Leather is a material made from tanned animal hides. It is used to make jackets and many other products. The smell of new leather from tanning indicates that it is a genuine product, but some may find it unpleasant.

I know you're probably wondering how to remove bad odors from a leather jacket. Rest assured, this guide is designed to help you effectively remove bad odors from your leather jacket.

5 Different Ways to Remove Odor from a Leather Jacket:

• Clean the surface of the jacket.
• Let it air.
• A baking soda solution may help.
• A solution of vinegar and water.
• A leather conditioner.

Don't forget to clean the jacket

To learn how to remove odors from a leather jacket, take a dry cotton cloth and gently rub it all over the leather, especially the smelliest area. Do not use chemicals, alcohol, or other deodorizers like perfumes, as these can damage the leather.

Let it air out

The first thing to do is hang up your leather jacket immediately. Hanging it in a well-ventilated area is the best way to eliminate the odor. Avoid hanging it near the kitchen or in direct sunlight, as this could damage its finish.

Make sure you choose a spot that filters sunlight or is behind a screen so direct sunlight doesn't reach it.

Baking soda can help

Baking soda is effective at absorbing bad odors, and best of all, it's safe to use on leather jackets too. Grab some baking powder and a large ziplock bag big enough for your leather jacket. Then follow these steps.

1- Place the leather jacket in the bag and sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the leather. Then close the bag and leave it like this for 24 hours.

2- After 24 hours, open the bag and gently dust off the baking soda with a soft brush or dry cloth.

Vinegar and water solution

A vinegar and water solution can also help eliminate the odor. Mix them in a spray bottle and lightly spray it on the leather. Avoid spraying on the metal parts of the jacket, as the vinegar can cause corrosion. Let the solution sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then wipe off with a damp cloth.

Leather conditioner is your best friend

To use a leather conditioner, follow these steps:

1. Cleaning the Jacket: Wipe the surface of the jacket with a damp cloth to remove any dirt and debris.
2. Apply leather care: Choose a care product specially formulated for leather goods.
3. Allow to penetrate: Leave the treatment on the jacket for the recommended time, generally 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Wipe off excess: Use a damp cloth to remove any excess unabsorbed treatment.
5. Air Dry: Place the jacket in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry completely. Avoid direct exposure to heat or sunlight.

By using a leather conditioner to remove odors from your leather jacket, you can restore its natural scent and keep it soft and supple.

Also check out this guide to removing wrinkles from leather jackets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does genuine leather have an odor?

Yes! Since genuine leather is made and tanned from animal skin, its natural odor is present.

How to remove musty smell from a leather jacket?

Use baking soda to eliminate musty odors. Before waking up, sprinkle it generously on the surface and use a dry brush to gently scrub.

How to remove sweat smell from a leather jacket?

Spray diluted white vinegar on the inside and outside of your leather jacket. Let it dry outside or near an open window. Finish by applying a leather conditioner to keep it supple.