How to Get Bad Smells Out of Leather Jackets, Couches, Shoes & More

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Expert-backed remedies for removing funky smells from your leather
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Leather is a material made from tanned animal hide, and it’s a popular choice for making jackets, furniture, shoes, purses, belts, and other products. Although it’s durable, leather is also prone to picking up strong odors, like smoke, food smells, sweat, perfume, and mildew. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to getting these smells out of your leather products, with expert deodorizing and cleaning tips from leather care technician Mallika Sharma and shoe care specialist Marc Sigal. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Best Ways to Get Smells Out of Leather

  • Air and sunlight . Let the leather air out in indirect sunlight so the smell dissipates.
  • Newspaper . Place the leather on crumpled newspapers to let the paper absorb the smell.
  • Vinegar . Clean the leather with a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar.
  • Baking soda . Sprinkle baking soda over the leather and let it sit for 24 hours.
Section 1 of 4:

Getting Smells Out of Leather

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  1. According to Sharma, the best way to get smells out of leather is simply to leave it to air out for a few days. “The smell will automatically go,” she explains. [1] So, try leaving your leather in a safe spot with plenty of indirect sunlight and air circulation to air it out; you can do this alone or combine it with one of the cleaning methods outlined below.
    • For example, leave the leather by a window or behind a screen door, where there’s light and air flow.
    • Indirect sunlight is best; if you put the leather in direct sunlight, Sharma recommends only leaving it there for a few hours. “Sunlight can cause leather to fade,” she adds. [2]
    • Alternatively, you can put the leather outside (as long as the weather is good). [3]
    • If you need to air out leather quickly after getting it wet, try using a blow-dryer on a low heat setting. Avoid getting the dryer too close to the leather; run it at a distance to soak up the moisture and prevent big water stains.
  2. Due to the tanning process, new leather typically has a chemical smell—and the easiest way to get rid of that smell is to use your leather product. Trying to mask the smell with perfume or odor-masking agents can actually make the smell last longer, so just use your jacket, shoes, or other product for a few weeks until the smell dissipates. [4]
    • The same goes for leather that smells like cigarette smoke; leather is a very porous material and absorbs smells easily, but continuing to use it can help the smell fade over time.
    • The aging process will also often your leather, effectively opening its pores and releasing the bad smell.
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  3. Newspaper (and packing paper) are extremely porous, making them great for absorbing any bad smells in your leather. Always check that the leather and newspaper are dry before doing this! Then, crumple up several sheets of newspaper in a box and place the leather item in the paper. Close the box and leave it sealed for 1-2 days. [5]
    • After a couple days, check to see if the newspaper has effectively gotten rid of the bad smell. If not, you may need to leave the leather there for another day.
    • Newspaper is definitely the ideal choice compared to other types of paper; the loose fiber in the newspaper makes it more absorbent.
  4. The acid in the vinegar can help counteract bad smells—and although some don’t like the smell of vinegar, it’ll dissipate along with any other bad odors in the leather. Make your vinegar solution with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Then, dip a clean cloth in the solution and use it to wipe the solution across the leather’s surface. [6]
    • Alternatively, you can use a spray bottle and spray the vinegar solution over the leather, then wipe it clean with a cloth.
    • Before cleaning the leather with your vinegar solution, dab a bit of it onto a very small patch of the leather and test it to make sure there’s no discoloration or cracking!
  5. Baking soda is great for absorbing bad odors, and it’s safe to use on leather. Gently sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over affected areas (or the entire leather product, if needed). Then, let the baking soda sit there overnight (for 24 hours), and vacuum or brush it away with a clean cloth the next day. Be gentle when brushing to avoid scratching the leather! [7]
    • You can also put the leather item in a pillowcase or plastic ziplock bag with baking soda and let it sit in the baking soda overnight.
    • You may need to repeat this process with baking soda a few times until the bad odor is completely gone.
  6. Leather cleaners are specifically made to get smells and stains out of leather. While it’s important to follow the specific instructions of the cleaner you choose, using it usually involves spraying it on or using a dry, clean cloth to spread it onto the leather. Most leather cleaners can not only remove odors but also preserve the leather’s color and sheen. [8]
    • After using the cleaner, use a clean cloth to wipe the leather dry—especially if you’re treating a pair of leather shoes, a jacket, or a purse.
    • Avoid alcohol-based products or odor-masking products like perfume; the chemicals in them can damage the leather’s pores.
  7. When you’re specifically trying to get the bad smells out of a leather couch (like smoke or pet odors), there’s one other thing to consider—the cushions underneath that leather. If none of the other methods seem to work fully, it may be because the couch’s foam cushions have absorbed the odor, too, and need to be cleaned or replaced.
  8. Sigal recommends you apply conditioner to the leather surface with a clean cloth or soft bristle brush. Wait a few minutes, let it dry, then brush off any excess conditioner. “Leather is a very finicky material,” Sigal explains. “If not treated correctly, it will start to dry and crack.” [9] You can also condition leather every 6 months to prevent odors. There are several conditioner options:
    • Leather conditioner . Most leather conditioners come as a spray that you can apply to the surface of the leather, allowing the chemical to seep into the leather’s pores.
    • High-quality linseed oil . This natural oil is a very effective conditioner for leather clothing (and other leather items). Just massage the linseed oil into the leather with a cloth so it gets absorbed!
    • Shoe polish . Liquid shoe polish will work on leather shoes, jackets, and even bags or purses. You can also use canned shoe polish for leather shoes and boots. For natural leather, get shoe polish with carnauba wax and natural ingredients.
    • Avoid using saddle soap to condition leather since it’ll require a lot of rinsing and may give the leather a streaky look (or sticky surface). [10]
    • Good conditioners can also be used to soften your leather, according to Sharma. [11]
  9. “Professionals use deodorizing chemicals to get rid of smells urgently,” says Sharma. [12] So, if the odor resists your home remedies or even over-the-counter leather cleaners, consider bringing the leather item to a professional who can clean and condition it.
    • Depending on the item in question (shoes, a jacket, or a watch band, for example), you may be able to get the odor removed for a small fee.
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Section 2 of 4:

What causes bad smells in leather?

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  1. An unpleasant odor in your leather products can be caused by many different things. However, there are a few especially common culprits! Try identifying the source of the smell before attempting to clean your leather. If you notice that your leather smells bad, it could be caused by one of the following: [13]
    • Moisture, mold, and mildew . Because leather is a natural material, it’s absorbent and easily soaks up moisture, which can cause it to develop mold or mildew (along with a characteristic musty smell).
    • Pets . If you have pets in the house, their odor can easily seep into naturally absorbent leather. The same goes for any other odors in the environment, like smoke or even just body odor.
    • Packaging . Leather packaged in airtight containers can have an even stronger smell because the fumes are sealed in too, with nowhere else to go.
    • Tanning agents . As mentioned above, tanning agents during the leather’s tanning process can give it a chemical smell (although vegetable tanning agents can smell differently).
    • Manufacturing . When a leather item is manufactured, substances sometimes used during the process (like fish oil) can leave a lingering smell.
    • Natural aging . Leather can also start smelling as it ages, because the oils and fats in the leather can eventually become rancid.
Section 3 of 4:

How do odors affect different types of leather?

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  1. Did you know that the type of leather can change how it develops and gets affected by odors? It’s true! Real leather is more delicate and porous, so it absorbs odors more easily compared to faux leather. Of course, real leather is also stronger and more durable, so it has its upsides! [14]
    • Faux leather can absolutely develop an odor, too—it’s just not as absorbent as genuine leather, so it doesn’t collect smells as quickly.
    • There are also different types of real leather, like full-grain and top-grain.
    • Full-grain is the highest quality and also the most porous (meaning it absorbs odors the easiest). Top-grain is thinner because its surface layers have been sanded off, and it’s not quite as prone to picking up smells.
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Section 4 of 4:

FAQs About Getting Smells Out of Leather

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  1. 1
    Why does fake leather have a fishy smell? Fake leather is often produced with phthalates, or plasticizers. Over time, those chemicals percolate to the material's surface, giving it a strong, fish-like smell. Cleaning and storing faux leather in well-ventilated areas can prevent this smell!
  2. 2
    Can you put leather items in the washing machine? Putting leather in the washing machine is not recommended because moisture and harsh detergents can damage the material. Always follow care instructions given for leather items and garments!
  3. 3
    How do you get smoky cigarette smells out of leather? The easiest way to do this is by storing your leather somewhere there’s no exposure to smoke or smoky odors. Otherwise, try airing the leather outside to get rid of the smoky smell.
  4. 4
    What should you do if your leather watch band stinks? Sharma recommends a simple treatment of gentle soap and warm water. Then, she recommends using isopropyl alcohol if the smell doesn’t go away—or an industrial deodorizing agent if it’s still not working. [15]
  5. 5
    Is a hot car bad for leather? Yes, leaving leather in a hot car can be bad for it. If it’s only in a hot car for a brief period, the leather can get slightly dry or faded—and repeated exposure to a hot car can cause the leather to crack, lose color, or get very stiff.
  6. 6
    Does Febreeze (or similar products) work on leather? No. Even though there are Febreeze products for fabric, leather is sensitive and can get damaged by chemicals, so it’s better to use products specifically designed for leather.
  7. 7
    What should you do if the leather smells even stronger after cleaning it? This might mean the cleaning product you used had a reaction to the leather or just wasn’t fully wiped away. Try gently wiping the leather with water and drying it; if that doesn’t work, it might be time to visit a professional for leather cleaning.
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How Can You Reduce Strong Smells in Leather?


Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you deodorize leather?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    The best solution is to let the leather product dry naturally under the sun for a few days. The smell will automatically fade. Otherwise, take the item to a professional—they'll use deodorizing chemicals to get rid of the smell.
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  • Question
    How do I get a bad smell out of leather?
    Community Answer
    Follow the instructions listed in the article above.
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  • Question
    What should I use to remove body sweat smells from a leather lounge?
    Community Answer
    Sprinkle the item with baking soda and allow it to sit for at least 20 minutes. Then vacuum up the baking soda.
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      References

      1. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.
      2. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
      3. ↑ https://howtocleanthings.com/how-to-clean-leather/
      4. ↑ https://leatherinsights.com/new-leather-smell/
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBzce0rVfPg
      6. ↑ https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-rodent-urine-odor-from-leather-seats/
      7. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/furniture/21399923/how-to-clean-leather
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBzce0rVfPg
      9. ↑ Marc Sigal. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2020.
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBzce0rVfPg
      2. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
      3. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 7 January 2021.
      4. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/furniture/21399923/how-to-clean-leather
      5. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/furniture/21399923/how-to-clean-leather
      6. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get a bad smell out of leather, first dry out the item completely. Place it in indirect sunlight and wipe it dry with a clean cloth, or run a low-heat blow-dryer over it. If the item is small, pack newspaper around it and seal it in a box for a few days to absorb the odor. For larger items, dab a cloth in distilled vinegar and wipe it over the leather. Remember that leather will absorb smells over time, so don't mask the odor with perfumes or other agents. Instead, use the item often to help it age and absorb the smells more easily. For more homemade and professional solutions, read on!

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