Getting a bad smell out of leather.....?

Question

The leather sleeves on my high school letter jacket honestly smells like a skunk. Does anybody know a cheap way to get this terrible smell out? I think the scent of the new leather must have gotten mixed in with tobacco smoke or something to make it smell so bad. I can't wear it anywhere and now that I'm in college living on a student salary, I can't afford to buy a new coat for this upcoming winter. I read somewhere online that if you wash it on delicate that the smell will probably come out. But when I got the jacket they told me to be very careful of water (even rain) as this might ruin the leather - any thoughts?

Answer 1

I would take it to a dry cleaners.  They know how to deal with all types of materials.  And honestly, it may cost a little, but nothing like a new coat will cost.  If you go to one place and they seem to want to much, just shop around a little.  I would think you could get it cleaned for at most 10-15 dollars.  Good luck!

Answer 2

They make several kinds of leather cleaner, I'd look at a motorcylce shop - they probably have just the thing.  I am sure a few bikers have had run ins with rain or mildew (which is likely what is wrong with yours) and they can probably make a good suggestion for a cleaner.

And as others have mentioned, water and leather don't mix!