Leather Care: Removing Perfume Scents From Leather

Leather is a natural and absorbent material, which makes it prone to picking up scents and odours. While it is difficult to remove smells from leather, it is not impossible. There are several methods to remove perfume scents from leather, including using baking soda, vinegar, and leather cleaners. The type of leather, such as genuine or faux, will determine the best approach, as genuine leather is more delicate and absorbent than faux leather. Some methods are more suitable for small leather items, such as bags, while others are designed for larger surfaces like car seats and sofas.

How to get perfume smell out of leather

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient known for its odour-absorbing properties. It can effectively neutralise unpleasant smells, making it perfect for removing bad odours from your leather items. Here's how to use baking soda to eliminate perfume smells from your leather items:

First, test a small amount of baking soda on a discreet area of the leather to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration or damage. If the test area looks unaffected, proceed to the next step.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the affected leather item, making sure to cover all surfaces, including the back, armrests, and cushions. If the cushions are removable, be sure to sprinkle baking soda beneath them as well. Gently rub the baking soda into the leather using a soft cloth or your hands, focusing on the areas where the perfume smell is strongest.

Allow the baking soda to remain on the leather item for at least 24 hours. During this time, the baking soda will absorb the unpleasant odours. After 24 hours, or longer if you prefer, vacuum or shake off the excess baking soda.

If the perfume smell still lingers, you may need to repeat the baking soda treatment a few times until the odour is completely gone. Remember to always test any new cleaning methods on a small, discreet area of the leather first to ensure you don't cause any unintended damage.

By following these steps and using baking soda, you can effectively remove perfume smells from your leather items while also maintaining the quality and integrity of the leather.

Try a vinegar solution

Vinegar is a great option for removing unwanted smells from leather items. It is particularly effective on smoke and milder or musty smells, as it neutralises the odour. The leather will briefly smell like vinegar following this treatment, but that odour will quickly disappear.

To use vinegar to remove smells from leather, it is recommended to dilute the vinegar with water. The exact ratio of vinegar to water may depend on the type of leather you are treating. For light-coloured leather, a solution of white vinegar diluted with water in a 1:4 ratio can be used. For dark leather, apple cider vinegar diluted with water in the same ratio is a better option. The solution can then be applied to the leather by spraying or wiping it on. After applying the solution, allow the leather to air-dry for around 10 minutes in a well-ventilated area before wiping away any remaining vinegar. If the smell persists, the process can be repeated.

It is important to note that vinegar can potentially act as a solvent on some leather dyes and finishes, so it is recommended to test any vinegar solution on a small, discreet area of the leather before treating the entire item. Additionally, vinegar can dry out leather, so it is important to condition the leather after treating it with vinegar to prevent any damage.

Air it out

Airing out your leather item is a great first step to remove unwanted perfume smells. Fresh air works wonders to release set-in odours from leather items. It is best to choose a sunny, or at least non-humid, day for this process as moisture can contribute to unpleasant odours such as mustiness.

If your leather item is small, such as a bag, you can try placing it in a large box and leaving it to air out for a few days. If your item is larger, such as a jacket, you can hang it up in a well-ventilated area. For very large items, such as furniture, it is best to leave them outside all day or for as many hours as possible during daylight hours. Sunlight helps to reduce odours, so be sure to place your item in direct sunlight if possible. If your furniture has removable cushions, be sure to prop them up vertically for maximum exposure to the air and sunlight.

If you are airing out a bag, you can also try placing an odour absorber inside, such as baking soda, and leaving it sealed for 24 hours. You can also try placing the bag inside a large box with an open box of baking soda or activated charcoal packets. Leave the box sealed for a few days to allow the odour absorber to work.

It is important to note that airing out your leather item may not completely remove the perfume smell, especially if the odour has been absorbed into the leather. In this case, you may need to try additional methods, such as using a vinegar solution or a leather cleaner.

Apply leather cleaner

Leather is a natural material, which makes it prone to absorbing strong odours like perfume. While it may be challenging to remove smells from leather, it is not impossible. One way to do this is by using a leather cleaner.

Leather cleaners are specifically designed to eliminate odours and stains from leather items. They can be purchased from hardware stores, shoe cobblers, or retailers that sell leather goods. It is important to select a leather cleaner that is suitable for the type of leather you are dealing with, as genuine leather and faux leather require different treatments. For example, Leather Honey Leather Cleaner is safe for use on genuine leather, faux leather, bonded leather, rubber, and plastic, whereas some other cleaners are designed only for genuine leather. Additionally, if you are trying to remove an odour from suede, a specialised kit like the Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Care Kit is recommended. Always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions for your specific leather item.

Before applying a leather cleaner, it is important to first test it on a small, discreet area to ensure it does not cause any damage. Once you have confirmed its suitability, apply the leather cleaner to a lint-free cloth, moistening the cloth completely. Then, gently wipe down the leather, focusing on areas that are particularly fragrant or soiled. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing too harshly, as this may harm the surface of the leather. Instead, apply gentle pressure and allow the cleaner to do its job.

After cleaning the leather, use a separate clean cloth to wipe away any excess product and allow the leather to air dry completely. It is recommended to let the leather dry in a well-ventilated area or outside in fresh air and sunlight, as this can help eliminate any lingering odours. If the smell persists, you may need to treat the cushioning or lining of the leather item separately, as odours can often be trapped in these areas as well.

By following these steps and using a suitable leather cleaner, you can effectively remove perfume smells from your leather items while also preserving their colour and sheen.

Use a specialist product

Leather is a natural material, and as such, it is highly absorbent. This means that leather can absorb smells and fragrances, which can be difficult to remove. However, it is not impossible.

One way to remove perfume smells from leather is to use a specialist product. There are many leather cleaners on the market that are specifically designed to eliminate odours. These products can be found at hardware stores, shoe cobblers, or retailers that sell leather goods. It is important to choose the right product for your specific circumstances, as many solutions are designed for particular items, such as leather cleaners for genuine leather or faux leather.

Before using any specialist product, it is recommended to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to ensure that the cleaner is suitable for your leather item. Most leather cleaners will come with clear directions for use. Typically, you will apply the cleaner to a lint-free cloth and then wipe down the leather, focusing on soiled or fragrant areas. It is important to note that you should not scrub or rub harshly, as this can damage the leather's surface. Allow the leather to dry completely before reassessing the situation. If the odour persists, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or treat the cushioning separately if it is a piece of furniture.

Some popular leather cleaner options include Leather Honey Leather Cleaner, which is safe for genuine leather, faux leather, bonded leather, and even rubber and plastic. Another option is Lexol leather cleaner, which has been recommended for removing cologne scent from leather jackets.

In addition to leather cleaners, there are also conditioning solutions designed to restore moisture and protect your leather items. Conditioning is a separate process from cleaning, and it is recommended to use a specialist cleaner for odour removal followed by a separate leather cream for conditioning.

Frequently asked questions