Remove leather smell

How do you get rid of the leather smell?

The smell of leather, especially when it’s new or heavily treated, can sometimes be very strong. If this bothers you, don’t worry: there are several simple methods to reduce the intensity while preserving the suppleness, quality, and beauty of your leather.

  1. Air it out to combat leather odors
  2. Newspaper and oiling
  3. Vinegar to remove leather odors
  4. Removing leather odors with baking soda

Simple tips for fresh and pleasant-smelling leather

 

1. Air out to reduce leather odors

If leather has a strong odor, the best method is to to air it out to air it out .

An overview of the most important steps:

  1. Place the leather in a dry, well-ventilated place at room temperature.

  2. Make sure to protect the material from cold, moisture or direct contact with water ..

  3. Let the leather air out for several hours or a few days, depending on the intensity of the odor .

  4. Check on it every now and then; you’ll notice how the smell gradually fades away naturally.

Image by SplitShire on Pexels

 

2. Newspaper and leather grease

An overview of the most important steps:

  1. Carefully wrap the leather in regular newspaper .

  2. Then place it a cardboard boxso the paper can absorb the odors.

  3. If the odor persists, apply a high-quality leather conditioner or leather grease . This helps nourish the pores and reduce the spread of odors.

  4. Be sure to apply the grease Applyevenly to preserve the leather's suppleness and beauty over the long term.

Gusti's tip: Use the Natural Wax / Care Balm to nourish your leather and stabilize the color.

 

3. Vinegar for odor removal

You can also use vinegar to reduce a strong leather odor.

Here’s an overview of the key steps:

  1. Mix vinegar and water in equal parts to make a mild cleaning solution.

  2. Test the mixture first on an inconspicuous spotto make sure it doesn’t cause stains or discolor the fabric.

  3. Apply the solution with a soft cloth . It’s best to do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, as the vinegar has a strong odor at first.

  4. Then let the leather air out in fresh air .

Finish the treatment by carefully conditioning the leatherto preserve its suppleness and shine.

Gusti Tip: After using vinegar, apply a conditioner or care balm to stabilize the color and nourish the leather.

 

4. Remove leather odors with baking soda

How Vinegar neutralize baking soda or baking powder effectively odors. 

An overview of the most important steps:

  1. Sprinkle the leather completely with baking soda or baking powder.

  2. Put it in a sealed plastic bag and let the powder sit overnight (or for up to 24 hours).

  3. Carefully remove the powder carefully (e.g., with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner on low setting). Clean the leather briefly and then it to restore its suppleness and beauty.

Gusti Tip: For best results, use Natural Wax or Leather Care Conditioner to protect and condition your leather after treatment.

Image by Felicity Tai on Pexels

 

Final tips for reducing leather odor

There are several ways to reduce or eliminate the smell of leather—whether by simply airing them out, using newspaper or suitable leather conditioner , diluted vinegar or baking soda or baking powder . Each of these methods helps you preserve the suppleness, beauty, and quality of your leather over the long term.  

To care for your leather optimally and preserve its softness and pleasant, natural scent, discover our complete range of care products. These have been specially developed for your leather handbags and accessories:

 

How to properly care for and clean your leather bag

 

 

Additional sources (accessed on 03/24/2026):
Picard Fashion – Remove leather odor: https://picard-fashion.com/blogs/lederkunde/ledergeruch-entfernen
Ricano – Get rid of the stench: Your guide to getting rid
of
leather jacket odors: https://ricano.de/inspirationen/weg-mit-dem-gestank-ihr-guide-um-lederjacken-gerueche-loszuwerden/
Schuhbedarf.de – Effective methods for eliminating unpleasant odors in leather – Tips and tricks: https://schuhbedarf.de/blog/blog/effektive-methoden-zur-beseitigung-von-unangenehmen-geruechen-in-leder-tipps-und-tricks
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