Got a pricey leather item smelling like a fish market, making it unwearable or unusable? We know the struggle when your new fashion haul arrives with an unwanted guest - leather jacket smell like fish.
Fashion enthusiasts know this smelly issue all too well, but what causes it, and more importantly, is there a way to get rid of it?
Now, the solutions we're suggesting come from our experiences. Keep in mind that each leather item is unique, even if they're from the same brand. If the leather item is valuable or sentimental, it's best to get advice from a professional familiar with leather. Any fixes you attempt are at your own risk.
So, if you're dealing with a leather jacket that smells like a fish market, stick around. We'll delve into why this happens and explore possible solutions to get rid of that unwanted odour.
Why Does My Leather Jacket Smell Like Fish?
1. Oil In The Leather Tanning Process
The fishy smell in a leather jacket can stem from the oils used in the tanning process. When leather is made, it goes through a crucial step called tanning. This process transforms raw animal skins into the leather we know. Some leather makers use cheap, unfiltered fish oils to soften the leather during tanning.
However, these low-quality oils contain unsaturated bonds that react with the air, causing the oil to go rancid. This results in that stinky fish odor we definitely don't want on our leather.
The issue becomes harder to fix because these poorly filtered oils seep deep into the leather fibers. So, merely washing or airing out the smell won't easily remove it.
At first, when you buy the leather jacket from the shop, the leather jacket smell like fish might not be noticeable because the fish oil treatment might have a decent smell initially. But as time passes, these oils start to chemically break down, releasing the fishy odor gradually.
The use of fish oil is quite common in the leather industry during the tanning process, leading to the potential for that unwelcome fish smell in leather items, such as MEN BIKER LEATHER JACKET.
2. When The Leather Becomes Wet
One reason leather might start smelling like fish is if it gets wet and doesn't properly dry. This usually happens when you clean your leather items but don't let them dry thoroughly.
Taking care of leather goods involves cleaning and maintenance. After cleaning or conditioning, it's essential to let the leather air-dry. The best way to dry leather is to leave it in a cool, dry place. However, in some places, due to the weather or humidity, the leather might not dry properly. This incomplete drying can lead to the leather developing a fishy smell over time.
This phenomenon of improper drying is another factor that could contribute to leather jacket smell like fish, such as AVIATOR LEATHER JACKET MEN.
3. Sweats
In hot weather, our leather clothing and accessories absorb a lot of sweat. When sweat seeps into the leather and the salts from it start to break down, it can lead to a buildup over time. If this sweat buildup isn't cleaned properly and promptly, it can cause a range of unpleasant smells.
The stench that develops due to this sweat buildup can vary from a fishy smell to something like a strange meaty odor or even a musty scent, among others. I'm sorry if this sounds a bit unpleasant, but the good news is that this kind of smell is easier to handle.
Sweat absorption and subsequent odor can affect leather items such as MEN LEATHER BOMBER JACKET, especially during warmer seasons, but cleaning and proper maintenance can help mitigate these odors.
4. Improper Storage
When it comes to leather jacket smell like fish, improper storage can lead to some unwelcome odors. Leather is a highly porous material, meaning it easily absorbs scents from its surroundings, both good and bad. If leather items aren't stored correctly, they tend to take on the smells and scents around them.
While the smell of fish might not necessarily come from direct contact with fish, improper storage could be the culprit. If leather isn't stored in the right conditions, it may absorb a combination of bad smells over time. This amalgamation of scents sometimes results in an unpleasant odor reminiscent of a fishy smell.
Properly storing your leather items is key to preventing these off-putting odors. Ensure your leather garments, like MEN LEATHER COATS or MEN SHEARLING LEATHER JACKET, are stored in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated space.
Storing them in areas free from strong odors helps maintain the leather's natural scent and prevents it from taking on unwanted smells.
How To Get Smell Out of Leather?
If your leather jacket smell like fish, it might be due to contact with fish oil, commonly used to condition leather. To tackle how to get fish smell out of clothes, you'll need to thoroughly clean the leather and eliminate any lingering fish oil.
1.Cleaning Leather
Start by getting rid of loose dirt and debris on the leather surface using a vacuum with the hose attachment. For any tough stains, gently wipe them away using a damp cloth.
2.Dealing with the Smell
To get rid of the fishy odor, you can try household items that work wonders in removing strong smells from leather.
Begin by using a diluted solution of white vinegar to wipe down the affected area. Vinegar is great at neutralizing odors. If the fishy smell persists, you can attempt using rubbing alcohol or vodka, which evaporate quickly, taking the odor away with them.
After treating the area, allow it to completely air dry before using or storing your leather item. For quicker drying, place it in a well-ventilated area. With a bit of time and effort, you should be able to banish that pesky fishy smell for good!
These steps should help freshen up your leather items, whether it's a men's leather bomber jacket or coats, and remove that unwanted fishy odor, making them pleasant to wear again.
What Not to Do When Removing Smells from Leather
When tackling leather jacket smell like fish, there are a few things you should avoid to prevent further damage and ensure effective odor removal.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of using harsh chemicals or strong cleaning agents like bleach or ammonia. These substances can harm the leather, causing discoloration or damage to its natural texture.
- Say No to Excessive Water: Over-wetting the leather or using excessive water when trying to remove the fishy smell is a big no-no. Too much water can leave water stains or cause the leather to lose its shape and texture.
- Stay Away from Heat Sources: Avoid placing the leather near direct heat sources such as heaters or blow dryers to speed up the drying process. Excessive heat can lead to cracking or drying out of the leather, making it lose its quality and sheen.
- Not All About Scented Products: While it might be tempting to use heavily scented products or perfumes to mask the fishy odor, it's not an effective solution. These scents only temporarily cover up the problem rather than solving it.
When attempting to remove odors from leather items like LEATHER VEST MEN, it's essential to avoid these actions to ensure the longevity and quality of your leather while effectively eliminating the unwanted fish smell.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to leather jacket smell like fish, we all expect a certain pleasant smell or, at the very least, not a fishy one. Whether you're shopping for leather or already a seasoned enthusiast, understanding why leather might change its smell or develop certain odors can be essential in dealing with it.
Sometimes, leather items might have strong odors, resembling a fishy smell. This smell could stem from the chemicals used during the tanning process or the storage conditions they've been subjected to.
In this article, I've outlined why your leather might have such a strong, fish-like odor.
Suppose these explanations sound familiar and you've noticed a fishy smell in your leather goods. In that case, it's crucial to take immediate steps to eliminate this unpleasant odor before it leads to further deterioration!