Understanding Leather and Smoke Odor
Leather is a porous material which means it can easily absorb odors, such as smoke. Whether the smoke smell is from cigarettes, a wood-burning stove, or a house fire, getting the smell out of the leather can be challenging because you can’t simply throw it in the wash. However, with patience and the right techniques, you can minimize or even completely remove the smoke smell from your leather items.
Cleaning the Leather
Step 1: Ventilation
Start by airing out the leather item. If it’s a piece of clothing or a bag, hang it outside for a few hours on a dry, breezy day. Avoid direct sunlight, though, as it can fade the leather.
Step 2: Dusting Off
Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the leather. This will remove any surface ash or soot that may be contributing to the smell.
Step 3: Applying Leather Cleaner
Apply a leather cleaner according to the product’s instructions, taking care to test on a small, inconspicuous area first. Use a soft cloth to work the cleaner into the leather.
Deodorizing the Leather
Step 4: Baking Soda Method
Baking soda can help absorb odors. Sprinkle a light layer on the leather, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and then gently wipe it off with a clean cloth. Avoid using too much baking soda, as it can dry out the leather.
Step 5: Vinegar and Water Solution
Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar, dampen a cloth with the solution, and lightly wipe the leather. Do not saturate it. Let the leather air dry. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can help neutralize the smoke smell.
Step 6: Activated Charcoal
Place the leather item in a sealed container or a tightly sealed plastic bag with activated charcoal for several days. The charcoal can help absorb the smoke smell without damaging the leather.
Conditioning the Leather
Step 7: Leather Conditioner
After cleaning and deodorizing, apply a leather conditioner to help restore moisture and protect the leather. A good quality leather conditioner can also help lock out future odors.
Professional Help
If the above steps do not work or if you are dealing with a valuable item, consider professional cleaning. Leather restoration specialists have more powerful methods and products that may successfully remove the smoke odor without damaging the item.
Preventive Measures
Step 8: Avoiding Smoke
The best way to deal with smoke smell in leather is to prevent it from occurring. Keep leather items away from smoking areas, fireplaces, and other sources of smoke as much as possible.
Step 9: Protective Covers
Using protective covers for leather furniture can also help shield it from smoke. Make sure these covers are made from breathable materials to prevent moisture buildup.
Conclusion
Removing smoke smell from leather can be a detailed process, but with these steps, you can help rescue your leather items from lingering odors. Just remember to be gentle with the leather and patient with the process, as it may take several repetitions to fully eliminate the smell.