We all love the look and feel of leather, but the smell? Not so much. Whether it’s that newly purchased jacket or a vintage thrift find, leather can carry some pretty unpleasant odors.  But don’t worry! Suede and leather cleaning can eliminate these unwanted odors and keep your leather garments fresh. Let’s take a closer look at these leather odors.

Reasons behind That Awful Leather Smell Are Chemicals

Newly tanned leather gives off a horrible stench that is difficult to get used to. This is because of the harsh chemicals and tanning agents used in the manufacturing process. Some of the most common, according to the EPA, are:

• Alum
• Formaldehyde
• Syntans (man-made chemicals)
• Trivalent chromium
• Glutaraldehyde

Repeated wearing of the leather jacket can mask the smell, with your own sweat and dirt. However, there are other steps that can be taken to achieve the same result.

Wear It Often When the Sun Is Out!

The warm rays of sunshine aren’t just good for us; it’s wonderful for your leather jacket as well! This is a widely used DIY tip when it comes to removing musty leather smells. Why? Direct sunlight can help to neutralize external surface odors that emanate from your leather jacket.

Take the jacket out of its cool hideout and place it in the sun for a minimum of 8 hours. The UV rays from direct sunlight will penetrate the surface, wiping out odor-causing residue.

A Fresh Breath of Air Is Lovely

Like humans working inside a stuffy office need fresh air at the end of the day, so does your leather jacket.

Remember, it’s made from a porous material, i.e. odors from sweat and mold can seep in from them. A steady breeze and open space are ideal for removing this smell from your leather jacket.

Place on a clothesline and hang the item for at least 24 hours. Make sure to check the daily weather report for rain or other harsh conditions.

Why Professional Dry Cleaning is a Must?

When it comes to suede and leather cleaning, professional dry cleaning services offer significant advantages over DIY methods.

First and foremost, leather and suede are delicate materials that require specialized treatment to maintain their texture and color. Professional cleaners use advanced techniques and products specifically designed for these fabrics, ensuring that your leather doesn’t get damaged by water or harsh chemicals.

Moreover, they effectively remove odors caused by sweat, mold, and even chemical tanning agents. Professional dry cleaning service providers like Sterling Cleaners also apply gentle conditioners to keep your leather supple and prevent cracking over time.

Sterling Cleaners — Offering Top-quality Suede And Leather Cleaning In Washington

If you want your leather jacket to be clean and smell-free, benefit from the professional dry cleaning in DC from Sterling Cleaners. We have been offering top-standard leather cleaning services in Washington, DC, for the past 80 years. So, contact us now and keep your leather looking great and smelling fresh for years to come.

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