How to Remove Bad Smell from a Leather Jacket? | 5 Easy Tips
A leather jacket can easily add a touch of elegance and edge to a wardrobe. But what happens when the typical fresh leather aroma starts to fade, replacing it with an odor you don't appreciate? Some Canadian leather jacket owners might not even like the smell of a newly bought leather jacket as it can be pungent and strong for their liking. Whatever the case might be, we are here with some easy tips on how to remove bad smell from leather jackets so that you can still adore this timeless outerwear.
This guide will help you effectively remove the smell from your favourite outerwear and bring back its natural and fresh scent.
Why Does Your Leather Jacket Smell?
Before jumping in on the road of removing the odour, let's quickly discuss why they even start to smell in the first place.
Leather is a natural material that is porous and has the ability to absorb a variety of different odours. From sweat and body oils to environmental smells like smoke, perfume, road salt brought in on cold Canadian winter days, or campfire scents from cottage weekends your precious leather jacket can absorb all of these odours. If you don't maintain and care for your leather jacket then it will evidently start to have a smell.
5 Easy Steps to Freshen Up Your Jacket
1. Air It Out
Let's start simple. One of the simplest things you can do to remove a bad smell from your leather jacket is to air it out. Let your jacket hang in the fresh air to let it breathe and deodorise it from unlikable scents.
Make sure to avoid placing it in direct sunlight as it can dry and fade the leather. Look for an open, shady spot a covered porch, deck, or a shaded corner of the backyard works perfectly. On warmer Canadian days, airing it outside is ideal; in winter, a well-ventilated room or near an open window works just as well.
As a general rule of thumb, try leaving your jacket for 24–48 hours and rotating it after some intervals to ensure all parts get exposed to fresh air for the best possible results.
2. Use a Leather Cleaner
There's no denying that leather-specific cleaners can do wonders. These cleaners are not only gentle on the leather jacket but also designed to provide a deep clean without damaging the leather. They are available online and at leather goods retailers across Canada.
Make sure to do a patch test for the cleaning solution before applying any product to ensure it doesn't discolour or damage the leather.
3. Baking Soda Your Deodorising Agent
Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and a safe way to eliminate any bad smell from your outerwear. However, try to avoid any direct contact with the jacket as it might discolour the leather.
Place your jacket in a large zip lock bag with an open box or a cup of baking soda. Seal the bag and let it sit overnight. The next day, remove your jacket and give it a good shake to get rid of any powder residue.
You might also consider using activated charcoal in the same way, as it's another excellent odour absorber.
4. Try White Vinegar Solution
Let's say you are on a budget and don't want to purchase one of those leather cleaners. Don't worry we have just the right solution for you. White vinegar is available at any Canadian grocery store and makes a great DIY leather deodoriser.
Here's a simple DIY method to create a gentle white vinegar cleaner.
Materials Needed
- 1 part white vinegar
- 2 parts water
- A spray bottle
- A soft cloth
Steps for Removing Smell
1. Mix the Solution: Combine one part of white vinegar with two parts of water in a bowl or into your spray bottle. The vinegar will help clean the leather, while the water dilutes the solution to prevent damage.
2. Do a Patch Test: Always do a patch test before applying the solution to the complete jacket. Try it on a small, hidden area of the jacket first to make sure it doesn't discolour or damage the leather. Wait for it to dry and make sure it's safe to use.
3. Application: Now, spray the solution onto a clean soft cloth. You should try to dampen the cloth and not completely soak it. Never spray directly onto the jacket as it could cause water spots or discolouration.
4. Clean Your Jacket: Gently wipe down your leather jacket with your damp cloth this will not only remove any smell but will also clean your jacket from any dirt residue.
5. Dry the Jacket: Remember, vinegar has its own unique odour which is why you need to dry your jacket thoroughly. Use a dry soft cloth to gently dab the jacket, soaking up any excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, as it may push the water deeper into the leather. If it's taking a bit longer for the vinegar's smell to dissipate, air out the jacket in a ventilated spot a shaded porch or open garage works well across most Canadian seasons.
6. Condition the Leather: After cleaning and drying, apply a good quality leather conditioner to the jacket. This will restore any lost moisture and keep the outerwear fresh.
5. Professional Cleaning
If it seems nothing is working or the scent is too strong to remove, consider taking your jacket to professional leather cleaners. They have all the right tools and professional knowledge to properly clean and deodorise your leather jacket without causing any damage.
Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa and most major Canadian cities have dedicated leather care specialists. Look for cleaners specialising in leather care, check their reviews, and ask about their cleaning and deodorising methods to better suit your needs.
Care Tips to Prevent Odours
You might have heard this before prevention is the best treatment. The same goes for your outerwear. Keeping your jacket clean and airing it regularly will prevent bad odour buildup, especially in Canada's variable climate where humid summers and cold winters can both affect your leather.
Here are a few tips to care for your leather jacket in Canada:
- Always hang your jacket in a well-ventilated area after wearing it a shaded porch, deck, or a well-ventilated room works well.
- Use a good leather conditioner to prevent the jacket from drying out both Canadian dry winters and humid summers can affect the leather.
- Try to keep the jacket away from strong and pungent odours as leather can easily absorb them.
Conclusion
A leather jacket is a style statement and a must-have clothing article for every fashion-forward Canadian. But it is no fun if it has a smell that no one likes.
Banishing unpleasant odours from your leather jacket is a breeze with these 5 effective tips. By following these steps efficiently you will be able to enjoy wearing these timeless clothing pieces for many years to come.
Remember, proper care and cleaning go a long way to keeping your leather jacket fresh and smell-free.
