Leather Furniture - How to Get Rid of that Horrible Skunky Smell
85
That sofa is Killing me!
Have you ever bought a brand newleather sofa or couch, thinking how beautiful it will look in your house, and without even thinking about it, paid and got it delivered, only to find out that it is stinking your home out, with a smell that is a cross between a skunk, and a decomposing animal? Yes? well I wish someone had told me about it! After moving into his new home, my brother decided that he had always wanted a big leather sofa. So after purchasing one, and waiting a couple of days for delivery, he set it up in pride of place in his new flat. Over the next couple of days, he began to feel really ill. He felt sick, dizzy and his Asthma began to get really bad. he could not understand it. He was aware of the fact that the couch had a horrible musky smell, but in his innocence he thought it would go away after leaving the doors and windows open. But to no avail. I visited a couple of times, and commented on this horrible smell, but didn't think anything of it, until I started to feel sick and slightly heady. It was disgusting. I always thought leather had a nice smell.
I had bought handbags and jackets new before, and they had never had such a horrible odor. By this time, my brother had started to get quite scared. he couldn't understand why he felt so ill. So I decided to do a bit of investigating. After reading a few books and checking out a couple of sites on the Internet, I realised that, thankfully we were not alone in this.
Skunk!
 | Amazon Price: $19.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $11.50 List Price: $24.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.46 List Price: $8.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.97 List Price: $14.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $5.00 List Price: $0.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $10.03 List Price: $0.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $5.30 List Price: $7.36 |
What do we do now?
To my dismay, I realised that actually, not only do a lot of people have this problem, but there really is not a way to absolutely get rid of this smell for good. But the good news is that you can remove it, but you may have to repeat the process from time to time. Obviously after a few years of wear and tear, other smells will permeate it, and by then you will either be used to it, or thankfully it will only pong a bit. All depending on the depth or type of leather. So below I have listed the best and most effective way to minimalise the odor, and hopefully get it to a state of neutrality where you will be able to forget about it for good, or at least for a long while.
1. The first and best idea, is to use a good saddle soap. It is not very expensive, and is made just for cleaning leather. Most hardware stores or specialised leather shops will be able to sell this to you, and always make sure after you have cleaned it, that you put back the oils in the sofa, to stop the leather from drying and cracking. Linseed or lanolin oil are good leather conditioning products to keep the leather supple.
2.Zeolite. This is an odor absorber, that comes from volcanic ash, it is a natural mineral and can be recharged by putting them back out in the sun. It works for years. Place it in the mesh bag that comes with it, under your cushions or even inside the sofa.
3. A solution of washing up liquid in water, and a cloth rung sparingly, don't soak it, can have a good effect, as it removes the obvious smell, and can soak into the leather. Make sure you use hot water, or at least warm, so that it will evaporate quicker, and not soak the couch too much. You don't want a ruined soggy mess to contend with! If it gets too wet it will smell more like a soggy animal caught in the rain!
4. Old newspapers or any sort of packing paper, is a great idea to get rid of the smell. The reason for this is that the paper is more porous than leather, so what happens is the fibres of the paper act as a wick that lifts the odors from the leather. Don't use paper that you would get in a note book or feels harder, because newspaper is much more porous so will work quicker.
5. This one may be obvious, but try and get as much air to the product as possible. If it is practical, try and move the couch to a room where you can constantly open a window or door for a few days. A shed or a garage would be best because it is well ventilated, but not to damp.
6.Soak the leather in a solution of distilled white vinegar. Obviously this will cause it to smell of vinegar slightly when it is dry, so after giving it a good rub down, let it dry, and then wash the couch again with the washing up solution, then make sure you give it a good conditioning. You do not want a moldy, vinegar smelling settee, that eventually shrivels up and looks a mess.
7. Mix a solution of Ammonia and and water, and soak the leather in it. This may seem odd, as leather is cleaned in ammonia in the first place, whilst being made. But if your leather smells badly of skunk, then the bad smell has obviously over taken the ammonia. This will counteract the bad animal smell. Then clean with washing up liquid and warm water, then conditioner.
8.Baking soda has many uses, but the main use for leather is that it will soak up the smell, very quickly and efficiently. Place a liberal amount of baking soda inside a cushion case or pillow case, and place it across and around the leather, covering as much as you can. This works best for small leather items, but can be a quick solution for a couch if you don't have time to clean it properly for a few days.
9. Charcoal is another good thing to use to soak up the bad odor. Do the same with this as you did with the baking soda.
10. There is a new product, link below, that is called The Amazing Environmental Air Sponge, that eliminates Odors and Smells. This product is said to dissolve in the air, releasing microscopic molecules that interact and eliminate odors and pollutant molecules as well as being good for dust control. check out the link.
So there we have it. I hope this helps to get rid of that horrible smell, and in my case I will definitely be trying out these options, so that the settee can be used as it is meant to be. Smell free, and usable.
- Buy Fun Kitchen Accessories Online. Pretty Cups, Fun...
I Love Christmas, Birthdays or any other party time. I remember when I was a small child, my mother always let me help with the cooking and washing up. The small fancy fairy cakes with chocolate or strawberry... - Sell Your House | A Step by Step Guide Including Inh...
A step by step on how to sell your house. Including how to pay Inheritance Tax. And a few hidden costs that you may need to save extra money for.
CommentsLoading...
Good informative hub.
Oh my! I was thinking about buying a leather sofa.. no chance now! I didn't realise the work that needs to be put into it and I dont fancy a stench in the house!
Thanks for publishing this my friend! ~Skunkiness... YUCK!
Shaz x
Hi Nell, I've never had a lether sofa and after reading your hub I don't think I'm going to get one. Thanks for infos.
I bought a leather couch a few years ago and it had the wonderful familiar leather smell. It didn't stink at all. I guess I just got lucky. Great read Nell.
Actually never had a leather sofa but when I was close to getting one, I smelled a funkiness at the store and decided against it. Never realized until now what I avoided. Great information Nell, thanks.
I've smelled that same smell on some leather shoes and handbags. Of course, I didn't buy them. In all cases, it was imported leather.
Hi, Carolina muscle, thanks for the comment. I will never get near another leather sofa again... ! yuck! ha ha cheers nell
Hi, Hello Hello, thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. cheers nell
Hi, Shaz, no never get one! mind you, I think it all depends on the type of leather and how big the sofa is. hopefully!! cheers nell
Hi, sheila, thanks for reading it. honestly, I had never even thought about the smell until this, but the funny thing was that I came over all peculiar in the store when he was buying it, now I know why. thanks again nell
Hi, ahern, I hope you are feeling better? yes that is the smell, only it is worse when they take out the one from the holding bay, where it has been stored. you would have thought they would have the sense to put some bicarbonate of soda wrapped around it, wouldn't you? my brother is going to send it back to be sorted, because he doesn't want to risk it with his asthma. thanks again nell
Hi, fishtiger, glad you got a good one, it is typical that my brother ended up with the smelly one! cheers nell
Hi, Cameciob, I think that if you do get one, make sure you smell it in the showroom!! Mind you they might think you are mad, but hey, it's your money, not theirs!! ha ha cheers nell
Nell, this is great advice. I'll expound on another problem that could occur with cyclists. Cycling shorts have a leather or synthetic "seat" inside the shorts. Most cyclists will "lube" this area up a bit with Noxzema, Bag Balm, or their favorite "lube". A friend who always did, lube up, stopped by his sister's home in the middle of a bike ride and had a beer before leaving. When he left- he left his the oily print of his butt on her leather couch permanently. So- watch you butt!
Hi, Mickey, I never knew that! I will not be able to watch a cyclist again without thinking of the 'seat' again! and as for leaving on the seat, oh my!! ha ha Oh, and I always watch my butt... ha ha cheers nell
Informative hub I never knew this about leather couches and its a good thing I don't like leather couches but good to know anyway. Good job Nell.
Great info - we have all leather couches upstairs and the odor has never been that bad - maybe we just got used to it! Yikes.
Hi, Ladyjane, yes I agree, I don't like leather couches, I just don't like the idea of sitting on a dead animal! and in this case, my brother's, it still smells like it! yuck! thanks Nell
Hi, Audrey, Yes, other people have said theirs was alright. I just think that sometimes, they forget to finish the process on the piece, and it ends up smelling like dead cow! or in this case, skunk!! cheers nell
Hi my lovely Nell, I am very lucky with my chairs, dont have this problem yet, but if I do I will know what to do.:) Very good informations thanks for that. That photo of the skunk made me laught.Lol. Great hub my lovely friend.:) Thanks for sharing.
Hi, Keira, how are you? hope you are okay. I know, it is funny how some sofa's don't smell at all, and others absolutely stink! it must be the process of tanning it, or after they put it in the warehouse, it doesn't get enough clean air. Thanks so much for the comment. cheers nell
Wow sounds like it could be dangerous, even strong perfume make me sick, but glad you got it solved, good info.
Hiya, Pollyannalana, yes know! perfume, varnish, cleaning sprays, they all make me itch! but this really does stink, it was horrible! but after doing all the above, well, it seemed like we did it all!! it is getting there. never again. cheers nell
This is the information I have been wanting to find. You brought it to me Nell Rose. Thank you. I like this too. More power.
Hi, Teresa, thanks for the comment. I am glad this helped. I don't want anyone else to go through this horrible smell! I don't think it happens everytime, but occasionally it happens, all depending on which type of leather it is, I think. thanks again nell
this is really great information. Sofa is part of the room. We have to take care of it. and you had done it well. I am glad to know your tips. good work.
Hi, prasetio30, thanks for your comment. cheers nell
Great tips! Luckily, I've never had a leather sofa to smell bad. Mine in the office smells like a saddle!
Hi, habee, honestly it stank!! ha ha it smelled like the cow had just been dumped in the living room! never again! thanks again nell
Our new one smells good, just like leather should but the information is useful anyway. I've smelled that nasty leather smell on cheap leather shoes before and it's vile. I wonder if your brother's asthma could have been triggered by the solvent based protective coating they put on some leathers. My daughter couldn't even go in furniture shops because of that.
Hi, Linnit, thanks for reading it. I quite agree with you, funnily enough my brother just phoned me and said that maybe it was something they coat it with. You would have thought that the makers would realise this and change it, wouldn't you? thanks again nell
Well I'm a bit late here I see but just caught it of interest, Mom had one just weeks before she moved down south with me but I wouldn't let her bring it, not only the smell but I hate anything like that reminding me of silk blouses and slacks, you know? They are too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter! As for any leather or vinyl chairs or sofas skin do stick to them all for sure! Never tried my butt to one yet, lol
Hi, Polly nice to see you. this was a nightmare! the stink of this couch smelled like a cow! only add the manure as well! I think that the stupid people who covered it with stuff to keep it flexible forgot to add some engredient! honestly it hummed more than a hive of bees! thanks again nell
"Obviously after a few years of wear and tear, other smells will permeate it, and by then you will either be used to it, or thankfully it will only pong a bit."
Or I will temper on it and throw it away. Well, maybe not throw but send it to get feel smelly leather and change it with new cover. LOL
I am not that patient among smell, Nell. My nose is very sensitive so I might be ill too.
Anyway, it is very useful tips, dear. Thank you. :)
Hi, Freya, this was a nightmare! lol My brother sent the sofa back to the shop! thanks again nell
Great information and tips on how to take care of your leather furniture.
Hi, mysisters, thanks for reading it, and commenting, cheers nell
Thanks for this info. My problem wasn't furniture, it was a pair of shoes I bought for my 4 year old. The smell is horrible. I'm trying a couple of theses ideas. I'm thinking of taking them back!
Hi, momuv, hope this helps! the smell is awful, isn't it? my brother had to take the sofa back in the end! I would take them back, it is about time they sorted it out really, thanks for reading it, nell
You know what, I had a leather sofa before, and smelled something and didn't think anything on it, and I think it especial smells when mixed with human sweat, or when skin touches it, thats what makes it smell.
Hi, pan, yes it was horrible! ha ha I think that they coated it with something that went bad in the warehouse! thanks so much for all your reading, cheers nell
That's a very comphrehensive post and a useful guide for anyone who is experiencing the same problem.
Hi, premiumsofas, thank you for reading it, and your kind words, nell
How about not buying leather at all? :) Sorry, I'm a vegetarian.
Hi, Lisa, I agree, it was my brothers fault! lol thanks for reading, cheers nell
Hey Nell,
I suppose Lisa realises youu sit on a Sofa... Not eat it !
Just a thought.
Thanks Nell :) I wasn't going to contest that one.
Hi, Merlin, behave! lol but seriously the sofa did stink so I think Lisa is right not get near any leather, especially on the size and scale of the stupid thing! it smelled like a cow that had been left out to rot for a year! thanks for reading, cheers nell
Hi, Lisa, I think my brother learned his lesson that day! ha ha
That smell is not leather, I have had leather sofas and clothing, that smell is toxic plastic. I guarantee if you look you will not see rawhide on the backside. You did not buy a leather sofa, just a horrible cheap imitation.
Hi Nell, so many comments but i feel good to add mine to this too. Few weeks ago I got my leather sofa, Looks great and comfy. Thought I had a dogey one till reading this. If I knew about this I would have got a different one but stuck with it now. Hopefully now I can get rid of this smell. Thanks.
Hi, Suzanne, sorry I never saw your comment. I do understand where you are coming from, but ours was definitely Leather, it had the Mark on the side, and was sold by John Lewis, and it did smell horrible, maybe they both do? ours was definitely not cheap, thanks nell
Hi, Simon, I am glad it helped, its such a shame that it does have this smell, I do believe that its because it has been stored to long in the plastic covering, ours came with charcoal bags to catch the smell but sadly never worked! cheers nell
just bought a leather suite really bad smell and making our eyes sore nose irritated wife suffers from asthma,store not to interested,so getting independent leather expert
Hi, len, I am really sorry to hear that, they never mention the smell and the irritant when advertising leather sofa's, It's a nightmare, especially if your wife suffers from asthma, like my brother did. I think the store should do something about it, keep trying, and get in touch with the store manager or write a letter to head office, that should have an impact, and good luck with the leather expert, thanks nell
We purchased a used leather sectional, Italia,in great condition. Upon its arrival I gotsoresinsidemy mouth. We had itprofessionally cleaned andwhen it returned the same thing happened. We have done everything you suggested and also used alcohul toclean it. The oder goes away for a shorttimethen returns. For six monthsnow I have been living with issues in my mouth and today we just got rid of it. 3 leather experts think I am nuts, they can't smell it,many other people can't smellit but I can and it is now gone....
Hi, Linda, that's typical of other people who do not suffer from the smell in such a bad way, they have probably worked around leather for a long time, and suffer no allergies or side effects. it makes me so mad when people don't believe you, in the same case as my brother, he couldn't breath, his face swelled up and everything you said too, and when he sent it back, they charged him, 200 pounds for the inconvenience! thats about 350 dollars! they virtually called him a liar, even though he had bought quite a few pieces from this particular shop, never again, we know when we are allergic, they should accept that, and maybe give you and my brother a chance to change it, at least we now know that its best to just buy a cloth sofa or couch, but what a price to pay, thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it, nell
Ack! I know what you mean. When my office decided to get some new furnitures in LEATHER, it smelled horrid but I didn't give much thought about it since I wasn't staying in the office for life and the air con eventually absorb the scent.
But at home, it was terrible but I use a spray called lemon pledge since saddle soap wasn't available here =)
Hi, xamaria, that sounds like a nightmare, I wouldn't be able to work in an office with the leather smell, thank goodness you left, lemon pledge sounds like a great idea, thanks for the added info, cheers nell
Hi, my problem is it's had a dog sleeping on it, licking it nearly 24/7 before it came to my house. I though the dog smelt - but now my clothes do on contact! Can that smell be removed too does anyone know, or should I just get rid?
cheers,
Hi, love the name! lol! I am not sure to be honest, vinegar is a good cleaner and should break down the smell, so use that or I would get a soaking wet cloth with disinfectant, drag the sofa outside and let it dry for a couple of days, so the fresh air can get to it, then while its out there, cover it in plastic, lay loads of charcoal tablets on it to try and soak up the smell. furniture polish can then be applied everyday once you get it back in doors, and this should do it, if it still soaks through then get rid of it, hope this helps! nell
carolina muscle Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago
Very informative poost.. I love the smell of good leather.. but not that skunkiness. Thanks!!