Getting Started: Making Fake Leather Smell Like the Real Thing
Faux leather, on the other hand, is the most fantastic alternative to genuine leather in terms of style and durability, and it costs just fractions of the cost and is without ethical concerns. One notable disadvantage, however, is that most faux leathers smell entirely artificial and even very chemical-like. Most people would be asking themselves over and over again: “How can I make my faux leather smell like genuine leather?
In this article, we explore five easy-to-execute and efficient ways fake leather can smell like genuine leather. Each of these methods is relatively easy to perform and may differ depending on the type of faux leather item you are dealing with, whether a jacket, a handbag, shoes, or even furniture. We will also be providing helpful links and resources for sourcing quality products and other DIY solutions to enhance your faux leather experience further. Let’s dive in!
How To Make Fake Leather Smell Real
Before we delve into how to give faux leather an appealing, realistic scent, let’s look at why it smells the way it does. Real leather has a rich, earthy smell, whereas faux leather is often highly recognizable for its particular plastic or chemical-like smell. This smell comes from:
- Chemical processes – are carried out on fake leather, along with dyeing it, using various other chemical tests such as coating with polyurethane, popularly referred to as PU, and with polyvinyl chloride, popularly known as PVC; these allow the material to be flexible and resistant.
- Adhesives – an array of glues used during production may cause odors, especially if they are poor in quality.
- Packaging and Storage – Products made from faux leather are usually individually wrapped in their plastic packaging for many months, during which time the material picks up a lot of odors, including fishy or musty odors.
You might want to check out this comprehensive article on faux leather odors, as it gives many reasons why it is so recognizable.
5 Ways to Make Faux Leather Smell Just Like Real Leather
1. Using Leather-Soothing Sprays or Fragrances
The closest thing to that smell of genuine leather with faux materials is going to be the leather-scented sprays that exist today. These capture the funky, smoky smell of leather without harming faux materials. These sprays come in different intensities for whatever needs you have, and many other retailers and online stores carry them.
How to Use:
- Lightly mist the spray onto your faux leather item, keeping the spray about 10-12 inches away from the item.
- Let it ventilate a couple of hours before use.
Top Tip: For the very best effect, check out these highly-rated leather-scented sprays on Amazon. These sprays are usually harmless when it comes to faux leather, but just in case of discoloration, it’s best to do a patch test before applying.
2. Odour Neutralization using Baking Soda
If your faux leather has a peculiarly chemical smell, try neutralizing it with baking soda first before applying the leather scent. Baking soda works just great for soaking up smells without leaving behind residue, making it pretty perfect for faux leathers, which always tend to absorb residual odors.
Directions:
- Sprinkle a good deal of baking soda on your item.
- Wrap the pursuant in one big plastic bag and leave it overnight.
- Remove the item and dust off the baking soda residue.
Resource: To further learn about how to remove odors from synthetic materials, read this post on how baking soda neutralizes odors.
3. Give a rich aroma with Leather Essential Oils
These types of faux leather products can be treated with essential oils to provide them with a subtle yet long-lasting leather fragrance. You will also find perfuming leather-scented essential oils, which capture the scent of natural leather without the powerhouse punch and in such a way that would not threaten to damage the material in any way somehow. You can even mix a few drops with a neutral carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba, for one gentler application.
How to Use:
- Add a few drops of leather-scented essential oil to a soft cloth.
- Gently rub the fabric over your faux leather in an even manner.
- Let the item be aired in a well-ventilated area.
Pro Tip: Find leather-scented oils in places like Etsy or Amazon. Remember, a little goes a long way.
4. Odor-absorbing active Charcoal Bundles
Activated charcoal is an excellent natural deodorizer. It helps to remove odors with a lack of fragrances added to it, thereby leaving your faux leather smelling neutral and ready to hold a leather fragrance. Packs of charcoal are capable of being put inside bags, shoes, or drawers to attack unwanted odors over time.
Instructions:
- Stick a few activated charcoal packs in a sealed container or bag around your item of faux leather.
- Leave the material on the charcoal for a minimum period of 24-48 hours.
- Remove the item and check for remaining odors.
Helpful Link: Here’s a video of the best-activated charcoal packs available in the market that you can use for hassle-free and efficient odor absorption.
5. Vinegar and water solution
A mild vinegar solution can be prepared to neutralize odors before adding a leather scent. That is especially helpful for items like bags and furniture, where using other methods is difficult. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and will not harm faux leather when it has been watered down properly.
Instructions:
- Mix equal parts of one white vinegar to two parts of water.
- Dip the cloth into the solution, then carefully start wiping down the faux leather surface.
- Allow the item to air dry thoroughly prior to applying any leather-scented products.
Extra Resource: Check out this discussion on reddit.com with recommendations on how to use vinegar to remove odors and clean synthetic materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most leather-scented sprays will be delicate but always test them on a small, out-of-view area first to make sure they will not have any adverse reaction whatsoever.
The frequency depends on the usage of an item and its exposure to open air. A light mist every other week or when the scent fades should keep it smelling fresh.
Of course, perfume will give a pleasant smell, but it is temporary and perhaps may not precisely imitate the scent of genuine leather. Besides, sometimes perfume leaves some residue behind. Other options can be leather-scented sprays or essential oils, which can be recommended as well.
Long-Term Care Tips for Faux Leather
Keeping your faux leather clean will not only go a great way in ensuring that it looks good, but it may also lessen the odors emanating from it. So, here are some great tips to help you keep your item smelling fresh:
- Store in a Cool, Dry Location: A faux leather item, like any other leather product, does not like extreme heat or high humidity since this may saturate the fabric with odors.
- Let it breathe once in a while: Those things that are not in use are taken out of the storage once in a while to let them breathe and rejuvenate their smell.
- Use a Leather Conditioner: Some work for faux leather, too. They add softness and a hint of scent but always check the label first.
Care for faux leather: this in-depth guide provides quite comprehensive insights into how to maintain synthetic leather items in good condition.
Final Thoughts
While genuine leather might evoke that natural smell and texture, there are a few tricks to bring in that genuine leather smell and build on that experience. From sprays in scents of leather to essential oils, you can take it upon yourself to modify the scents of your faux leather items with time.
Moreover, with the addition of these easy deodorizing techniques, it won’t look great but also smell authentically genuine. Try these out, and in no time, this faux leather will feel and smell just like the real deal. From maintaining your furniture to your bags down to your shoes, these tips will keep your faux leather items fresh and looking as good as new.
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