Leather And Scents: Removing Cologne Odor

Leather is a durable material, but it can be tricky to clean. Leather can absorb strong scents, such as cologne, and removing these smells may require some trial and error. There are several home remedies and professional products that can be used to remove cologne smells from leather.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great option for removing cologne smells from leather. It is well known for its odour-absorbing qualities and is completely safe to use on leather.

To use baking soda to remove cologne smells from leather, follow these steps:

• Place the leather item inside a pillowcase or a zip-lock bag. If the item is too large to fit inside a bag, you can simply sprinkle the baking soda directly onto the surface of the leather.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface of the leather item. Make sure to get an even coverage, and also sprinkle the inside of the item if you want to remove any odours from the interior.
• Seal the bag or pillowcase, or cover the item with plastic wrap or a similar covering if you are treating a large item.
• Let the baking soda sit on the leather for 24 hours. During this time, the baking soda will absorb the cologne smell from the leather.
• After 24 hours, remove the baking soda by vacuuming it up or gently brushing it off with a clean cloth. Be gentle to avoid scratching the leather.
• If the cologne smell is still noticeable, repeat the process until it is gone.

This method is particularly effective for removing cologne smells from leather items that are too large to be treated with other methods, such as a sofa. It is also a good option for removing smells from suede, as suede can be difficult to treat with liquid cleaners.

Use vinegar

Vinegar is a great option for removing cologne smells from leather. It's important to note that you should always do a spot test before applying any new product to leather, especially an acid-based cleanser like vinegar, to ensure it won't discolour or damage the material.

To start, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. If your leather item is dark, you can use apple cider vinegar instead to avoid any discolouration. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and gently wipe down the surface of the leather. You can also try spraying the solution onto the leather and then wiping it clean with a cloth. If the odour is particularly strong, you can try soaking the item in the vinegar solution for 5-10 minutes, but be sure to dry the leather thoroughly afterwards to prevent the growth of mould or mildew.

Although the smell of vinegar is strong, it will dissipate along with the cologne smell. If you want to speed up the process of getting rid of the vinegar smell, you can place the leather item in a well-ventilated area or hang it outside on a breezy day.

If the cologne smell persists, you can try repeating the vinegar treatment or using another home remedy, like baking soda.

Air it out

Airing out your leather item is one of the easiest ways to remove cologne or perfume smells. If the item is small, such as a purse or a wallet, place it in a box with crumpled newspaper or packing paper, which is more porous than leather and will help absorb the odour. Seal the box and leave it for a couple of days. If the item is larger, such as a leather couch, simply place a fan near the item and open the windows to achieve a similar effect to taking it outdoors.

When airing out your leather item, make sure to check the weather first. Avoid placing your leather item outdoors if it's going to rain, or if the temperature is abnormally hot or cold. Humid temperatures can attract mould, and direct sunlight can cause the leather to crack, chip, and discolour. Instead, opt for a mild day with slightly cool temperatures and no harsh weather conditions.

If possible, let your leather item sit outside or near an open window for at least 24 hours. If you're dealing with a strong cologne smell, you may need to repeat the process several times until the odour is completely gone.

While airing out your leather item is an effective method, it's important to note that it may take some time, especially for stronger smells. Additionally, if you're dealing with a wet leather item, make sure to dry it out completely before attempting to air it out.

Use leather cleaner

To remove cologne from leather, you can use a leather cleaner. This is a good option if you have a leather item that is too large to wrap in newspaper or baking soda, or if you want to avoid using home remedies.

Firstly, identify the type of leather you have. Genuine leather is more delicate and absorbent than faux leather, so the two must be treated differently. Check the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure you are using a suitable product for your item. Some leather cleaners are suitable for genuine leather, faux leather, bonded leather, and even rubber and plastic, whereas others are designed specifically for either genuine or faux leather. For example, if you are trying to remove a smell from suede, you will need to use a specialist suede cleaner.

Once you have chosen a suitable product, apply it to a lint-free cloth, moistening the cloth completely. Wipe down your leather item, concentrating on soiled or fragrant areas. You should not need to scrub or rub the leather harshly, as this may damage the surface. Allow the leather to dry completely, then assess whether the odour has been eliminated. If some smell remains, you can attempt another cleaning.

It is important to use a non-toxic, fragrance-free cleaner, as attempting to cover an odour with another scent will often make things worse. You can combine this method with cleaning in a sunny spot with good air circulation, such as outside on a dry day. The sun and fresh air will help to dry the leather and eliminate any lingering odours.

If your leather item is small enough, you can also try placing it in a pillowcase with a liberal amount of baking soda and leaving it overnight. The baking soda will absorb the scent, helping to remove the odour.

Use linseed oil

Linseed oil is a great option for moisturising and keeping your leather soft. It is also easy to apply. Simply use a soft cloth or brush to apply a thin layer of linseed oil onto the leather surface in a circular motion. However, it is important to remember that linseed oil should be applied sparingly as too much can cause discoloration and staining.

Before applying linseed oil, ensure that the leather surface is clean and dry. Linseed oil is best used on unfinished or "naked" leather, as it soaks into the material and helps to protect and preserve it. It is not suitable for finished leather, such as suede and nubuck, as it will cause irreparable damage.

The type of linseed oil you use is also important. Boiled linseed oil is the best option for leather as it dries faster and penetrates deeper into the material. It is also thicker, reducing the risk of a sticky residue, which can be difficult to remove and may attract dirt and dust.

Linseed oil has several benefits for leather. Firstly, it is an excellent moisturiser, helping to keep the leather supple and soft while providing a protective layer. It can also add a nice shine to your leather, smoothing the surface and giving it a natural gloss. Additionally, linseed oil can protect your leather from the elements, creating an invisible barrier against sunlight, moisture, heat, and dirt.

However, there are some disadvantages to using linseed oil on leather. It doesn't protect against stains and can leave a sticky residue, attracting dirt and dust over time. It can also stain your clothes, so it is important to be careful when handling items treated with linseed oil. Linseed oil can also cause latex to deteriorate, so it is important to check if your leather product contains latex before applying linseed oil.

Overall, linseed oil is a good option for moisturising and protecting your leather, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding as you don't want to risk damaging your item.

Frequently asked questions