A leather jacket is a classic piece in any wardrobe which with proper care may last for years. But also our best leather jackets may at some point develop an unsavory smell. Smoke, sweat, body odor, food, moisture, mildew, perfumes, and poor storage are the main culprits which leave behind persistent odors. As leather is a natural material, putting on a heavy scent over it usually does not solve the issue and in fact may damage the leather.
The good news is you do not always have to turn to the professional for the task of removing bad smells from a leather jacket. With the proper techniques and patience you may freshen up your full grain leather jacket at the same time also improving its look and feel.
This full guide covers how to get rid of bad smells in a leather jacket, what causes the odors in leather, which home remedies to try, what you should avoid doing, and how to keep your jacketโs smell at bay for the long term.
Why do leather jackets have that smell?
Before removing an issue of smell it helps to determine what is causing it. Leather has a distinct smell which is particular to new leather. A mild leather smell is a typical element of genuine leather. The problem is when the jacket develops a strong, atypical or unpleasant odor.
Sweat and body oils are the primary causes of smell in leather jackets. Also because jackets are worn over shirts and other clothes, perspiration has time to collect at the collar, cuffs, underarms, and in the lining.
Other common causes include: Other presenters of which are:
- Cigarette and cigarette smoke
- Food and cooking smells
- Sweat and body oils
- Damp storage
- High humidity
- Mold and mildew
- Strong perfumes or fragrances
- Pet odours
- Spills and stains
- Poor ventilation
- Long-term storage in plastic bags
Identifying what is causing the smell is key as different odors may require different solutions.
How to get rid of bad smells in a leather jacket naturally.
The best approach for getting rid of an unpleasant smell in a leather jacket is with gentle methods. Do not immediately put the jacket in water or use strong household chemicals. Leather is a porous material which can absorb moisture and chemicals which in turn may cause the leather to dry out, discolor, crack or change in finish.
Start out by giving the coat some air in closed in spaces which it does not have access to at present and see the results. This simple step we find does very well at that especially when the issue at hand is smoke, perfume, or in fact general musty air.
Dry out your leather jacket.
Fresh which also includes the outdoors is an easy solution for light odor issues with leather. Place your jacket on a large padded hanger in a very well ventilated area.
Allow for air flow around the entire jacket. In a shaded outdoor setting which is dry do that which the jacket is out of direct sun.
Steer clear of leaving your Leather Jacket in the sun for long times. Prolonged exposure to UV rays will fade the color and dry out natural leather.
For light odors ventilation is enough. For strong smells we have included one of the methods which you may try.
Use baking soda for deodorizing.
Baking soda does for most people the job of absorbing unscented air. Instead of applying large quantities right to the leather do it sparingly and indirectly.
Place your leather jacket in a large breathable garment bag, box or clean storage area and put out an open container of baking soda. The baking soda will help to absorb odors from the air without coating the leather.
Do not apply baking soda directly to the leather unless the manufacturer says it is okay. Fine powder may get stuck in the textured leather and seams.
Try out Activated Charcoal for Strong Odours.
Activated charcoal also a great for absorbing odors. It does especially well with smoke and enclosed storage smells.
Place charcoal in small containers near the jacket as an alternative to rubbing charcoal into the leather. Allow the jacket to be in a well ventilated area which will also give the charcoal the time it needs to absorb the odor.
Depending on the strength of the smell, this process may take several days. We do not recommend trying to speed up the process with leather which is what we see in terms of odor removal.
How to get rid of smoke smell in a leather jacket.
Smoke odor can be very persistent which is due to smoke particles that get into the leather and the jacket lining. If your jacket which is leather smells of smoke try first to hang it in a well ventilated area.
Keep that separate from other laundry as it air dry. Also you may put in an odor absorber like activated charcoal.
For the lining use a soft cloth which is only a little wet with an appropriate leather safe cleaning solution. Do not soak the jacket. Before use test out any cleaning product in a hidden area.
If the odor of smoke persists after multiple treatments professional leather cleaning is the best option.
How to get rid of sweat smell in a leather jacket.
Sweat odor tends to develop in areas which get the most contact with your skin. The collar, cuffs, underarms, and lining are especially to bear the smell.
First allow the jacket to air out fully after wear. If the care instructions for the lining are provided by the manufacturer try gently cleaning the affected areas with a safe for fabric solution.
For the leather exterior use a product which is specially formulated for leather as opposed to regular soap or detergent.
After cleaning let the jacket air dry at room temperature. Do not use a hair dryer, radiator, or any other source of heat.
How to get rid of musty or mildew smell in leather.
A musty smell which is that of mildew is what you may notice in a jacket which has been stored in a damp or poorly which also may be a very poor environment for storage. Also note that this type of smell is more of a concern as moisture plays a role in the growth of mildew and in the damage to leather.
In a dry, well ventilated area move the jacket. If you see mold or mildew, do not brush it in your indoor setting as you may spread the particles into your home.
Professional cleaning by a specialist is advised when you see mold or mildew that wonโt go away. A professional will also assess the material in question and determine the best method of cleaning.
Do you use vinegar on leather jackets?
Vinegar which is put forth online as a natural solution for odours but do pay attention leather products require care. Direct application of undiluted vinegar to a real leather jacket may cause damage to its finish or color.
If at all possible check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for any vinegar based solutions. Also as a rule out dedicated leather cleaners which are safe for use on expensive and delicate leather pieces.
Lean against professional products which may be used at home for cleaning. With leather you are different from what you may call normal like cotton or polyester which are machine washable.
Sure what is the best way to clean a leather jacket which has smells?
In most of the time you wonโt want to put a Black Leather Jacket which is real in the washing machine. Leather does not do well to be treated like your average washable garment.
Water and harsh detergents can remove natural oils, alter the material, cause stiffness, and also may damage the finish.
Instead focus on air outflow, gentle surface clean, odor absorbers, and professional leather cleaning as required.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not put your genuine leather jacket in the washing machine.
- Do not soak leather in water.
- Avoid the use of bleach and harsh household chemicals.
- Do not apply perfume straight to the leather to cover up the smell.
- Do not use a radiator or hair dryer for drying leather.
- Do not leave leather out in the sun for long.
- Do not put leather in a sealed plastic bag.
- Do not over scrub stains or odours.
How do you clean a leather jacket without damage?
Regular upkeep is key to avoid smells from becoming permanent. Before you clean, check the care label and see what type of leather real, suede, nubuck, fake, or some other material you have in your jacket.
For great results with natural leather use a soft cloth and a cleaner that is specific to leather. Only apply a little at a time and follow the product instructions very carefully.
After repair, some leather jackets do better with the use of conditioner. We find that a good quality leather conditioner does what itโs supposed to which is to keep the leather flexible and to also avoid very dry conditions. Also do a patch test first with the conditioners as different leather finishes respond in different ways.
Caring Tips for Keeping your Leather Jacket Fresh.
Prevention of smells is a much easier task than the job of removing a very set in smell. As for care of your leather jacket โ that should be a regular part of your routine.
After you put on your jacket have it out of your body for a while and to air out before putting it back in your wardrobe. Also donโt put away a Biker Leather Jacket right after wear which may be after you have been working up a sweat or been in smoke.
Here is what you can do for leather care:
- Hang your clothes on a large solid hanger.
- Between every few uses.
- Keep your closet dry and airy.
- Avoid storing leather in sealed plastic.
- Clean spills as soon as possible.
- Wear a base layer that breathes.
- Avoid contact between leather and cigarette smoke when you can.
- Condition smooth leather when appropriate.
- Check stored jackets periodically.
- Tackle musty odors before they get stronger.
How to care for your leather jacket.
Proper storage is key to prevent bad smells. A leather jacket should be placed in a cool dry and well vented area away from high humidity.
Use large padded hangers which support the shoulders and do not create sharp creases. Stay away from wire hangers as they may damage the shape of heavier leather jackets.
If you require coverage for your jacket, go for a breathable garment cover instead of a plastic bag. Leather does best with air flow.
Do not store a leather jacket when it is wet. First let it dry out naturally, then put it in your wardrobe.
When to use professional leather cleaning?
In home we have methods which work for mild and moderate smells, but some issues require professional attention. If your jacket has a strong mildew smell, deep smoke odor, great stains, or visible mold, a professional leather cleaner will be your best bet.
Professional cleaning is also a good option for vintage, designer, suede and delicate Vintage Leather Jackets. Each type of leather has different care requirements which if not attended to properly may permanent damage the look of your garment.
Leather Jacket Odour Removal: What does the research say?
For each scent there is not a universal solution. What works best is based on what is causing the smell and how severe it is.
For most situations a little ventilation will do. As for smoke smells we may have to do some repeat airing and use of air purifiers. With sweat smells it is a matter of gently cleaning in-lets and high contact areas. For smells caused by moisture and mildew a more careful approach is required.
The issue is to identify and eliminate the source of the smell which in turn will prevent it rather than masking it with fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to get rid of a bad smell in a leather jacket quickly?
A: Start out by placing the jacket in a dry, shaded area. Also put out an odor absorber like activated charcoal and give the jacket plenty of time to air out. Do not cover up the smell with perfume.
Q2: Baking soda for that leather jacket smell?
A: Baking soda does freshen up the air which surrounds the jacket, but it is best used in a distant sense rather to rub large amounts into the leather. Put out an open box of it in a well้้ฃ็ storage area.
Q3: How to get rid of cigarette smoke from a leather jacket?
A: In a well ventilated area air out the jacket and place activated charcoal near by to absorb in that smell. If the smoke smell persists try professional leather cleaning.
Q4: Can you put perfume on a leather jacket?
A: It is best to not put perfumes directly on leather. Fragrances may react with the leatherโs finish or leave an extra layer of residue.
Q5: Can I put my leather jacket in the washing machine?
A: Usually we donโt. Leather jackets in general should not be put in the washing machine as very high water and chemical content in the wash will damage the leather.
Conclusion
Knowing that you can do things to remove bad smells from a leather jacket which in turn helps to extend the life of one of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe. As for sources of the smell smoke, sweat, food, moisture, or storage the best approach is to use gentle methods and stay away from harsh chemicals or excessive water.
Regular maintenance, proper storage, careful cleaning, and appropriate leather conditioning is what will have your jacket looking and smelling great. Also it is of great importance that you treat genuine leather differently than you would washable clothing.
With the proper leather jacket care routine you may wear your jacket for many seasons which in turn will preserve its natural look, feel and character at the same time also reducing the occurrence of bad odors.