How To Clean A Leather Couch That Smells Like Smoke

Jorja asked: How do I get rid of cigarette smoke smell from a leather purse? My mother-in-law gave me a beautiful, old leather purse. She is a heavy smoker, and the purse smells like smoke. Is there any way I can get rid of that smell?

Removing smoke smells from a leather piece can be a little time consuming, but the efforts will yield results. There are several different methods that can be used to remove the odor. Try one or try them all until your piece is smelling fresh again.

You Will Need:

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Rubbing alcohol
• Milk
• Water
• Dried coffee grounds
• Dryer sheets
• Leather conditioner
• Soft cloths

Methods to Remove the Smoke Smell:

1. Mix one part vinegar with one part water. Rub the mixture onto the surface with a soft cloth. Do not saturate the leather. Allow to dry. Repeat until the odor is gone.
2. Mix one part rubbing alcohol with one part water. Use a soft cloth to apply the mixture to the surface of the leather. Allow to dry in between applications. Repeat as necessary.
3. Dryer sheets have been used to successfully absorb odors. Place several sheets inside of the bag and allow it to set for a few days. Or, place a couple of dryer sheets inside of the bag, and fluff in the dryer (no heat) for a few minutes. For larger items like a couch, lay the dryer sheets on top of the leather or tuck them between the cushions.
4. Fill an old nylon stocking with fresh, dry coffee grounds (straight from the can). Place this inside of the purse and allow it to sit until the odor is gone. Coffee grounds absorb odors quickly and effectively. For larger items, set the stocking on or near the leather item.
5. Another option is to put the item outside in the fresh air for as long as possible.
6. Place an opened box of baking soda into the bag. Remove the top layer of baking soda each day so that fresh, odor-absorbing powder is exposed. Continue until the odor is gone. For larger items, set a bowl or plate of baking soda on or next to the item. Do not apply the baking soda directly onto the leather as it can change the pH of the leather and damage it.

After the Odor is Gone:

1. Once the odor is removed, it is time to condition the leather to keep it from drying out and becoming damaged.
2. Allow the piece to dry so any products that were used can evaporate. If there is residue, rinse it off with a mild soap and water.
3. Next, apply a leather conditioner following the instructions on the manufacturer's package.
4. Rub milk onto the surface and rub with a clean, soft cloth to polish.

Additional Tips and Ideas:

• If the odor in the bag is excessively strong, be prepared to repeat these methods several times. As long as there is improvement, it's working and should be repeated.
• Vinegar, baking soda, dryer sheets and coffee grounds can also be used to treat suede products. No leather conditioner is needed. There are suede cleaning products available that can be used as well. Brush the suede after cleaning to restore the texture.
• One site user (Thanks!) recommends wiping the leather with a baby wipe every evening to prevent the odor from setting in.

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How To Clean A Leather Couch That Smells Like Smoke

Source: https://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-cigarette-smell-from-leather/

Posted by: plylerdowits1958.blogspot.com

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