Looking for ways to remove bad smells from leather? Whether it’s smoke, food, sweat, or just years of everyday life settling in, leather has a habit of holding onto strong odours.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to live with the stink forever and you don’t have to chuck out your favourite sofa. We understand why you love your leather sofa. It’s elegant, hard-wearing, comfortable and won’t go out of style.
The downside: leather can soak up strong smells, such as smoke, food odour, sweat and perfume.
Luckily, you don’t have to live with smelly leather forever. There are many effective ways to clean your leather sofa.
Here are our tried-and-tested remedies for getting rid of bad smells forever:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Professional products
- Dry the leather
- Fresh air
- Newspaper
- Professional cleaners
- New slipcovers
1. Vinegar
White vinegar is highly acidic, which enables it to kill bacteria and also remove smells. (That’s what makes it so great for scrubbing floors – seriously, try it.) However, there is a risk when applying vinegar to leather. Some say that you might weaken the fibres or make stains worse.
With this cleaning method we would recommend trying it on a small section of your couch that cannot be seen, before proceeding with the rest of it.
To remove bad smells from leather, mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Next, get a clean cloth (microfibre cloths are great for this), dip it in the solution and wipe down your sofa.
As your cloth begins to pick up the dirt from the leather, wring it out or swap it for another clean cloth.
You can also put the solution in a spray bottle to spritz your sofa, then wipe it clean with a cloth.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a natural odour eliminator, easily neutralising smells.
Cover the site of the smell with a handful of baking powder, leave it to sit for 15–20 minutes, then vacuum up the baking soda.
Like vinegar, this natural method is often thought to be a little harsh. Try it on a small section. Baking soda is also helpful with removing oil stains, however you may need to let it sit overnight to take full effect.
3. Professional products
Another quick and easy ways to remove bad smells from leather is to use professional cleaning products.
- Leather cleaner is able to dissolve any dirt and grime on most leather products, and safely remove it. Apply it over the leather and use a clean cloth to remove the dirt and the remains of the product.
- Leather conditioners help to preserve the leather and strengthen it. This is more of a preventive measure – keeping your leather well-conditioned will also keep it clean and prevent the accumulation of bacteria and bad odours.
- Silica gel wicks away moisture (e.g. sweat) so that bacteria has nothing to feed on and consequently, will remove the lingering stink. Keep in mind that silica gel is not recommended in houses with pets or kids as it can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.
4. Dry the leather
If your slipcover is humid or someone has spilled liquids on it, place the leather cover in a spot in your home that gets indirect sun or use a blow-dryer on a low heat setting.
Moisture can encourage an icky damp smell, which can very quickly fill your home.
Removing humidity will prevent bad odours from (further) developing. We recommend also using a leather cleaner, vinegar or baking soda after drying the leather to remove the smells more effectively.
5. Fresh air
The most ancient method to remove bad smells is airing your sofa covers out. Choose somewhere outdoors that is sheltered from direct light and heat, such as a table on the porch. Leave the sofa cover for a day if possible. Fresh air will also help to remove any unwanted moisture in the leather.
Ensure to avoid direct sunlight will slowly strip your leather sofa cover of its natural oils. This will dry it out and lead to cracks.
6. Newspaper
Paper is more porous than leather, which makes it excellent at absorbing odours. If you have any smaller leather products, you can pack them up in newspaper or packing paper.
The fibres of the paper lift the odours from the leather, and are also an excellent way of preserving the untreated reverse surfaces of leather items.We recommend leaving the leather packed inside the newspapers for at least 24 hours.
7. Professional cleaners
If after trying all this, your sofa still has bad odours, there is no shame in turning to professional cleaners.
This option is always the most expensive one and we only recommend it after trying all our initial tips and advice.
How do you know if the cleaning service you’ve found is the right one? Here’s what to look out for:
- Leather expertise: Ensure the company specialises in leather cleaning, not just general upholstery. Leather requires specific care to prevent damage.
- Eco-friendly and safe products: Ask if they use non-toxic, leather-safe cleaning solutions, especially if you have kids or pets. Harsh chemicals can dry out or discolour leather.
- Experience and reputation: Look for companies with solid experience and positive customer reviews. Check Google or Yelp for feedback from past clients.
- Cleaning method: Ask about their process. Do they use steam cleaning, foam, or dry cleaning? Some methods work better for leather than others.
- Customised solutions: A good service will assess your sofa’s material, condition, and specific issues (e.g., stains, odours) before recommending a cleaning approach.
- Insurance and guarantee: Reputable cleaners should offer insurance or a satisfaction guarantee in case of accidental damage or unsatisfactory results.
- Transparent pricing: Avoid vague quotes. A professional service should provide a clear estimate upfront, with no hidden fees.
- Aftercare advice: The best cleaners don’t just clean; they also advise on maintaining your leather sofa to keep it fresh and damage-free.
By checking these factors, you can find a reliable service that will clean your leather sofa safely and effectively.
8. New slipcovers!
If you’ve managed to remove some of the smell, but not entirely, then you can go down a different path to save your sofa. A new slipcover could remove or mask any existing smells, as well as giving your sofa a comfortable and stylish new look.
At Comfort Works, we have a wide range of durable and stylish sofa covers that fit your lifestyle needs.
With the largest library of sofa covers, we slipcover any sofa, no matter the brand or model.
Summary
If your leather sofa has trapped some less-than-pleasant smells (smoke, sweat, or last night’s takeout), don’t worry—you can fix it! From vinegar and baking soda to professional cleaners and fresh air, there are plenty of ways to refresh your leather without damage. Keeping it dry, well-conditioned, and regularly aired out will also help prevent future odours.
Still struggling with stubborn smells? A new slipcover might be the easiest solution. At Comfort Works, our stylish, custom-fit leather slipcovers give your sofa a fresh look and a fresh start.
Find Your Perfect Slipcover and enjoy a fresher, cleaner couch!
