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How to "destink" a vintage leather?

revkev

One of the Regulars
Messages
200
I purchased a vintage GAP leather. I like it a lot but it has a faint smell...Its not bad, but its not good. Does not smell like rot, but more like a clean wet dog without any added frangrance if that makes sense.

I literally put this jacket through the ringer. I am not afraid to wash a leather jacket (of course it depends on the leather) in a washing machine and rant this 2x. Its better, but still there if you are standing near me. I recall when I took it out of the washing cycle when it was wet, the scent was the strongest, but faded as it dried. I just did the 2nd wash and going to apply mink oil to re mositurize and maybe lock in the scent.

Any ideas on how to neutralize this? Thanks
IMG_5177.JPG
 

Modified_last_call

One of the Regulars
Messages
116
Location
Bucks County, PA
I would say your last line of attack is an ozone generator.
I have had good results in a small enclosed space.
They can be had for less than $50.00
Multiple treatments give better results as you can't really damage the jacket.
The jacket may retain a slight metallic scent.

Here's a link to one THIS , but you can find them anywhere
 

revkev

One of the Regulars
Messages
200
I never thought about that! I actually have one since I used to be a car broker. I will give it a try. How "enclosed" was the space you used? I can try it in a bathroom.
 

gekej

New in Town
Messages
4
I purchased a vintage GAP leather. I like it a lot but it has a faint smell...Its not bad, but its not good. Does not smell like rot, but more like a clean wet dog without any added frangrance if that makes sense.

I literally put this jacket through the ringer. I am not afraid to wash a leather jacket (of course it depends on the leather) in a washing machine and rant this 2x. Its better, but still there if you are standing near me. I recall when I took it out of the washing cycle when it was wet, the scent was the strongest, but faded as it dried. I just did the 2nd wash and going to apply mink oil to re mositurize and maybe lock in the scent.

Any ideas on how to neutralize this? Thanks View attachment 646220 https://snaptubie.com/snaptube-for-ios/
I've always been a huge fan of leather sport coats and am absolutely in love with suede ones. I haven't had much finding them at a price point I like i.e. under $90. I did thrift this lovely coat, but it was messed up by the cleaners unfortunately. frown.gif This was taken back in 2012. I probably would have styled it differently in hindsight.
 

Bahabp100

Practically Family
Messages
854
I purchased a vintage GAP leather. I like it a lot but it has a faint smell...Its not bad, but its not good. Does not smell like rot, but more like a clean wet dog without any added frangrance if that makes sense.

I literally put this jacket through the ringer. I am not afraid to wash a leather jacket (of course it depends on the leather) in a washing machine and rant this 2x. Its better, but still there if you are standing near me. I recall when I took it out of the washing cycle when it was wet, the scent was the strongest, but faded as it dried. I just did the 2nd wash and going to apply mink oil to re mositurize and maybe lock in the scent.

Any ideas on how to neutralize this? Thanks View attachment 646220
For me an Ozone generator is the only thing that work
 

Bahabp100

Practically Family
Messages
854
I never thought about that! I actually have one since I used to be a car broker. I will give it a try. How "enclosed" was the space you used? I can try it in a bathroom.
Yes a bathroom works just make sure to ventilate before you breathe in there
 

revkev

One of the Regulars
Messages
200
Yes a bathroom works just make sure to ventilate before you breathe in there
I actually have one...its rated at 5000 whatever whatever. Did not work. Maybe I got a junk ozone (it didnt work for my car either). Which model do u have? I ended up putting it in a plastic bag and its now in my freezer.
 

Cuvier

One of the Regulars
Messages
205
Location
Texas
I don't know if it would work on leather, but I got the stink out of an old Barbour waxed jacket with a soak in, believe it or not, cheap vodka. Try at your own risk o_O.
I use the strongest cheap vodka I can find. Works wonders on cloth smells and doesn't leave a mark or scent behind. But that's more for organic stinks. Sweat and the like. Also works as a disinfectant killing the microbes. It might work on a wet dog type smell. Musty odors could be coming from it getting wet and not being properly dried. Hose the inside heavily and see what happens. If nothing else, take it to a professional cleaners.
 

revkev

One of the Regulars
Messages
200
Yea, its not a bad smell...But I think its the leather. I ran it through the washer (Im not scared but know which leathers to NOT do this with). I now have it in the freezer and will leave it for a week or so. But vodak...how do u apply? Vodka on wet rag and wipe?
 

Cuvier

One of the Regulars
Messages
205
Location
Texas
Yea, its not a bad smell...But I think its the leather. I ran it through the washer (Im not scared but know which leathers to NOT do this with). I now have it in the freezer and will leave it for a week or so. But vodak...how do u apply? Vodka on wet rag and wipe?
I use a small sprayer bottle and will spray it fairly heavily.
 

AeroFan_07

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,703
Location
Iowa
This has been discussed extensively in the Outerwear section.

For me - the "best" solution I've found, if you really cannot stand the smell, is to turn the jacket inside out and wash it on the Gentle or Delicate cycle on your washer, then turn it back to normal leather side out and do it again. Do NOT put it in the dryer (it will shrink badly). Let it hang-dry and maybe put a fan on Low facing the jacket. It will need few conditionings after all that washing. *Pro-tip* - be sure to choose a detergent you like, or a "free & clear" type, as you may not get that smell out for a long time.

One other note - heavily "smoked" in jackets this really still did not cut it. I wound up giving a couple of those away, or selling on ebay with the smell clearly disclosed.
 

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