Leather is a luxurious and durable material that can add a touch of elegance to any space or outfit. However, if you’re a smoker or have been around smokers, you may have noticed that cigarette smoke can linger on leather items, leaving behind an unpleasant and persistent odor. Cigarette smell can be particularly challenging to remove from leather, and many people struggle to find effective solutions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some tried-and-tested methods for removing cigarette smell from leather, from simple home remedies to professional-grade products. So, if you’re looking to get rid of that stubborn cigarette smell from your leather furniture or leather bags and accessories, keep reading to discover how to do it effectively and safely.
Remove Visible Stains
Removing visible stains from leather is the first step in getting rid of that nasty smoke smell. Vacuuming the leather is a great way to do this. It will help remove any dirt or dust buildup that could be trapping the smoke odor there. Additionally, use a damp cloth to wipe down your leather with warm, soapy water. This will help remove any sticky residue and further break down the smoke smell.
Vacuum the Leather
Once you have removed any visible stains from leather couch, it is important to vacuum the leather to remove any debris. This will help to ensure that any odors or dirt that have been absorbed into the leather will be removed. To do this, use a soft-bristled brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and move slowly over the surface of the leather. Make sure to get into all of the crevices and between cushions. Once you have finished vacuuming, you can begin the process of removing the cigarette smell from the leather.
Wipe Down with Soap and Water
After vacuuming the leather, the next step is to wipe it down with a mild soap and water solution. Start by using a damp cloth or sponge to gently clean the leather. Soap warm water should be used sparingly, as it can dry out the leather and make it prone to cracking. After cleaning, dry the leather off with a clean cloth or paper towel and then allow it to air dry before proceeding to the next step.
Create a Vinegar Solution
After vacuuming the leather, you can create a vinegar solution to help remove the smoke smell. To do this, mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the leather surface and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it down with a damp cloth. The vinegar will neutralize the smoke odors, and leave your leather smelling fresh.
Sprinkle Baking Soda on the Leather
Once you’ve vacuumed the leather and wiped it down with a damp cloth, it’s time to sprinkle baking soda on the leather. Baking soda is great for absorbing odors, so it can help to remove any lingering smoke smell from your leather. Sprinkle the baking soda on the surface of the leather and let it sit for at least several hours before vacuuming it off. After vacuuming off the baking soda, you should notice a significant reduction in the smell of smoke smells affect leather.
Create an Absorbent Mixture
If you’ve tried all the other methods of removing cigarette smell from your leather jacket and still not finding success, it may be time to try creating an absorbent mixture. This mixture is made up of equal parts of baking soda, rubbing alcohol and water. Simply mix together the ingredients and apply it to the leather with a cloth. Allow the mixture to sit for 15 minutes before wiping it off with a wet cloth. This should help absorb the smoke smell and leave your leather smelling fresh.
Use Activated Charcoal
Once you have vacuumed, wiped down and created absorbent mixtures, the next step to removing the cigarette smell from leather is using activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a highly absorbent material that works to remove odors and other pollutants from the air. To use activated charcoal to remove the cigarette smoke smell from leather, place it in a nylon stocking or wrap it up in cheesecloth and place it on top of the leather articles. Leave the activated charcoal in place for at least 24 hours, then remove it and discard.
Use Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another great option for removing cigarette smell from leather seats. You can sprinkle them on the leather and let them sit for a few hours, allowing the grounds to absorb the odor. After a few hours, vacuum away the grounds and you should find that the cigarette smell is reduced or gone. If you still notice a heavy smoke smell, you can combine this method with other options such as charcoal or baking soda for a more intense cleaning.
Alternatively, you can brew a pot of coffee and place it on a stable surface near the leather item. The coffee aroma will help mask the smoke smell while the leather absorbs the scent. Remember to avoid wetting the leather with the coffee, as this can cause damage to the material. With a little patience and persistence, you can successfully also remove cigarette smoke and the unpleasant cigarette smell from your leather items using simple household items.
Spray with a Neutralizing Agent
Another effective way to get rid of cigarette smell from leather is to use baking soda. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area, and leave it overnight. The baking soda will absorb the odor, and you can simply vacuum it off the next day. You can repeat this process as needed until the smell is completely gone. However, if you prefer a more immediate solution to get smoke smell, you can also use an ozone generator, which will remove the cigarette smell from the air and any surfaces it comes into contact with. Whatever method you choose, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the leather.
Air Out the Leather
Finally, air out the leather. This is an important step in removing cigarette smoke smells from leather. You can do this by leaving the windows open and allowing fresh air to get in. If possible, you can also use a fan to help ventilate the leather items even more. If you’re able to leave your leather items outside, this is an even better option. Just make sure they’re in a sheltered area away from direct sunlight or rain. After several hours of airing out, you should find that the cigarette smell out of leather is significantly reduced or gone entirely.