How to Remove Smell from a Leather Jacket: Step by Step Guide

Dealing with a leather jacket smell is frustrating, but the right method makes all the difference. In this section, we will cover simple ways to refresh your jacket without harming the material.

One of the best ways to remove a mild leather jacket smell is to let it breathe. Hang it in a shaded spot for a day or two because when you do this the fresh air helps overcome the odors without damaging the leather. Just make sure you do not leave it in direct sunlight. Shade gives the jacket the best of both worlds, fresh airflow without harming its finish. For light odors, this method often does the trick.

Baking soda is a simple but powerful way to freshen up your jacket. Place the leather inside a large bag or box and sprinkle baking soda around it, not directly on the jacket. Leave it for 24 to 48 hours and let the powder work its magic. This natural deodorizer absorbs unwanted scents and is one of the most effective tricks to get odor out of leather safely.

When regular airing is not working well, vinegar steam can step in as a stronger option. Place a bowl of vinegar near your jacket inside a closed space, but never let it touch the leather. The rising steam works to neutralize smells that often cling to leather jackets. Just a quick note, soaking leather in vinegar will cause damage, so always keep it indirect and controlled.

If your jacket carries a smoky scent, coffee grounds can help clear it up. Place dry grounds in a breathable bag or small container and keep it close to the jacket in a box. Over the next couple of days, the grounds will naturally absorb unwanted odors and leave behind a fresh scent. It’s an easy and safe trick that works well on smoke lingering in leather.

For bad odors that do not leave with home tricks, a professional leather cleaner is your answer. Apply it carefully with a soft cloth, following the directions and then condition the jacket afterward. Conditioning restores moisture, keeps the leather soft, and avoids cracking. Together, these steps not only reduce odor but also extend the life of your jacket.

• Lexol Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
• Leather Honey Cleaner + Conditioner
• Bickmore Bick 4 Leather Conditioner

When musty storage smells frustrating you, activated charcoal works best. Place your jacket in a box along with a few charcoal packets, make sure they do not touch the jacket directly. Over 24 to 48 hours, the charcoal absorbs deep odors that other methods can not. It is one of the best ways to refresh leather that has been sitting too long in damp or closed spaces.

Not all smells are the same, and different fixes work better for different problems. This section will teach you how to tackle smoke, musty storage or even strong chemical scents.

One of the easiest ways for anyone wondering how to get the smell of smoke out of leather is by combining coffee grounds with fresh air. Place dry coffee grounds nearby while letting the jacket air out in the shade. Together, they absorb smoke and leave a fresher scent.

It often points to mildew, but it does not mean your jacket is ruined. Activated charcoal and vinegar steam work together for anyone trying to get a musty smell out of leather. Charcoal absorbs deep odors, vinegar on the other hand, steam helps neutralize the mildew and leave the jacket noticeably fresher.

New leather jackets sometimes carry a chemical scent from the tanning or finishing process. The best fix is you have to wait, let the jacket air out in a shaded spot for several days. Then, apply a good leather conditioner. This not only softens the jacket but also tones down any leftover smell.

The best way to get rid of the leather smell is to prevent it from coming back. Store it in a breathable garment bag in a cool and dry space. Condition it regularly to keep the fibers healthy and always air it out after smoky nights or sweaty wear.