Make your leather clothing smell good again

Hi readers,

I am still gathering and editing a couple of my photos for upcoming blog posts so I apologize for not posting more sooner. I wanted to post something today that was tangible and something all of my readers have dealt with: leather that retains a smoke smell. I enjoy "dive bars" as much as the next person but what I don't enjoy is smelling like said bar for the next month.

My leather and pleather jackets maintain that smell and if I go to another bar it just stacks on that smell. Another place that leather/pleather seem to pick up and maintain a smell is coffee shops; I love my coffee but I don't like to smell like an espresso. I found the following article extremely informative and am excited to try it out on my jacket. At work today I had to quarantine said jacket from my work area because I was starting to feel like Joan Jett but in the like "I don't shower because I am badass." I am sure all my clothing underneath my jacket will appreciate smelling like clean laundry detergent rather than my grandpa's ashtray. Enjoy.

General Odors

1. 1
   Place your leather out to dry outside for 24 hours, weather permitting. Hang it on a clothesline or on a hanger from an eave. Moisture from sweat or the elements can easily soak into the leather pores and lining, causing mildew, which is very difficult to remove.
   • Check the weather report before placing the leather outside. Rain can permanently damage the leather; however, 8 hours in the sun's UV rays can help to remove odor-causing bacteria.
   • If you are trying to remove a smell from a leather couch, try opening the windows and placing a rotating fan near the object to air it out.
2. 2
   Brush the leather thoroughly to remove build up. Use a soft nylon brush on suede and sturdier leather. Use a soft cloth to wipe down more delicate items.
3. 3
   Wipe the leather with a soft cloth dipped in professionally formulated leather cleaner. Professionally made leather cleaners can be found online, in leather stores or in some supermarkets. They are preferable to other cleaners because they do not need to be rinsed, and they can help condition the leather.
   • Do not use saddle soap on your garment, because it needs to be rinsed. The addition of a water rinse can lead to dryness and cracking.
   • All leather cleaners are not the same. For example, suede and regular leather formulas are very different.
   • Wipe all excess leather cleaner off the surface. Follow the bottle's instructions regarding reapplication. Leather cleaner can remove smells, but should also be applied occasionally to condition and preserve leather.
4. 4
   Surround the leather in a layer of newspaper, after you clean it. It can help to soak up smells and moisture from the leather. Leave it wrapped in newspaper for 2 days.
   • Storing a leather garment with newspaper can help to remove some of the smell of newly tanned leather.
5. 5
   Mix a solution of 5 parts water and 1 part distilled white vinegar. Pour it into a spray bottle. Mist the surface of the leather gently, making it slightly moist, and air dry it outside.
   • Spot clean odiferous stains with a solution of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Dip a cloth in the solution and squeeze it to remove excess moisture. Rub the cloth in 1 direction, following the grain of the leather.
6. 6
   Place smaller leather items in a cardboard box and cover the surface generously with baking soda. Make sure the garment is dry before treating it with baking soda. Leave the baking soda on the surface of the item for 5 days, then take it outside and shake off excess soda.
   • Use a soft nylon brush to remove any baking soda build up.
   • Place leather sandals in a plastic bag and pour 1/2 to 1 cup (103 to 206 g) baking soda inside. Seal the bag and leave it for 2 days.
7. 7
   Condition the leather with linseed oil. Pour in a few drops of essential oil to improve the smell. Wipe the surface lightly with the oil, and remove excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
   • Do not use linseed oil on suede, as it can damage the nap, or texture, of the fabric.

Article borrowed from: Get Bad Smells out of Leather

XOXO

JADATO