Why does leather smell the way that it does? The smell of leather evokes smells of rustic cabins in the country. Cows definitely don't smell like that while they're grazing! The answer is fairly straight forward. Effectively, the smell of leather is the product of the tanning process.
There are two major tanning methods, Chrome Tanning and Vegetable Tanning. Our standard cowhide products use a vegetable tan veg-tan so that's what we have the most of around the shop. Some fake leathers can be hard to distinguish by sight…unfortunately you realize it after a few years and spots have work through or torn.
Also — the origin of the item will not necessarily mean it is real leather. Fake or cheap stuff is produced the entire world over. I purchased a Dooney and Bourke florentine leather bag. Can florentine leather vary in smells because I have another florentine bag from them and it actually smells like leather…nothing strong like this new one. Is there a non toxic formula to replenish the leather smell?
If so, what oils or synthetic ingredients fo you suggest please? Hi Abdul — in the article I mention that the leather smell people are used to, is actually due to the chemicals used in the tanning process as well as those used by various manufacturers. If you would like a natural finish to vegetable tanned leather — I recommend using beeswax, olive oil, and other natural oils.
Your email address will not be published. Remember me Log in. Lost your password? This differs greatly from leather used by competing shops: When Leather Meets Chemicals In fact, that typical smell that most are familiar with, is created when leather is treated with a lot of chemicals.
According to the EPA, these are some of the most common tanning agents used in the world today: Trivalent chromium Alum Syntans man-made chemicals Formaldehyde Glutaraldehyde Not only are toxic ingredients like chromium salts used in chrome-tanned leather, but things like lignosulfate and specialty chemicals are also added to commercial leather products before finishing.
Lentz Way As you should know by now, harsh chemicals and unnatural ingredients have no place in my workshop. Quick View. Robert A. Pace says: I just hope you can tell me where I can buy a small amount of naturally tanned and dyed leather for a small project, some panels in the interior of a small, old British sports car.
December 30, at am Reply. December 30, at pm Reply. Debra White says: Hi Mr. March 30, at am Reply. March 30, at pm Reply. Lyn says: I purchased a Dooney and Bourke florentine leather bag. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Article Summary. Method 1. Dry out wet leather right away. If the leather is wet, or appears to be covered in mold or mildew, you need to remove any dampness quickly. The moisture can damage the leather permanently and create a smell that will be very difficult to get out.
There are several simple methods for drying out the leather: [1] X Research source Place the leather in a spot in your home that gets indirect sun. Direct contact with harsh sunlight can cause the leather to crack, chip and wear out. Choose a spot that is by a window that filters sunlight or that is behind a screen.
Use a blow-dryer on a low heat setting. Avoid bringing the blow-dryer too close to the leather as this can cause it to crack or chip.
Run the blow-dryer at a distance over the leather to soak up the moisture and prevent big water stains on the leather. Try putting the leather outside for a few days to let the smell air out naturally. Use a clean dry cloth to wipe the leather dry, especially if you are trying to treat a pair of leather shoes, a leather jacket, or a leather purse.
Skip alcohol based products or odor-masking products, like perfume, and use a clean dry cloth to give the item a good wipe. The chemicals in these products can get into the pores of the leather and possibly damage the item. Pack the leather item in newspaper or packing paper. The porous quality of newspaper and packing paper means they are both great for absorbing any bad smells in your leather item.
Always check that the leather item is completely dry and that you are using dry newspapers. The loose fiber in newspaper makes it softer and more absorbent than other options, like office paper.
Close the box and leave it sealed for one to two days. Check the leather item to see if the newspaper has effectively drawn out the bad smell. You may need to leave the item in the newspaper for another day. Clean the leather with a vinegar solution. The acid in the vinegar will help to counteract bad odors and the smell of the vinegar, which could be a bad odor to some, will also dissipate with the any other bad smells in the leather. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
Choose a very small area on the item and dab the vinegar solution on the leather. If there is no discoloration or cracking on the leather, proceed with cleaning the item with the vinegar solution. Use a clean cloth to wipe the surface of the leather with the vinegar solution. You can also use a spray bottle to spray the leather with the vinegar solution and then wipe it clean with a cloth. If the odor is really bad, you can try soaking the leather item in the vinegar solution for five to ten minutes.
Make sure you dry the leather well after the vinegar soak so it does not get moldy or full of mildew. Seal the leather in a baking soda solution. Baking soda is great for absorbing bad odors and it is safe to use on leather. You will need baking soda and a pillowcase or a zip-lock bag that is big enough to fit your leather item. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the surface of the leather.
You can also sprinkle the inside of the leather item to remove any odors on the inside of the item. Tie the end of the pillowcase or seal the zip-lock bag. Let the item sit in the baking soda overnight, or for 24 hours. Remove the baking soda by using a small vacuum or a clean cloth. Brush the baking soda off gently to avoid scratching the leather. Repeat the baking soda process until the bad odor is gone. Let the leather age to reduce the smell over time. Instead of trying to mask the smell with perfume or odor-masking agents, which will actually prolong the time it takes for the odor to pass, use your leather item often.
If you can stand the bad odor, wear your leather jacket, your leather shoes, or your leather shoes on a daily basis to help the leather age. Method 2. Buy a leather cleaner. Always use cleaner made specifically for leather on your leather item. Most cleaners can help to remove odors, preserve the color and sheen of the leather, and protect the leather from cracking.
Condition the leather item.
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