How to Remove Bad Smells from Leather Jackets

Leather jackets never go out of style—but what happens when your favorite jacket starts to smell like smoke, mildew, or body odor? Don't toss it just yet. This complete guide walks you through proven ways to remove bad smells from leather jackets using natural remedies and expert care techniques.

Why Leather Jackets Absorb Smells

Leather is a porous material. It breathes, just like skin—which means it absorbs environmental odors like:

Cigarette smoke
Sweat and body oils
Mildew from damp storage
Strong perfumes or kitchen odors
Plastic packaging or tanning chemicals (new leather smell)

To effectively remove these odors, we need to treat both the leather surface and the lining, without damaging either.

1. Baking Soda: The Natural Deodorizer

Baking soda is one of the safest and most effective ways to absorb unwanted odors from leather jackets.

Steps:

Turn the jacket inside-out.
Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the inner lining.
Fold the jacket and place it in a large, breathable bag (e.g., cotton or pillowcase).
Leave for 24–48 hours.
Shake off or vacuum out the baking soda.

Safe for both lining and leather. Avoid if your jacket has oil-based conditioning already applied.

2. Air It Out in the Shade

Letting your jacket breathe can do wonders—especially for new leather or cigarette odors.

How to do it right:

Hang the jacket outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.
Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading or drying.
Leave for 1–2 days.

Tip: Insert cedar blocks or odor-absorbing charcoal pouches in the sleeves to boost the effect.

3. Vinegar or Vodka Spray (For the Lining)

To tackle musty or mildew smells, use diluted vinegar or vodka (both are natural disinfectants).

Vinegar Spray (for lining):

Mix 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle.
Lightly mist the jacket's lining (avoid soaking).
Hang and air dry completely.

Vodka Alternative:

Mix equal parts vodka and water.
Spray lightly on the interior lining for deeper bacterial odor removal.

Never apply directly to leather unless tested on an inconspicuous area.

4. Coffee Grounds or Activated Charcoal (Deep Odor Extraction)

Ideal for smoke, storage, or “old leather” smells.

How-to:

Place dry coffee grounds or charcoal in a breathable cloth pouch.
Seal the jacket and pouch in a garment bag or box.
Leave undisturbed for 48–72 hours.

Repeat as needed until the smell fades.

5. Leather Cleaner & Conditioner

If surface smells persist, clean the jacket using a leather-safe cleaner followed by a conditioner.

Steps:

Gently wipe the jacket with a microfiber cloth and leather cleaner.
Let dry.
Apply leather conditioner in circular motions.
Buff gently with a clean cloth.

This restores the jacket’s natural oils and leaves a fresh leather scent.

Tip: Want to invest in lasting quality? Learn why real leather is worth it.

6. Quick Fixes

Dryer sheets: Tuck into pockets or sleeves for temporary freshness.
Newspaper stuffing: Absorbs mild smells when left inside for a day.
Cornstarch: Absorbs grease-related odors when applied overnight to linings.

When to See a Professional

Seek professional leather cleaning if:

The jacket has severe mold/mildew damage.
You're dealing with vintage or fragile leather.
DIY attempts haven't worked after 1–2 rounds.

Long-Term Prevention Tips

Store jackets in cool, dry, ventilated areas—never plastic bags.
Use cedar hangers or charcoal deodorizers in the closet.
Condition leather every 3–6 months to maintain softness and prevent odor retention.
Avoid wearing leather near smoke-heavy environments.