, such as a tightly sealed closet or plastic bag, can hinder air circulation and trap odors. By understanding these storage pitfalls, you can neutralize odor in leather jackets.

The first step to removing your leather jacket's foul odors is to give it room to breathe. Leather requires adequate air circulation to eliminate trapped odors. Find a well-ventilated area and place your jacket on a sturdy hanger. Importantly, ensure it is not exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which could harm the leather. Leave it to hang for several hours or overnight, allowing the fresh air to work magic and revitalize your jacket.

The Baking Soda Recipe 

If your leather jacket becomes wet, proper drying is essential to maintaining its quality. Avoid leaving the jacket damp or using direct heat sources such as radiators or hairdryers, as these can cause moisture to become trapped within the leather, leading to a musty smell and potential damage. Improper drying may also make the leather stiff and develop water stains, degrading the jacket's quality.

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient famous for its exceptional odor-absorbing properties. It's an ideal solution for eliminating unpleasant smells from your leather jacket. To use baking soda, generously sprinkle it on both the inside and outside of the jacket, paying close attention to areas where the smell is most prominent. Gently massage the baking soda into the leather using a soft cloth or your hands. For optimal results, allow the baking soda to sit on the jacket for at least 24 hours to get rid of the leather jacket smell.

Leather Cleaner Always Comes In Handy

Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure your leather jacket stays fresh and free from unpleasant odors. If the jacket is cleaned correctly and the manufacturer's care instructions are followed, dirt, dust, and other impurities can build up on the surface and within the leather fibers, leading to undesirable smells over time.

Sometimes, the unpleasant odor may be caused by dirt and grime trapped in the leather pores. It's essential to use a specialized leather cleaner designed for jackets to address this issue. Moreover, apply a small amount of the cleaner onto a clean, soft cloth and gently massage it into the leather surface using circular motions. Pay special attention to areas that come into contact with your skin, such as the collar and cuffs. Always follow the instructions provided with the cleaner, and remember to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of the jacket before using it extensively.

Conditioning Your Jacket Might Help

Leather is naturally porous, which means it can absorb odors. If your leather jacket has been exposed to smoke from cigarettes, cigars, or fireplaces, it can easily retain these smells. Additionally, it can pick up lingering odors from strong-smelling substances like perfumes, colognes, or chemicals when near them.

After cleaning your leather jacket, it's essential to replenish its natural moisture to prevent it from drying out. Using a leather conditioner not only nourishes the material but also helps in reducing any lingering odors. Also, to apply the conditioner, use a clean cloth or a soft brush to cover the entire jacket with a thin, even layer. Moreover, let the conditioner soak into the leather for the recommended time, then gently wipe off any excess. Regular conditioning will help preserve the quality of your jacket and keep it smelling fresh.

Apply A Vinegar Solution For Instant Results 

Leather jackets can develop an unpleasant smell due to the accumulation of sweat and body oils. Our bodies naturally perspire when we wear these jackets; sweat and oils can penetrate the leather over time. This combination creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, developing an unpleasant odor. If cleaned and maintained correctly, the issue can improve over time.

Furthermore, vinegar is an effective natural remedy for combating odors. You can create a solution by mixing equal water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Moreover, it's only essential to lightly mist the leather jacket inside and outside with vinegar, as saturating the leather could cause damage. Vinegar works by neutralizing the odor-causing bacteria, leaving your jacket smelling fresh. So, after applying the leather jacket odor solutions, allow the jacket to dry in a well-ventilated area to ensure it dries properly.

The Final Verdict