How do I reduce / remove leather odor?

Answer: There are several simple solutions to countering the smell of leather that is personally perceived as too strong. The methods are sorted by gentleness descending. Please start with a gentle method.

1.) Airing

The airing of the leather piece in the fresh air is the simplest and best solution to deal with distinctive smelling leather fragrances that you personally perceive as too strong. Please be sure to let the leather air out at room temperature. The leather should not be cold, damp or even wet. (This would increase the smell unintentionally.)

2.) Wrapping in newsprint

For this purpose, wrap the piece of leather firmly in a newspaper for a few days and then store this bundle in a cardboard box. The paper will absorb odors

3.) Grease with leather fat

If this is not enough, use a high quality leather fat to reduce the odor or change. The fat acts as an insulating layer and seals the pores of the leather, so that the scent molecules are more likely to remain bound in the leather.

4.) Neutralization with baking soda

Leather odor can be neutralized as with vinegar with soda (baking soda). Comparable to the application with vinegar also Natron is suitable for the neutralization of leather odor. Please cover the piece of leather completely with the powder and seal it overnight in a plastic bag. The leather must then of course be cleaned and greased again. (Point 3)

5.) Neutralization with vinegar as impregnation

For this, mix in equal parts (a transparent) vinegar with water and rub the piece of leather with it. Important: Please test necessarily before the effect of the mixture on the leather. Spots or discoloration could otherwise be the unwanted consequence. After this form of impregnation, the leather must be greased again. (Point 3.)

6.) Detergent for leather

Leather detergent can be used as a last resort, if all other measures did not bring the desired success. Please pay attention to the instructions of the leather detergent. Important: Use only special leather detergents to wash leather goods. Drying must be slow. Drying in the sun or on the heater would make the leather brittle. Again, the leather must be re-greased. (Point 5)