Mothballs do a great job at keeping pests away, but their strong, chemical scent can linger for weeks—especially on leather. Since leather is porous, it tends to trap odors, making them tough to remove.
But don’t worry. With the right methods, you can freshen up your leather and restore its natural scent.
Let’s dive into some effective ways to get that stubborn mothball smell out of leather.
Why Does Leather Absorb Mothball Smell?
Leather is a natural material that breathes, meaning it absorbs and retains odors from its surroundings. The best antidote to any stink is mothballs. They contain chemicals like naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene that repel smell but release a strong gas to repel insects.
To your dismay, that gas seeps into leather, leaving behind an unpleasant and persistent smell. To remove it, you’ll need to use materials that can absorb or neutralize the odor without damaging the leather.
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell in Leather – 4 Simple Hacks
Airing the leather items out should do to eliminate trapped chemicals. But you can try other hacks depending on which one is easy for you to apply.
Air It Out
One of the simplest and safest ways to eliminate odors from leather is to let it air out. Fresh air helps dissipate the trapped chemicals naturally.
- Hang or place the leather item in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can dry out and damage leather. But avoid placing it under direct sun.
- If you’re indoors, set up a fan to improve air circulation. Open windows to allow fresh air to carry the odor away.
- Leave the item for at least 24–48 hours, checking periodically to see if the smell has lessened.
Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that works well on leather.
- Place the leather item inside a large zippered bag, storage bin, or airtight container.
- Pour a generous amount of baking soda into a small, open container and set it inside with the leather. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda directly over the leather surface if possible.
- Seal the bag or container and leave it for at least 24–72 hours. Shake the container occasionally to help redistribute the baking soda.
- Afterward, use a soft brush or dry cloth to wipe away any baking soda residue.
Wipe It Down with Vinegar
White vinegar is an excellent natural deodorizer that helps neutralize strong odors.
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a small bowl.
- Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with the solution (do not soak it).
- Gently wipe the leather surface, covering all areas evenly. Be careful not to oversaturate the leather, as too much moisture can damage it.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe off excess vinegar. Then, allow the leather to air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
Try Activated Charcoal or Coffee Grounds
Both activated charcoal and coffee grounds are excellent at absorbing lingering odors.
- Place a few pieces of activated charcoal or a cup of coffee grounds in a breathable cloth bag.
- Put the bag inside an airtight container with the leather item and close the lid.
- Let it sit for a few days to allow the charcoal or coffee to absorb the mothball smell.
- Check the item every couple of days until the odor has significantly faded.
Clean and Condition the Leather
Whatever methods go well with your skill level or smell, you cannot stop at getting the smell out only. Once the smell has mostly disappeared, it’s a good idea to clean and condition the leather to restore its natural feel.
- Use a high-quality leather cleaner and a soft cloth to gently remove any lingering residues.
- Follow up with a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and hydrated.
- This not only helps with odor removal but also preserves the leather’s longevity.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
If the mothball smell persists after multiple attempts, you may need professional help. Consider taking your leather item to a specialist cleaner who can safely deodorize it without causing damage.
This is especially important for delicate or expensive leather goods like jackets, handbags, or furniture.
FAQs – Leather Lovers Also Want to Know
How to get mothball smell out of leather shoes?
Air them out in a shaded spot and place baking soda inside each shoe overnight. Wipe with diluted vinegar if needed, then let dry completely.
How to get mothball smell out of a leather jacket?
Hang it outdoors or in a breezy room for a few days. Use baking soda in a garment bag or wipe gently with a vinegar-water mix.
How to get mothball smell out of a leather sofa?
Sprinkle baking soda over cushions and leave it for 24–48 hours. Wipe with a vinegar solution and let the damp leather sofa air dry with good airflow.
How to get mothball smell out of a leather bag?
Place baking soda or activated charcoal inside the bag and seal it in a container for a few days. Air it out after removing the deodorizer.
How to get mothball smell out of a leather purse?
Stuff it with coffee grounds or charcoal in a pouch, seal it in a box, and wait a few days. Finish with a leather cleaner and conditioner.
How to get mothball smell out of leather car seats?
Open all windows to ventilate, then place bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds inside the car overnight. Use a leather-safe cleaner afterward.
How to get mothball smell out of a leather couch?
Air out the room well, sprinkle baking soda on the cushions, and vacuum after a day. Repeat if needed, and follow up with leather conditioner.
Remove Mothball Smell from Leather for Good
Mothball odors can be stubborn, but they’re not permanent. By using fresh air, baking soda, vinegar, activated charcoal, and proper cleaning methods, you can restore your leather to its original state.
Patience is key—some methods take time to work fully. With a little effort, your leather items will be smelling fresh again in no time!
