How to Get Rid of the Smell From Faux Leather

If you're wondering how to get the smell out of your faux leather items, such as furniture, bags, and shoes, you're not alone. Sometimes, faux leather products can accumulate unpleasant and unwanted odors, whether from cigarette smoke, cooking scents, body odor, or other smells in the home. Here are some tried-and-true tips and techniques to get rid of odors and keep your faux leather smelling and looking its best.

For the best faux leather smell-removal product, look no further than baking soda, which is incredibly effective at neutralizing odors. To remove stains and smells from your faux leather, liberally sprinkle baking soda all over it and let this sit for several hours or, ideally, overnight. You can also use a soft, dry brush to gently rub in the baking soda before letting it sit, especially if the odor is particularly strong. Once the baking soda has done its job, brush it off or use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to sweep it up.

To avoid leather that smells like chemicals and to preserve your faux leather products for as long as possible, it's important to know how to clean and care for this material on a regular basis. First, note that you should always consult the product's specific washing instructions. Cleaning methods may vary depending on manufacturer and the type of faux leather you're cleaning. If you're using anything other than plain water, always do a precleaning spot test in a small hidden area to check for color changes or cracking.

For a faux leather sofa or chair, start the cleaning process by vacuuming up any loose debris, crumbs, or dirt. Then:

1. Dampen a microfiber cloth in clean, warm water and squeeze out the excess.
2. Wipe down the entire surface of your faux leather item.
3. Use a clean, dry cloth to remove remaining moisture.

To clean off minor stains:

1. Add a few drops of mild dish liquid to a small container of warm water.
2. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the solution, squeeze out the excess, and wipe stains until they're gone. If you're cleaning a faux leather sofa or chair, focus on the arms and areas where your head and neck rest, as this is where smelly body oils tend to accumulate. Take care not to rub the cloth too hard into the fabric, as this could damage it.
3. Rinse the cloth in plain water and wipe off the soap solution.
4. Use a clean, dry cloth to completely dry your item.