How to Remove Smell from an Old Leather Bag

Co-authored by Mallika Sharma and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: November 18, 2022 References Approved

Musty, stinky, odorous old leather bags aren't much fun and it's probable you're not keen to reuse such a bag. Before you resort to throwing it out, there are various ways that might just restore it to a respectable odor again.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Doing a simple clean

1
Try a simple clean first. If this clean doesn't shift the odor, you can try one of the other suggested methods after.
- Wipe the leather bag inside and out with a clean, dry, soft cloth. This will pick up dust, loose debris and even some mold or mildew.
- Wipe the leather bag down with a damp cloth. This will collect even more of the above items.
2
Allow the bag to air out. Choose somewhere outdoors that is sheltered from direct light and heat, such as a table on the porch. Leave for a day if possible.

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3
Check the odor. If the bag still smells bad, choose one of the remaining suggested methods, or a combination of the methods.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Cleaning with white vinegar

1
Prepare a solution consisting of equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water. Sponge the bag with the solution. Work on the inside of the bag and any mildewed outside part of the bag for a few minutes.^{[1]
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- It's a good idea to test a small spot before trying this method, in case it stains.
2
Wipe off the vinegar solution with a clean, damp cloth.^{[2]
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3
Allow to air dry. Place the bag outside under shelter away from direct light to air dry.
4
Check the odor. If it is still there, repeat. If not, the bag can be used again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Cleaning with detergent soap

1
Use liquid detergent soap to clean the bag.^{[3]
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2
Make a solution of soapy water, using the liquid detergent. Dip the cleaning cloth or sponge in the solution and wring out before using.^{[4]
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3
Wipe the cloth over and inside the bag. Concentrate in particular on the areas that you think are the smelliest.
4
Allow to air dry. Place outside in a sheltered area away from direct sunlight and heat.
5
Once dry, check for the odor. If it lingers, try again.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Deodorizing with baking soda

1
Use baking soda to deodorize the bag.^{[5]
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2
Fill a clean sock with baking soda. Tie off with a knot.
3
Place the leather bag and the baking soda-filled sock inside a large resealable plastic bag. Alternatively, place both items inside an airtight container.
4
Set aside. Let the baking soda work on the bag for at least 24 hours. The odors from the bag should transfer across to the baking soda.
5
Remove from the resealable bag or container. Check the odor of the leather bag; if it still smells bad, repeat the process for another 24 hours, or longer. If it smells good again, throw away the baking soda, wash the sock and use the leather bag again.

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Deodorizing with newspaper

This method is also useful for shoes and boots that smell mildewed or unpleasant. Note that this method might mark some lighter leather bags, so place them inside a pillowcase or similar thin bag before tossing in with the newspaper.

1
Find some newspaper. Scrunch the pages up and stuff them inside a large plastic bag, such as a kitchen waste bag or a garbage bag.^{[6]
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2
Slide the smelly leather bag in with the newspapers. Arrange it so that it sits snugly in the middle of the papers.^{[7]
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3
Tie the bag up with a knot. Alternatively, seal with a twist tie.
4
Let sit for at least 48 hours. A few days more won't hurt it.
5
Remove from the bag. Do a sniff test to see whether the odor has gone. If not, return to the bag for a few more days. Eventually it should start to smell better.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Deodorizing with coffee

This method is great for removing the odor of cigarette smoke from an old leather bag. However, realize that if the bag has been subjected to years of sitting around a smoker, even coffee grounds won't life the odor. This is more for an old bag subjected to a small dose of cigarette pong.

1
Fill a sock with coffee grounds. They must be dry grounds, so if you're using grounds from your own coffee making, allow them to fully dry first. Or use the cheap instant coffee granules. Knot it off to keep the coffee intact.^{[8]
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2
Place the coffee sock inside your old leather bag. Leave it there for up to a week. During this time, it should soak up much, if not all, of the cigarette smoke odor.
3
Do a smell test. If all is good, the bag is ready for reuse. If it still smells a little, return the sock for a few more days.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Deodorizing with potpourri

1
Make or purchase some potpourri. Place the potpourri inside a sachet.^{[9]
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2
Place the sachet inside the smelly bag. Leave it there for at least one week.
3
Place the bag in an airy place. Do not leave it in a dark cupboard; instead find somewhere with fresh air and indirect, cool light.
4
Check a week later. It's a good idea to leave the sachet in the bag when using as well, as the scent will continue to improve the bag's own scent.

Expert Answer

Q

How do I prevent odors in my leather bag?

Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician
Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.

EXPERT ADVICE

Answer from Mallika Sharma:

You can prevent musty odors by ensuring that you store your bag in a cool and dry place. Keep it in a dust cover or cloth bag and not a plastic bag. Always put a pouch of silica gel inside, which helps keep moisture at bay!

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I get rid of musty odors caused by moisture?

Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician
Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.

Mallika Sharma

Certified Leather Care Technician

Expert Answer

Deodorize your bag by leaving it out in the sun to dry. Just don't leave it out for more than a few hours or the leather could fade.
Question

How do I freshen a book bag purse that has a bad odor from spoiled milk?

Community Answer

Try using the vinegar method, and if that doesn't work, try the baking soda.

Warning

Adding liquid to a leather item can easily ruin it. Always test an inconspicuous spot first, or use it without testing only if you don't mind possible loss of the leather's condition.

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Things You'll Need

Cleaning cloths - always use soft ones on leather (and clean, of course)
Airtight container, such as a Tupperware box
Water
White vinegar
Baking soda (in a sock or similar item)
Liquid detergent
Coffee grounds (in a sock or similar item)
Potpourri (in a sachet)
Newspaper (and a large plastic bag, such as a garbage bag); a pillowcase is also a good idea, for protecting the bag from newspaper ink stains