How to Remove a Suede Smell From a Jacket

Suede is a kind of leather made from the hide of an animal. While there are several techniques for making suede, generally it is thinner and softer than full grain leather. As a result, it is perfect for coats and jackets because of its soft, pliable feel. But the nappy texture and its porousness makes it more susceptible to stains and odors. Even the process that creates suede can leave it with a strong scent, making it difficult to enjoy your new jacket until you remove the suede smell.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner
• Brush attachment for vacuum cleaner
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Sprinkle baking soda on the front of the jacket, and let it sit overnight. Attach the brush to the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, and use it clean off the baking soda. Repeat this with the back of the jacket. The baking soda will absorb the odor so that when you vacuum it off the jacket, the odor should be gone.

2. Fill your bathtub with the hottest water possible, suggests Readers Digest. Add one cup of vinegar to the water. Hang your jacket above the tub, and close the door to the bathroom. It will take several hours, but when you finally take your jacket down, the suede smell should be gone.

3. Dip a cloth or sponge in vinegar, and wring out most of the vinegar so that the cloth is barely damp. Wipe down the jacket, and hang it up to dry. When it's completely dry, the smell of both the suede and the vinegar should have evaporated.

4. Take it to a dry cleaner who specializes in suede and leather to have it professionally cleaned if the suede smell persists.

Tips & Warnings

• Before using any product on suede, try it on a small inconspicuous area first because the suede can be delicate.

• Most leather manufacturers recommend that their clothes be professionally dry cleaned.

References

• Readers Digest: Extraordinary Uses for Vinegar
• How to Clean Stuff: How to Remove Urine From Suede

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: Leather Care