Vintage clothing – we all love it. Just the idea of browsing through the racks of vintage clothes or thrift stores and finding the PERFECT leather jacket is thrilling. They never go out of style. But the smell! Anyone who loves vintage shopping can confirm that the infamous odor – cigarette smoke, mustiness – clinging to leather is a real mood-killer

Removing these odor is possible, however, it will take time and effort, particularly if you are planning to take the DIY route. Calling in professional dry cleaning experts in Washington, DC, maybe your best option. The experts use the right suede and leather cleaning techniques to restore your vintage gems to their original glory without much hassle.

Let’s take a closer look at both options.

DIY Leather Cleaning Ideas

1. Febreeze

This product is an incredible first line of attack if the leather item has a stitched lining. Febreeze is often used to take smell out of any fabric AND it works just as well for leather! Remember to use this product sparingly as most manufacturers don’t really recommend Febreeze. Staining or dye removal is a very strong possibility.

What to Do

As always when trying out a new product you aren’t sure about, conduct a spot test on one part of the item. If there’s no visible change or damage to the leather, then only apply a saturated mixture of Febreeze (inside and out) and dry it flat.

2. Baking Soda

This incredible kitchen product isn’t only used to clean carpets and drains! You can use baking soda in a number of ways to try and remove odors from your favorite leather jacket. Since baking soda is a gentle product, it likely won’t damage the material. However, it’s better to be safe and perform a spot test first.

What to Do with Dry Baking Soda

Place your jacket in a pillow case or a paper bag, alongside an OPEN box of baking soda. The smell will be completely gone if kept like this for 24 hours. For greater results: sprinkle some baking soda inside the pockets and interior OR leave a sock filled with baking soda inside the item.

What to Do with Baking Soda Solution

Pour one liter of warm water into a bucket and mix one teaspoon of baking soda. Saturate the leather item in this solution. You may also need to concentrate the mixture depending on the item and the stubbornness of the odor. Take it out after a good soak, rinse it completely, and dry flat on the ground.

Remember: Leather can get damaged with too much water saturation. Go for the professional dry cleaning route if the item is expensive or valuable. 

How do Professional Dry Cleaning Services Help?

1. Expertise in Delicate Materials: Professionals are trained to handle sensitive materials like suede and leather, using specialized cleaning methods that prevent damage.
2. Specialized Equipment: Professional dry cleaners have access to advanced tools and products designed specifically for suede and leather cleaning, ensuring thorough stain and odor removal.
3. Prevention of Damage: DIY cleaning can lead to cracks, discoloration, or texture damage. Professional dry-cleaning uses safe, tested techniques to maintain the integrity of the material.
4. Leather Conditioning Treatments: A professional dry cleaning service uses gentle conditioning treatments to keep leather supple, prevent it from drying out, and extend its lifespan.
5. Odor Removal: They use commercial-grade products that effectively eliminate persistent odors, like cigarette smoke or mustiness, from vintage leather items.

The professionals at Sterling Cleaners specialize in suede and leather cleaning, ensuring your vintage treasures last for years to come. We use our 80 years of expertise. Contact our professional dry cleaning in DC to remove odors, prevent damage, and bring out the best in your leather wardrobe.

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