Why Leather Jackets Smell & How to Get Rid of It

You have just got a new leather jacket. It looks good, but the smell is another thing. To certain individuals, the aroma of leather triggers good memories. To others, the leather smell is heavy and almost overbearing.

In order to learn what it is and how to eliminate it, this guide gives an explanation of the science behind the smell of genuine or faux leather jackets, the various types of leather, as well as safe and effective methods through which one can get rid of any unwanted odors easily.

Understanding Why a Leather Jacket Holds Smell

Genuine leather jackets are porous. The small pores absorb the moisture, the oil, and the aromas present around them.

Leather's Absorbent Nature

Natural leather is the skin of animals. This skin has protein fibers that absorb oils, smokes, or any other scent molecules in the atmosphere. They are molecules that are embedded in the material over time at a deep level.

Role of Climate and Moisture

The smell can be enhanced by the climate. Leather in wet areas may retain musty or mildewy scents. The pores open due to water and allow more compounds to adhere.

Natural vs. Synthetic Lining

Leather jackets are mostly lined, and this alters the way odours get absorbed. Natural linings such as cotton are less breathable and less odor-trapping resistant. The polyester surfaces may be able to retain and hold moisture and smells more easily, resulting in long-term odor accumulation.

Tanning Process and Leather Odor

Leather smell is also influenced by the type of tanning. Vegetable-tan has a woody and earthy odor. It is tanned using natural oils and plant matter.

Chrome-tanned leather has a stronger odor (which may be described as chemical) since it involves the use of chromium salts.

Aldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also possible constituents of leather, and may result in irritating odors and effects, and are more prevalent in synthetic or extensively tanned leathers.

The Textile Exchange further states that vegetable tanning is more sustainable and appropriate to use in humid regions since it is breathable.

Does Leather Type Affect the Smell in Jackets?

All kinds of leather that are used in jackets absorb and keep smells differently. The most important thing is how the leather is constructed and how it is finished.

Suede vs. Cowhide vs. Lambskin

Suede is soft and porous. Bad odor particles are indicated there and are not easily exterminated.

Cowhide is thicker and stronger. It tends to resist more, though, when it makes its way to smell, it does remain deep.

Lambskin is soft and delicate. It picks up body oils quickly, and this may lead to a sour scent over time.

Faux Leather and Bonded Leather

Faux leather, including PU and bonded leather, has a chemical smell. The source of such an odor is the adhesives and coatings during manufacturing.

Faux leather may contain VOCs, and in the course of time, it produces them, particularly in hot or stagnant areas.

Shearling Leather

Shearling leather jacket comprises fur and wool. When not cleaned right, the wool may retain potent animal or rawhide smells. It requires additional treatment in terms of maintenance.

Is the Leather Smell Bad or Harmful?

Most of the time, the odor of natural leather is not dangerous. But there are some minor exceptions.

VOCs and Chemical Off-Gassing

The leather that was used to craft the jacket has undergone chrome tanning, which may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of them are toluene and aldehydes.

Headache or irritation may occur in closed rooms when subjected to short-term exposure. The second kind, exposure to low levels of the chemical in the long run, is more serious but not common in jackets.

Off-gassing is something that can be identified by a pungent, plastic odour that cannot be eliminated by leaving the jacket outside.

When you are allergic or sensitive to the VOCs, go with the vegetable-tanned or full-grain leather, as these contain less chemical emission.

Identify the Type of Odor Before Treatment

Determine what type of smell you have in your leather jacket before using any technique. Every smell is different and must be treated differently.

Common Odor Types That Arise in Leather Jackets:

Smoke Odor

Cigarettes, fire smoke, hookah, or any similar smoke may leave a smell on leather. Smoke particles are tiny and adhere to the surface of leather. They penetrate deep into the natural oils and pores of the hide, and that is why smoke smells are so difficult to remove, particularly in full-grain or unfinished leathers.

Sweat and Body Odor

Sweat odor is a result of body oils, bacteria, and salt. When taking off your jacket regularly and wearing it in a hot climate, the lining and the innermost part of the jacket are saturated with sweat. Leather is not breathable like fabrics, and the smell has nowhere to escape.

There are linings such as polyester or nylon; these trap the sweat as compared to natural cotton or silk. Such scents become more apparent when the weather is humid or when the jacket is kept wet.

Musty or Moldy Smell

There is mustiness, which normally occurs when you keep a leather jacket in a moist, unventilated location. The sites are usually in basements, plastic bags, and closets packed to the brims. Leather is wet by air moisture, creating the ideal environment for the growth of mold.

When mold begins to develop, it produces spores into the material and produces a damp and earthy smell. These spores cannot be easily eradicated using normal cleaners; thus, they might need slight disinfection and drying.

Food and Spice Odors

Food smells, mainly of strong odours, such as curry, garlic, or BBQ, can easily cross to leather when cooking the food or when having a meal. This kind of smell mainly affects the outside and open parts of the jacket.

Food smells do not penetrate too well on the jacket, and this is unlike smoke, when the user is cooking an item repeatedly in the jacket or the jacket is in a kitchen location. The spicy or greasy pieces can, however, adhere to the texture of the leather grains, and cleaning will have to be more detailed.

Chemical or Synthetic Odors

New faux or bonded leather jackets can be very strongly smelling upon opening as a result of factory-generated VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or packaging.

Polyurethane (PU) and PVC emit gases that have the potential to maintain an offensive smell when the jacket is stored in an enclosed area. Even authentic Chrome-tanning leather can emit sharp chemical-like smells immediately.

Best Methods for Removing Smell Based on Odor Type

Smoke Smell: Airing + Baking Soda

Smoke odor is persistent because fine particles stick to the leather’s oils and lining fabrics. The goal here is to air out the jacket slowly and use dry, natural absorbents.

Step-by-step:

1. Cover the leather jacket in a cool outdoor shade, such as a balcony or covered patio, so that the leather dries down.
2. Use a broad hanger to hang up the jacket and expose it to air inside the lining and sleeves.
3. Let it stand for at least 8-12 hours. Where no outdoor air is available, a fan can be used in a well-ventilated room.
4. Put 1-2 tablespoons of the baking soda into a permeable bag, a muslin bag, or a clean sock, and put it into the sleeves of the jacket or 
   into the body. Do not apply baking soda directly to the leather.
5. Allow it to stay overnight; repeat this 2-3 more nights, should the smell still be there.

Do NOT use colored or scented baking soda as it will give a residue or may even react with the leather oil.

Sweat Smell: Vinegar Spray + Mild Sun Exposure

Sweat stinks occur due to the fact that bacteria and acidic oils contain odors which are confined within the lining and seams of the jacket. Wash away these odours using mild vinegar.

Step-by-step:

1. In a clean spray bottle, mix 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water.
2. Put the jacket inside-out to reveal the lining. Avoid spraying the leather on the outside.
3. Spray the lining lightly. Do not soak it in water, but simply wet the surface.
4. Hang the jacket in a cool breeze area, such as near a window or under a ceiling fan.
5. Allow it to dry out for a few hours. Do not put it in till the smell of vinegar has disappeared.
6. Repeat the spray treatment the following day in case required.

Acetic acid in vinegar helps neutralize bacterial odors without harming fabric or leather, especially when diluted.

Musty or Moldy Smell: Alcohol + Charcoal Bags

Musty odors are caused by mildew or mold spores growing in damp storage. These smells are harder to remove and may require light disinfecting and absorbent agents.

Step-by-step:

1. Combine equal parts of water and mix with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) in the ratio of 50:50.
2. Take a cotton pad or a microfiber cloth and dip it in the solution. Gently blot stained parts- these are usually underarms, collar, or lining seams.
3. Do not over-wet the leather jacket. Apply in sufficient quantity to kill spores upon contact.
4. Let the jacket air dry fully after application.
5. Put activated charcoal bags (not BBQ charcoal) into the sleeves and body. These will trap a moldy smell as time goes by.
6. Put the jacket in a dry closet or a large garment bag and leave it there for 2-4 days.

Use of alcohol should be moderate. It is capable of drying up natural oils and the leather surface. Never forget to put the jacket through a conditioning process.

Food Smells: Coffee Grounds or Fabric Refreshers

The smells of food adhere to the surface and within the jacket. Instead of concealing them, allow them to dwell in.

Step-by-step:

1. Make use of the spare dry coffee grounds--dark roast is most effective.
2. Add approximately 3-4 tablespoons of ground coffee to a clean sock or muslin pouch.
3. Put the pouch into the lining of a jacket, pockets, or body, and seal in a garment bag or clean pillow case.
4. Wait 12-24 hours, and the smells will draw out of the nearby materials.
5. To freshen up lightly, you only need to spray a leather-safe fabric freshener onto the lining. You should not spray household sprays such as Febreze directly onto the leather.

Do not ever sprinkle the jacket with coffee grounds. They are able to stain or adhere to seams.

Chemical Smells: Airing + Conditioning

Off-gassing of synthetic or recently tanned genuine leather is the cause of chemical odors. They disappear when well ventilated.

Step-by-step:

1. Place the jacket in a room that has good ventilation- better still, have a ceiling fan or an oscillating fan.
2. Do not store the jacket in plastic wrappings or a moist place.
3. Leave to stand 2-3 days. It is a good thing to see the odor fade gradually: VOCs are evaporating.
4. After the smell has disappeared, use a natural leather conditioner (such as one made of beeswax or lanolin ).
5. The conditioning is used to reestablish natural oils and to impart a neutral scent to rid the remaining chemical smell.

What Not to Use:

Never use Febreze, bleach, or heavy perfumes directly on a leather jacket. These can damage the finish and worsen the odor.

Natural vs. Chemical Treatments — What Works and What Doesn’t

Bad odor in leather jackets for women and men can be eliminated in many ways. Not every one of them is safe to be used on leather.

Natural Options

• Vinegar: Vinegar cancels out the smell, yet it has to be diluted first.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is suitable for absorbing smells, but it should not be applied directly on the leather.
• Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal is safe and very effective when it comes to musty odors.

These are safe ways to clean the leather, so long as they are not applied directly to the leather.

Chemical Products

• Deodorizers that do not affect leather. Deodorizers that are safe on leather can be bought on the internet and from leather-care brands. Select a product that is pH-balanced for leather.
  

DIY Myths to Avoid

• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is acidic. It can dry and discolor leather.
• Bleach: Leather is never recommended to be bleached because it destroys the fibers.
• Too Much Alcohol: A leather surface can be cracked by any product that has excessive amounts of alcohol.

Preventing Smells in the First Place

Prevention is better than a cure. Leather clothing is delicate in terms of storage, moisture, and wear.

Breathable Garment Bags

Jackets should always be kept in muslin or cotton breathable bags. Plastic is moisture-trapping and may breed mildew.

Silica Gel Packs

Put silica gel packs in the storage place. These packs soak up moisture, thus avoiding mustiness.

Proper Hanging

Put a jacket on a broad hanger to maintain its form. Give room between clothes to allow air circulation.

Avoid Overuse in High-Sweat Environments

Do not wear too much in places with sweat. In case you carry your jacket to a club or gym, clean the lining with a soft cloth afterward. Sweat accumulates with time.

Leather Deodorizing Sprays

Leather deodoriser sprays. Select sprays that are marked as leather-safe and alcohol free. Put on the lining or inner seams.

The professionals at Leather Naturally recommend that daily airing and wiping would take you far in terms of freshness.

When to Seek Professional Help

Not all the time, DIY can be your savior. Be able to call in a pro.

Signs of Deep Odor Damage

• Several treatments do not approach odors efficiently
• Mold spots are visible
• Stains that occur after cleaning efforts
  

Who to Contact

• Professional leather cleaners or leather smiths who are certified
• Do not take to generic dry cleaners unless they specialize in leather clothes
  

Cost vs. Jacket Value

A pro treatment might not be worth the money when your jacket is priced below 100 dollars. It is worth it on the high-end or sentimental pieces.

Conclusion

A leather jacket’s smell may be classic, but not in every case, it suits your lifestyle. The treatment also begins with knowing the origin of smoke, sweat, or chemical odors. Your approach should always be according to the material, type of odor, and value of your jacket.

Resort to natural solutions when the smell is not great, and use chemical solutions in severe situations. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and keep your jacket in good condition by storing it cleverly and looking after it.

When nothing does, then a leather expert should be called in. That odor will come differently; however, now, you know what to do with it.