How do I remove intense leather smell?
Leather is a natural product and has its own special smell. Similar to wood, the smell is stronger when the item is new. This is well observed with new wooden furniture or a new leather couch: after some time in the home, the smell weakens significantly and almost disappears. The same applies to A.P. Donovan leather products. Their typical smell is partly due to the natural origin of the raw leather. Also, for our bags, notebook leather, and other leather products, we use only vegetable-tanned leather.
With this environmentally friendly tanning method, the leather takes on a unique smell, clearly different from chrome-tanned leather. Chrome tanning chemically removes almost all scents from the leather, making it uniformly neutral-smelling. This is mainly used for mass-produced goods that should always look and smell the same. The fact that chrome tanning produces large amounts of environmentally harmful residues is often kept quiet for profitability. As strong opponents of environmentally harmful mass production, we have explicitly chosen vegetable-tanned leather.
Choose the right leather and avoid leather odors
The smell of goatskin leather is particularly intense. It is mostly used in the production of leather bags in India. There, the cow is a sacred animal and is therefore not used for making bags. Cowhide leather is generally less odorous. The best alternative, however, is buffalo leather. It is especially thick and therefore very durable, has a unique surface texture, and gives a more vintage look. This is what customers like the most. A positive side effect of this thick, resilient leather is its low inherent odor. That is why we gladly recommend our buffalo leather travel bag.
Proven home remedies against intense leather odor
If you have already chosen a bag made of goatskin leather, one thing should be said – these are the most ecological leather bags available. Neither in tanning nor in post-treatment is any chemistry used! If the unusual "real" leather smell of our products is too intense for you, we have compiled some proven tips below to reduce the odor. We deliberately speak of odor "reduction" because the original leather aroma can never be completely removed. But isn't that the point? To own something individual, far from the neutral odorlessness of a mainstream product? We think: Just as a good whisky must smell like whisky, a leather bag should smell like leather.
Air out
By far the easiest and most convenient tip. Hang or lay the new leather bag outside and let the fresh air do its work. Make sure the bag does not get wet. If you live in a city apartment without a balcony, simply hang the bag on a string out of the window.
Wrap in newspaper or packing paper
Wrap the bag in several layers of newspaper or packing paper and place the whole package in a box for several days. The porous structure of the paper is particularly suitable for absorbing unpleasant odors. Occasionally do a smell test and let your nose decide when the leather bag is ready to use.
Treat with leather fat
Besides the nourishing effect, treatment with leather fat also acts as a significant odor barrier. Rub colorless leather fat thoroughly into the leather with a soft cloth. The fat seals the pores of the leather and the odor can no longer escape freely.
Wash in the washing machine
This may sound like a real leather killer at first, but it can work wonders if several factors are considered. You need a special leather detergent (e.g., from equestrian supply stores) and a washing machine with a 30° C gentle cycle. Wash the bag according to the detergent instructions without spinning and hang it to dry. Never dry in the sun or on a heater, as this can make the leather brittle. After drying, be sure to thoroughly rub the bag with leather care or leather fat.
Treat with a vinegar solution
Vinegar provides cleanliness and a fresh scent in ecological household cleaners. This effect can also be used to reduce odors in leather. Mix distilled white vinegar and water in equal parts. For safety, first test on a hidden spot by applying a little of the vinegar solution with a soft cloth to the leather. If no discoloration appears, you can thoroughly rub the entire bag with the solution and then let it dry well. In particularly stubborn cases, you can immerse the entire bag in a bath of the vinegar solution. Be sure to dry the bag thoroughly afterward to prevent mold or mildew. After treatment, the bag must definitely be rubbed with leather fat.
Treat with baking powder
The sodium carbonate contained in baking powder or baking soda is excellent for neutralizing odors. To do this, sprinkle the entire bag with baking powder and then place it in a sealable plastic bag or tied plastic bag. Let the baking powder work overnight. Afterwards, remove the powder residues with a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth. Dry the bag thoroughly and finally rub the leather with a generous amount of leather grease.
Miracle cure Ballistol oil
Ballistol is a true wonder weapon against all kinds of everyday problems. It is suitable for oiling hinges, cleaning surfaces, preserving metals, and also for impregnating leather. By applying the oil, the surface is cleaned of tallow and other residues, so no odors can emanate from it. Additionally, the surface is sustainably sealed.