Restoring a Stinky Leather Jacket: All You Need To Know To Remove Any Odor From a Leather Jacket

You pull your favorite leather jacket from the closet, excited to wear it. But then an undesirable smell hits you. This is a common problem. The smell may be musty from storage, smoky from a night out, or just the original scent of a vintage find.

Since leather is a porous, natural material, it absorbs odor molecules from its surroundings. But this same quality means it can be treated. This guide runs you through a complete, step-by-step process on how to get any smell out of a leather jacket, from mold and smoke to body odor. It will help you recondition the garment correctly and efficiently.

First, Find the Odor

Before you go any further, you must first recognize what type of smell it is. This is the most essential step. Different odor molecules embed themselves in the leather and its lining in different ways, meaning they require different removal techniques. If you use the wrong method, it can be ineffective or, in the worst cases, damage your jacket.

This quick diagnostic guide will help you decide which way to go.

• Musty / Mildew Smell: This is a damp, earthy smell. This odor usually comes from improper storage in a humid place. Your goal is to kill any potential mold spores and absorb the remaining moisture.
• Smoke Smell (Cigarette, Fireplace): This is a sharp, clinging odor caused by tiny tar and carbon particles. This requires methods that absorb and neutralize these stubborn particles.
• Body Odor / Sweat (B.O.): This smell is mostly concentrated in the fabric lining, particularly the armpits and collar. The treatment must focus on cleaning the lining without damaging the leather.
• Chemical / Tanning Smell: This is a sharp, synthetic smell commonly found on new jackets. It comes from the tanning and finishing processes. Often it just needs air and time to dissipate.

The Essential Pre-Treatment Steps

Never overlook these preparatory steps. They protect your jacket from damage and ensure your chosen deodorizing method works properly.

1. Empty Pockets: Check every pocket for leftover items like receipts, tissues, or lip balm.
2. Surface Dust-Down: Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Gently wipe the jacket's entire surface to remove loose dust and grime that can obstruct the cleaning process.
3. The Critical Spot Test: This is non-negotiable. Before trying any liquid solution, such as diluted vinegar, test it on a small, hidden area. The inside of a cuff, a hem, or an interior pocket flap are good spots. Apply a tiny amount and let it dry completely. Check for any discoloration or damage to the leather's finish.

5 Safe & Effective Methods for How to Get Smell Out of a Leather Jacket

Once you've identified the odor and prepped your jacket, choose the method best suited to your situation. It is best to start with the gentlest method first.

Method 1: The Fresh Air Method

This simple technique is the first line of defense. Often, this is all that's needed for mild odors.

Best for: General stuffiness, light smoke, and new chemical smells.

Turn the jacket completely inside-out. Hang it on a wide, padded hanger to help it keep its shape. Place it in a well-ventilated area, like a covered porch or near an open window, for 24 to 48 hours. The key is to keep it out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading and cracking. Indirect sunlight and fresh air work together to dissipate odor molecules and kill some odor-causing bacteria.

Method 2: The Baking Soda Treatment

Baking soda is a great natural deodorizer. It absorbs smells without using harsh chemicals and is especially effective on odors trapped in the fabric lining.

Best for: Musty smells and body odor.

We've discovered this works wonders on second-hand jackets. Pay extra attention to the lining in the armpit area, as that's where odors concentrate. To treat the lining, turn the jacket inside-out and lay it flat. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the fabric, focusing on the armpits and collar. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove all the powder.

For smells permeating the leather itself, place the jacket and an open box of baking soda into a large, sealable container or a breathable garment bag. Do not sprinkle the baking soda directly on the leather. Seal the container and leave it for 24 hours to allow the baking soda to absorb the odor. This baking soda technique is widely recommended by experts for tackling musty smells.

Method 3: The Diluted White Vinegar Spray

Vinegar is a powerful natural deodorizer. It neutralizes odor molecules instead of just covering them up.

Best for: Stubborn mold, mildew, and smoke smells.

Create a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle. After a successful spot test, lightly mist the jacket's exterior and interior lining. Do not saturate the leather; a fine, even mist is all you need.

Hang the jacket to air dry completely in a well-ventilated space. The vinegar smell will be noticeable at first, but it will disappear as it dries, taking the unpleasant odors with it. According to leather care specialists at Hidepark, a light vinegar spritz is effective against mildew and cigarette smells.

Method 4: The Activated Charcoal Absorber

For truly stubborn and pervasive odors that other methods can't touch, activated charcoal is an excellent solution.

Best for: Heavy smoke or persistent "vintage" smells.

Activated charcoal is incredibly porous, making it extremely effective at trapping and locking in strong odor molecules. Place your leather jacket in a large, breathable garment bag or a sealed box. Add several activated charcoal odor-absorbing pouches or briquettes (wrapped in a porous cloth) inside the container with the jacket.

Seal the bag or box and let it sit for several days. For very strong smells, you can leave it for up to a week. The charcoal will slowly draw the odor out of the leather and its lining.

Method 5: When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, a DIY approach isn't the right answer. Knowing when to get professional help is key to protecting your investment.

When to use: For delicate or untreated leathers like suede and nubuck, for severe mold or mildew infestations, or if you've tried the safe DIY methods without success.

If you decide on this approach, do not take your jacket to a standard dry cleaner. Find a cleaner who specializes in leather and suede. They have the right tools, solvents, and expertise to handle the material without causing damage.

The Critical Final Step: Conditioning

Any cleaning process, especially one involving a liquid like diluted vinegar, can strip some of the natural oils from your leather. Failing to replace this moisture is a common mistake that can lead to dryness and cracking.

This final step restores the leather and is essential for its longevity. Once your jacket is completely dry and odor-free, apply a high-quality leather conditioner. Use a clean, soft cloth to apply a small amount of conditioner in gentle, circular motions. Be sure to use a conditioner formulated for apparel, not a heavy wax or grease intended for boots or saddles.

Preventing Future Smells

The best way to deal with odors is to prevent them from setting in in the first place. A little proactive care will keep your leather jacket fresh for years.

• Proper Storage: Always hang your jacket on a wide, padded hanger to support the shoulders and maintain its shape. Store it in a cool, dry closet with good air circulation. Never store leather in a plastic garment bag, as this traps moisture and can lead to mildew.
• Air it Out: After wearing your jacket, especially in a smoky or crowded environment, let it air out for a few hours before returning it to the closet.
• Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Use a dry cloth to blot away any spills as soon as they happen. Don't let moisture sit on the surface.
• Invest in Quality: Proper care starts with a well-made garment. At Eton Garment, we create high-quality apparel designed for longevity. Maintaining it is key to enjoying it for years to come.

What NOT to Do: 4 Common Mistakes

When trying to figure out how to get a smell out of a leather jacket, people often make critical errors. Avoid these common mistakes that can permanently ruin your garment.

• NEVER Machine Wash or Submerge in Water: This is the fastest way to destroy a leather jacket. Water strips the oils, causing the leather to become stiff, shrink, and warp.
• NEVER Use a Hairdryer or Direct Heat: Applying high heat from a hairdryer or radiator will cook the leather, making it brittle and prone to cracking. Always air dry.
• NEVER Use Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia-based cleaners, and other all-purpose household cleaning products are far too abrasive for leather. They will strip the color and destroy the finish.
• NEVER Use Febreze or Perfume: Scented sprays only mask odors temporarily. The chemicals and alcohol they contain can dry out the leather and may leave a sticky residue or permanent stain.

FAQ: Your Questions on Removing Jacket Smells

Can I get a smoke smell out of a vintage leather jacket?

Yes, absolutely. For deep-set smoke odors in vintage pieces, a combination approach works best. Start with the activated charcoal method for several days to draw out the majority of the smell. Follow up with a very light, diluted vinegar spritz. Allow it to dry completely and finish with a thorough conditioning to restore moisture.

How do I get a body odor smell out of the jacket's lining?

Focus your efforts directly on the fabric lining, not the leather. Turn the jacket inside-out and use the baking soda method. Concentrate the powder on the armpit and collar areas where sweat accumulates. Let it sit overnight before vacuuming. If the care label allows, a fabric-safe, enzyme-based odor-eliminating spray can also be used on the lining only.

The "leather smell" of my new jacket is too strong. Will that go away?

Yes, this is very common. It's part of the off-gassing from the tanning and finishing processes. The best and safest solution is the Fresh Air Method. Hanging the jacket in a well-ventilated area (out of direct sun) for a few days will significantly reduce the intensity of the chemical smell.

Is it safe to use rubbing alcohol to remove smells from leather?

We do not recommend it. While some online sources suggest using diluted alcohol, it is a harsh solvent that can easily strip the dye from the leather and remove its essential oils. This leads to discoloration, severe dryness, and cracking. It is much safer to stick with gentler options like diluted white vinegar.

How long does it take to get the musty smell out of a leather jacket?

The time required depends on the severity of the odor and the method you use. A simple airing out can take 24-48 hours. More intensive treatments, like using baking soda or activated charcoal, also typically take 24-72 hours to be effective. Patience is key. It's better to repeat a gentle method than to resort to a harsh one that could cause damage.