How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Leather in 6 Easy Steps

How to Get Smoke Smell Out of Leather in 6 Easy Steps

Leather garments can easily absorb the smells from their surroundings. It is because leather contains tiny pores on its surface that allows liquid, air and moisture in it. Additionally, if you keep standing beside a smoker, the chances become high of getting the stubborn cigarette smell in your leather garments. However, Leather jackets are highly known for their flexible, versatile and classy appeal. The smell of real leather is the reason for its uniqueness. However, over time, they can absorb odors, especially the smell of smoke.

Firstly, it is important to know what kind of leather you have because the type of your leather will help in approaching the main cause and solution to get rid of such smells. Real leather and faux leather are treated with genuine care and different methods. The real leather is more fine than the faux leather. It can easily absorb the smells and any kind of liquidity, so the chances can be high. Leather is a strong yet fragile material that seeks special care to maintain its timeless quality and classy, rugged appearance.

So, are you also wondering how to get the smoke smell out of leather? You do not need to worry anymore! Here we got you five easy solutions from which you can easily remove the cigarette smoke odor from your favorite leather products. In this blog, we have also discussed its cause, solutions and how to make your leather smell new.

Six Useful Methods for How to Get Cigarette Smoke Out of Leather

Here, you can find six useful methods for removing cigarette smoke from your leather material.

    1. Baking Soda: Baking soda has the ability to absorb the smell and leaves the surface with a pleasant, neutral scent. Simply take a pinch of baking soda, sprinkle it all over the surface of your leather, and leave it for atleast half an hour.  After sitting, brush off the baking soda or vacuum-clean it.
  • White Vinegar: Mix two teaspoons of water and a tablespoon of white vinegar together. Shake the mixture and spray it on your leather product. Avoid spraying too much. Wait for a few minutes. Let the leather entirely absorb the white vinegar mixture. Wipe off the mixture with a dry and clean piece of cloth.
  • Newspaper: Newspapers are also used for absorbing purposes. Wrap your leather product, either shoes, bag or jacket, with a newspaper. Keep it in a cool and dry place for 2 to 3 days. It will soak the smell of smoke from your leather, and it will also boost the freshness of your leather products without being inexpensive.
  • Sunlight: Although direct exposure to sunlight is harmful to leather material as it can cause stretches, in case If you are facing too much smoke smell out of your leather products, then set your leather in sunlight. Let it sit for an hour only. Sunlight helps kill all the bad odor from leather garments. Immediately, bring it inside once your leather starts drying. Don’t let it dry fully.
  • Air Dry: To remove cigarette smoke from your leather, let it dry naturally in fresh air. It will not only remove the smell of smoke but also break down the remaining particles of dust and dirt from its surface.
  • Dry Clean: The last and best option is to handle your leather products with a professional dry cleaner. Dry cleaning is best for items like leather bags, jeans etc. Let them know that you are having an odour problem from your leather jacket and ask for suggestions on how to maintain it.

How Do You Preserve the Freshness of Leather and Neutralize Smoke Smell in Leather?

If you own a leather product, make the leather conditioner your best friend. In case your leather jackets have been the victim of smoke from cigarettes, cigars or any other fireplaces. Leather conditions can easily remove that smell and neutralize the smoke smell in leather. It fills the tiny pores of the leather and cleanses it from the inside of the leather material, ensuring insulation, breathability and neutralizing. It also offers a protective layer on the surface.

After thoroughly cleaning your leather jacket, it is important to freshen up its natural moisture in order to prevent the leather from drying out. Leather conditions not only nourish your leather material but also help avoid any lingering smells from leather. It will also make your leather smell better than before.

The first step of using the leather conditioner is to gently spill out a pinched amount of leather conditioner on a clean cloth. Rub the conditioner in a circular motion, covering the whole leather material.  It will also leave a refreshing shiny coat on your leather. Let it sit for 20 minutes, and later, wash it off with a splash of clean water.  Avoid keeping it in a tight place such as inside a plastic bag, as it can trap the odour.

Five Tips to Take Care of Your Leather Material

Here, you can find helpful tips on how to take care of your leather.

    1. Improper Storage: Always make sure to keep your leather product in a cool place, far from dampness or humidity. It can cause mold or mildew to build up, leading to a severe unpleasant smell.  It is important that you store your leather material in a way that prevents it from getting smelly.
    2. Avoid Dragging: Try to use a soft and clean cloth for cleaning purposes. Use a satin cloth, which is perfect for cleaning purposes, especially leather. Be gentle with your leather product. Avoid pressuring your leather while cleaning it.
    3. Avoid Washing Machines: Avoid washing your leather in the washing machine as it can damage the lasting quality of leather, and it will be hard to dry it out.  Washing machines can badly remove natural oils and can cause wrinkles on the surface of leather material.
    4. Patch Test: Do a sample test before trying any chemical or cleaner directly on your leather. Apply a small amount of the cleaner or any chemical that you will use on a hidden area such as the inner of your leather or any pockets. If it shows any discoloration, then discontinue using that cleaner.
  • Avoid spills or smelly places: As discussed, leather is porous and can easily be absorbed. Be careful and avoid spilling liquids on it, as it can result in lasting stains and a stinky odor. It can also cause discoloration on your leather material.

Conclusion

Lastly, removing the bad odor or cigarette smoke from your leather is not an easy task. It can be struggling. All it requires is your patience, mindfulness, careful techniques and the right use of the products. Furthermore, we have discussed all the tips and tricks. By understanding this comprehensive blog, you will now be able to find beneficial solutions. Although it’s a crucial process, always remember that with these refreshing ideas, you can avoid getting any kind of odor from day one. Proper and consistent regular care can help maintain the natural scent and quality of the material of your leather.

Alex Andy
Author: Alex Andy