Leather couches sometimes get a bad rap for being stinky, but like most furniture, they just need a little extra care. Leather’s porous, which means it’s more likely to pick up and hold onto unwanted smells that linger, like body odor, pet odor, smoke or food.

How do you stop leather from smelling?

Vinegar is especially effective on smoke and milder or musty smells, as it neutralizes the odor. The leather will briefly smell like vinegar following this treatment, but that odor will quickly disappear. Another option is baking soda — you can gently shake baking soda over the smelly area. It will absorb the odor.

Is it normal for leather to smell?

Leather is natural material so it has a tendency to attract bacteria and develop pungent smells over time. Leather is popular for its durability and aesthetic quality, but can also seem far harder to clean than many synthetic fibers.

Does leather ever stop smelling?

The best solution is to let the leather product dry naturally under the sun for a few days. The smell will automatically fade. Otherwise, take the item to a professional—they’ll use deodorizing chemicals to get rid of the smell.

How do I get my couch to stop smelling?

To get rid of smell in couch, sprinkle baking soda generously on cushions, in crevices, and especially on areas with a stain. Give the baking soda some time to work –about an hour or so — then vacuum up the remains.

What causes leather to smell?

Remember, leather is made from animal hide and in order for it to become leather that will last decades, you need to treat the animal hide properly. Otherwise your leather will begin to break down as it rots from the inside, leaving a distinctively manure-like smell coming from your leather.

Does Febreze work on leather?

Febreeze is often used to take smell out of any fabric AND it works just as well for leather! Remember to use this product sparingly as most manufacturers don’t really recommend Febreeze.

Does fake leather have a smell?

Natural leather will smell different from artificial leather. This is partly because of the glues and chemicals used in the manufacturing. Faux leather usually smells like vinyl and chemicals, while real leather has this distinctive fragrance of leather and animals.

How do you clean leather and make it smell good?

To remove smells from your leather sofa, or any other leather product, mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, then use a clean cloth (microfibre cloths are great for this) to wipe the leather. As your cloth begins to pick up the dirt from the leather, wring it out or swap it for another clean cloth.

What is the best cleaner for leather?

Compare The Best Leather Cleaner In 2022

  • Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner. – Best Overall.
  • Leather Honey Leather Cleaner. – Runner Up.
  • Weiman Leather Cleaner. – Honorable Mention.
  • Meguiar Leather Cleaner. – Also Consider.
  • Armor All Leather Cleaner. Check On Amazon.
  • Lexol Leather Cleaner. Check On Amazon.
  • TriNova Leather Cleaner.


How can I make cheap leather smell better?

Vinegar Revitalizer



Spritz a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water over the faux leather, allow it to sit for several minutes, then wipe it down again with a damp, soft cloth or sponge. If the material’s odor is especially strong, wipe it down with pure, undiluted vinegar and allow it to air dry.

How do you clean leather and make it smell good?

To remove smells from your leather sofa, or any other leather product, mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, then use a clean cloth (microfibre cloths are great for this) to wipe the leather. As your cloth begins to pick up the dirt from the leather, wring it out or swap it for another clean cloth.

How do you treat a smelly leather bag?

How to get a musty smell out of a leather handbag

  1. Step 1: Place leather outside in the sun – but not in direct light.
  2. Step 2: Mix warm water and rubbing alcohol together.
  3. Step 3: Place charcoal briquettes in the leather handbag.
  4. Step 4: Spray your leather purse with a shoe freshening spray.

How do you get rid of the smell of leather on a sofa?

Distilled white vinegar: Soak the leather in a solution of distilled white vinegar. Obviously, this will cause it to smell of vinegar slightly when it is dry, so after giving it a good rub down, let it dry, and then wash the couch again with the washing-up solution, then make sure you give it a good conditioning.