If you own a leather jacket, it is likely one of the most important items in your wardrobe, and you probably wear it to make an impression. However, over time, leather jackets can develop strong odors, as they are made from animal materials. Also, you might notice a strong leather scent coming from a new jacket. If you are facing any of these issues, this article can help you understand the easy ways to get rid of the strong odor. We will also provide you with easy steps to remove musty smell from leather jacket.
You may also have some questions regarding the smell and its causes, so let’s discuss it briefly before going into solutions to remove this odor from a leather jacket. This will help you to understand the situation more profoundly and choose the most effective method accordingly.
Why does my leather jacket smell?
Just like other fabrics, leather also needs to be clean. When we store a leather jacket inappropriately in an overly humid area or in a very dry place, then it can catch a bad odor. Other factors that contribute to these odors include natural oils used in leather, smoking, moisture, sweat, perfume, and chemical exposure in the environment.
So, if you need to know about how to make a leather jacket smell good and how to remove cigarette smell from leather jacket, you just need to follow the step-by-step instructions given below to prevent and remove the smell from a leather jacket.
How to get smell out of leather jacket?
Nothing kills the vibe of a good outfit faster than a bad smell or odor. You could be rocking the most stylish leather jacket in the room, but if it carries a musty odor, that’s what people will remember. If you are wearing a leather jacket, then you feel confident in your skin, and it makes a good impression on people around you.
Now, imagine your leather jacket smells and is making people uncomfortable around you. Then, it can shift the mood from a cool, stylish personality to one that lacks freshness. Women are more sensitive and aware of these kinds of details and always strive to make a good impression, and wearing a funky, smelly jacket may do more harm to their personality. But, fortunately, you can easily manage a problem like this and make your women leather jacket fresh and aesthetic. Now, let’s talk about these 5 effective techniques to get the smell out of a leather jacket.
5 Techniques to get smell out of leather jacket (Step to Step Guide):
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Use leather jacket care techniques
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Follow leather jacket care techniques, like using a mixture of alcohol and water to keep the creases out.
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Try to keep the surface of the leather jacket clean by rubbing off the dust with a dry or damp cloth.
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Keep the jacket in a place with good ventilation to avoid dryness that can cause bad odor in your leather jacket.
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Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean your leather jacket
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Make a mixture of baking soda and water and fill it in a spray bottle.
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First, check a small area of the leather jacket to see if it causes discoloration.
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Spray the mixture on the leather jacket and let it dry.
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You can also apply powder to the leather jacket by simply sprinkling it. However, do not use baking soda in excessive amounts.
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Now wait for 12-24 hours before washing it.
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Use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean your leather jacket
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Just like a mixture of baking soda and water, you can also make a solution of vinegar and water in a diluted form. Only add 1 portion of vinegar to 3 portions of water.
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Now, test the area inside the leather jacket first to avoid inconvenience.
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Spray the mixture on a cotton cloth and avoid dipping it into the mixture.
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Wipe your leather jacket with the cloth and let it dry.
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Repeat the process after a day or two if the odor is strong.
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Seek professional help for strong odors
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If you have tried all the ways to remove odor and it is not working, then you must go for professional leather cleaners.
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Ask a leather cleaner professional about the method they use to deodorize leather jackets.
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Also, ask about essential tips from a professional on keeping the jacket clean and fresh.
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You can also ask about the appropriate leather jacket cleaner and the instructions for using it in the future.
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Use leather conditioners
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Leather conditioners are basically used after washing to keep the leather fresh and new.
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During the cleaning procedure, an extra amount of moisture or dry air trapped in the fabric can be a reason for a bad smell.
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To avoid such inconveniences, leather conditioners are used to make the leather in perfect balance between dryness and moisture.
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Try to apply leather conditioners more often as it helps to prevent damaging the quality of leather and strong bad odors.
How can you prevent leather jacket smells?
While most leather jacket styling guides focus on how to wear one, it is equally important to know how to care for it. It is always best to prevent an inconvenience than to solve it. You should also use this strategy for leather jacket care and maintenance. Here are some of the ways you can follow to prevent leather jacket smells.
Store it in an airy place with good ventilation
You should always store your leather jacket in a place where there is good ventilation. Under humid areas can cause dryness of the leather and over humid areas can produce a strong odors with the passage of time. So, it is advised not to store your leather jacket in a sealed basement.
Proper hanging
Hanging the leather jacket with a plastic sheet cover is a proper way of storing it as it eliminates the exposure of dust and odors in direct contact with the jacket. Hanging your leather jacket also prevents creases and wrinkles, which keeps the look fresh and new.
Avoid smoking while wearing a leather jacket
Strong odors like cigarette smoke and environmental chemicals can also be the reason for musty odors in a leather jacket. So, if you are a smoker, the strong odor may cling to your leather jacket. Also, if you are visiting a place with strong chemical exposure, you should avoid taking your leather jacket along.
Use direct sun exposure to leather jacket to remove bad odors
You can expose your leather jacket to sunlight as it helps remove bad odors. But avoid excessive exposure to sunlight as it can fade the original color of your leather jacket.
Use charcoal
Activated charcoal is a strong odor absorbent and is widely used in removing and preventing bad smells or odors. Put the charcoal powder in a small cloth and put it inside the wardrobe or storage bag near your leather jacket.
Properly clean your leather jacket before storing it
Before storing your leather jacket, make sure you have applied all the necessary cleaning hacks at home. In this way, you can prevent developing a bad smell in your leather jacket. It is a best practice to use leather jacket cleaner before and after using it. You can also avail dry cleaning services every new season. In this way, you will eliminate the chances of having a stinky leather jacket.
Invest in Quality
If you are a biker and wear motorcycle riding gear, you must have standards for optimum safety and style. So, if you want to avoid any inconveniences like poor protection and odors, you should invest in quality products that can resist odors and are a breathable fabric than cheaper ones. Brands like Daniel Smart MFG offer this type of quality assurance.
Conclusion:
Leather jackets can develop strong odors due to various factors, including moisture, sweat, smoke, and improper storage. But you can use several effective and easy techniques to get the smell out of a leather jacket. First, keep the jacket clean by wiping its surface. You can also use a baking soda or vinegar solution to help deodorize it. If the smell does not go away, consider taking it to a professional cleaner. Using a leather conditioner can also help maintain moisture and prevent future odors. By following these tips, you can keep your leather jacket in a fresh and new condition.
FAQs:
Can I deodorize a leather jacket without damaging it?
Yes, you can deodorize a leather jacket by simply hanging it in a ventilated area or by using a vinegar or a baking soda solution.
What causes leather jackets to smell like mold?
When you store a leather jacket in a damp place with no ventilation, it may become moldy.
Is Febreze safe to use on leather jackets?
Febreze can be used in leather jackets for bad odor, but it should be used only after a patch test as it can cause discoloration and dryness.
How do I clean a leather jacket that got wet and now smells?
A wet leather jacket can get smelly, but it can be cleaned by putting it in an airy place to let it dry completely. After that, you can deal with the smell by using vinegar or baking soda solutions.
Can mold make a leather jacket smell like smoke?
If mold grows in an environment exposed to smoke, then it can smell like smoke. But it is manageable with effective and easy techniques.