How to Deodorize Old Leather Bags

Old leather bags have a very bad smell or musty smell and you probably have no interest in using such a bag again. Don’t throw the bag away, try some ways to restore the bag so it smells good again.

Table of Contents

Use a simple method to clean leather bags

Our advice: whichever method you choose, you must first clean the bag to remove debris, soil, etc.

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Try the simple method first. If this doesn’t get rid of the smell, you can try one of these other methods.

Wipe the bag inside and out with a clean, soft, dry rag. This step will help remove dust, crumbs, and even some mold.
Use a damp cloth to wipe the leather bag. A damp cloth can help remove dirt and mold more effectively.

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Dry the bag. Choose a shaded outdoor location to avoid direct sunlight, such as on a patio table. Leave the bag there for a day, if possible.

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Check the smell of the bag. If the bag still smells, choose one of the remaining methods suggested below or combine the methods.

Clean the bag with white vinegar

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Prepare a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part distilled water. Use a sponge dipped in the solution to wipe the bag. Wipe both the inside and outside of the moldy bag in a few minutes. ^{[1] X Research Source}

You should test a small spot on the bag first before wiping the entire bag to make sure it doesn’t discolor the material of the bag.

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Use a clean rag dipped in vinegar solution to wipe the bag. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Wait for the bag to dry. Dry the bag outdoors in a sheltered place to avoid direct sunlight.

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Smell the bag. If the smell on the bag persists, wipe it again, otherwise the bag is now usable.

Clean the bag with soap

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Use liquid soap to clean the bag. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Make a soap solution. Dip a washcloth or sponge in the solution and squeeze out excess water before wiping. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Wipe the outside and inside of the bag. Focus specifically on the areas that smell the most.

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Air to dry the bag. Hang the bag outdoors but remember to avoid places with high temperatures and direct sunlight.

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Once the bag is dry, check its smell again. If the bag still has a faint smell, try again.

Deodorize with baking soda

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Use baking soda to deodorize the bag. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Pour baking soda into a clean sock. Tie the sock with a knot.

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Put the leather bag and the baking soda sock in the zippered plastic bag. You can also put both in an airtight container.

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Set the bag aside. Wait for the baking soda to work in the bag for at least 24 hours. The smell of the bag will turn to baking soda.

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Take the bag out of the box or plastic bag. Check the smell of the leather bag; if it still stinks, repeat the process again in 24 hours or so. If the bag is no longer smelly, you can empty the baking soda, wash the sock, and reuse the bag.

Deodorize with newspaper

This method is also useful for shoes and boots that have a musty or foul odor. Note that this method can leave streaks on some light-colored leather bags, so you’ll need to put the bag in a pillowcase or a thin bag before putting it in the middle of a pile of newspaper.

Deodorize with coffee

This method is great for getting rid of the cigarette smell that clings to old leather bags. However, if the bag is stained with cigarette smoke for many years, the coffee grounds will not be able to remove the smell. This only works for old bags that have a slight tobacco smell.

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Pour coffee grounds into a sock. The coffee grounds used in this method must be dry, so if you are using homemade coffee grounds, let them dry completely. You can also use cheap instant coffee instead of coffee grounds. Tie the sock to prevent the coffee from falling out. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Put the coffee sock in an old leather bag. Leave it like that for 1 week. During this time, the coffee will absorb most or all of the tobacco smell.

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Smell it. If the bag smells good, you can reuse it. If there is still a faint smell of smoke, leave the sock in the bag for a few more days.

Deodorize with fragrant flower bags

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Buy or make some dried fragrant flowers. Put the flowers in a small bag. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Put the bag of fragrant flowers into the bag to be deodorized. Let stand for at least 1 week.

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Leave the bag in a well-ventilated place. Do not leave the bag in a dark cupboard; Look for a place with fresh air, cool, and indirect light.

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Check the bag after 1 week. It is also a good idea to keep a bag of scented flowers in the bag while in use, as the scent will continue to make the bag even more fragrant.

Advice

Remember to test on a small spot of the bag first before applying on your favorite leather items.
From now on keep your bags clean. Do not store the bag where it can grow mold; If you live in an area with high humidity, you should find ways to prevent mold on leather goods, such as leaving a light bulb on continuously in the shoe area, using a device or a desiccant powder.
Dried fresh tea leaves can be used to replace coffee grounds or instant coffee.
Used clothes drying scented paper can remove the unpleasant smell of old books. Maybe it also works with leather bags.

Warning

Leather can be easily damaged if you use liquid detergent to clean it. You should always test on an inconspicuous spot first, or don’t try if you’re not afraid of losing quality.

Things you need

Wipes – always use a soft (and clean) cloth to clean leather
Box with tight-fitting lid
Water
White Vinegar
Baking soda (stored in socks or something similar)
Liquid soap
Coffee grounds (in socks or something similar)
Fragrant dried flowers (in small bags)
Old newspaper (and a large plastic bag, such as a garbage bag); it’s good to add a pillowcase – to protect the bag from ink from the newspaper

Steps