This summer, I have dug out my favorite leather bag from storage, excited to use it again. But to my surprise, it smelled really bad—kind of musty. I wondered where this smell came from and worried if I could ever use my bag again. However, with a few simple cleaning tricks, I successfully restored my bag to its former glory. Here’s how you can do it too.

Let’s First Have A Look At the Types and Causes of Smell In Leather Bag

When it comes to stored leather bags, the types of smells that can emanate from them can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors. These factors can include storage conditions, environmental factors, and the type of leather used in the bag.

One common smell that can be detected is mustiness, which can be caused by mold or mildew growth due to moisture. This is especially true if the storage location is damp or humid. The mold or mildew growth can permeate the bag, leaving behind a musty odor that is hard to ignore.

Another smell that can be present is a chemical odor. This can be caused by treatments or dyes that were used to treat the leather. These chemicals can produce a strong odor that can be difficult to remove.

In addition to these smells, a stored leather bag can also have a general staleness. This can happen when the bag is stored in an enclosed space for an extended period. The lack of fresh air circulation can cause the bag to retain a stale smell.

Finally, if you had used your bag extensively before storage, it may retain body odors and sweat. These smells can add to the mix of smells that can emanate from the bag.

The tricks I’m going to share with you, will not only work for musty smell but also all other kinds of smell that a leather bag might emit upon storage.

However, if you consider storing your leather bag the right way, you will not have to smell these odors anymore.

I am also writing a separate article on how to store a leather bag, that will surely help you to find effective ways of storing your beloved pieces for years to come. The link is at the very end of this article.

Let’s move toward our main heading which is,

How To Remove the Smell Out Of Leather Bag?

Alright, let’s break it down. But keep in mind to try these tricks one by one till you get the desired result for your leather bag.

First Trick

So, first off, to get rid of those smells in your leather bag, it’s a good idea to let it air out. Find a spot with some fresh air, maybe outside or near an open window. Hang your bag there for a while, let’s say overnight, so the air can do its thing and freshen it up.

I hung my bag on my balcony, as I didn’t have a window in my apartment.

Second Trick

Now, if you find smells are stubborn like my leather bag, you might need something a bit stronger. Ever heard of baking soda? It’s like a superhero for odors. Sprinkle some inside your bag, especially where it smells the worst. Leave it there for a few hours or even overnight, then just brush or vacuum it off.

Third Trick

If the smell persists then it’s time to use another trick that is, vinegar. Yeah, I know, it sounds weird, but it works. I mixed equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Then gave my bag a light misting with this solution, then again hung it on my balcony overnight to air dry. Don’t worry about about vinegar smell that comes out of your vintage piece the very next morning. As it will fade over time, leaving your bag smelling much better.

Fourth Trick

However, if you are not happy with the vinegar smell. Then you can use an alternate Trick which is a charcoal trick. It’s like those odor-eating bags you see sometimes. Just pop some charcoal bits into your bag pockets or wrap them in a cloth and tuck them inside. They’ll gradually soak up those smells over time.

Fifth Trick

You can also take advantage of a sunny day in your area by hanging your bag outside in the sun for a few hours. The UV rays will help kill off any bacteria or mold causing the smells. Just make sure to flip the bag every so often for even exposure.

Don’t leave your lovely leather bag in direct sunlight for long. Instead of fading the smell, the harsh rays of the sun will make your vintage piece deprived of essential oils and moisture, enhancing the decay process of the leather.

Bonus Tip: Once you’ve tackled the smells, don’t forget to give your bag some love with a good leather conditioner. It’ll keep the leather soft and supple, plus it adds a nice fresh scent. To know in detail how to choose and use the best leather conditioner for your jacket, click here.

Takeaway

Sometimes, the smells get too stubborn to leave your leather bag. They become part of it. In that case, all the tricks that I mentioned above fail.

Don’t you worry, I still have a suggestion for you. Take your jacket to a pro cleaner. They’ve got all the fancy gear to deal with tough odors without harming your leather.

Hope these tips help you freshen up your bag! Keep reading to know more each day.

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