When it comes to sensitive fabrics like leather or suede, removing the smoke smell must be handled carefully to avoid damage.
While many people think they can treat suede the same way they treat leather, that’s not true. In this article, we will share everything you need to know about removing the smoke smell from suede.
How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell From Suede Jackets?
Some people don’t want to risk it when it comes to suede jackets, so they ask for professional help. However, not everyone can afford that luxury, so let’s see how you can achieve similar results with DIY options.
DIY Dry Cleaning
Suede, being sensitive to water, does not react well to conventional washing techniques such as soaking in water or machine washing, as this can cause significant damage and nasty staining.
In light of this, the superior alternative would be dry cleaning.
You may think that dry cleaning entails the expenditure of funds to enlist the services of a professional cleaner. However, this perception belongs to a bygone era. Today, you can purchase a dry cleaner starter kit and do everything on your own just as well.
A good dry-cleaning kit usually contains dry cleaning cloths and a stain removal pen. Sometimes there’s also a laundry disinfectant or air refresher.
Each dry cleaning kit has specific application rules, so read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it.
Suede Cleaning Kits
Besides the general-purpose DIY dry cleaning kits, you can also try the specialized kits for cleaning suede and nubuck.
A specialized suede kit should contain:
- a combination of stain and dirt remover liquid with a balanced pH value for the safe treatment of suede;
- a Hog-hair brush;
- a piece of rubber for removing surface impurities;
- and a cleaner foam that combats pore-deep impurities that otherwise wouldn’t allow this delicate leather to breathe.
Moreover, in specialized kits, you may also find water and stain-repellent liquid, a suede renewer, a suede eraser, and two suede cleaning brushes.
Air It Out
Although airing out is usually the first step in removing the smoke smell, sensitive materials like suede shouldn’t be left outside for too long, especially not exposed to the sun.
If you’ve already treated your suede piece with a DIY dry cleaning kit and it still smells of smoke, try airing it out for 15-30 minutes, but not under direct sunlight.
If the sun is strong outside, keep the suede in the shade or bring it inside after a maximum of 20 minutes.
Use Odor Absorbers
Odor absorbers are one of the most reliable methods for removing the smoke smell. Still, you need to be careful with suede because the material shouldn’t be directly exposed to the absorbing powder to avoid drying and damage.
Here’s what you can do instead. Place an open box of baking soda inside a large container with a lid. Add the suede item inside and close the lid. Leave for two to three days.
Other suitable odor absorbers are cedar balls, activated charcoal, or cat litter. These can be used instead or together with baking soda.
Even when not applied directly, absorbers can make the suede dry, so apply a suede protective spray for prevention.
Dryer Sheets
Take a package of dryer sheets and place them all over the suede jacket.
But if we’re talking about a suede couch or another piece of furniture, you may even need two or three packages, depending on the package size. In the case of a jacket, purse, or shoes, you’ll be good with a few sheets that you’ll put into the pockets and on the inner side of the piece.
Then, either open the windows of the room where the furniture is or place the piece on the hanger and let it air out.
Essential Oil on Cotton Balls
Take a package of cotton balls and preferably citrus or lavender-scented essential oil. Make a solution of a few drops of essential oils with 2 ounces of water.
Then, apply the mixture to the cotton balls. You can pour or spray the solution directly on the cotton balls. However, it may be easier to dip them into the mixture.
After this, place the damp cotton balls (make sure they’re not too wet) into the pockets of the jacket, purse, inside the shoes, or onto the furniture, and let them sit for a few days.
Do not rub or wipe the suede with the solution, as it can cause damage.
After a few days, you should find your suede smelling of fresh citrus or lavender.
Conclusion
Getting rid of the smoke smell is always tricky, but you need to be even more careful with sensitive fabrics like suede. Suede doesn’t tolerate water or direct exposure to the sun, not even absorbent powders.
If indirect procedures for smoke removal don’t work out, you can always try specialized kits, e.g., a suede cleaning kit or a DIY dry cleaning kit.
Finally, dryer sheets and essential oils on cotton balls can help add a fresh scent to your suede piece.
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