How to Clean a Leather Jacket That Smells Musty 
If you have a leather jacket that smells musty, you may wonder what you can do to make it smell better. Fortunately, there are a number of options that can help. These options include olive oil, Dryer sheets, Chamberlain’s Leather Milk, and keeping the jacket in the fresh air to help remove the smell.
Olive oil
Olive oil has been used for centuries to clean leather, but it is not the best solution for leather. The natural fats and oils in olive oil attract mold and bacteria. They feed off the leather and eventually form colonies. Moreover, olive oil ruins the finish of leather. Therefore, it is best to use leather conditioners made specifically for leather.
Another way to get rid of leather smells is by applying baking soda on the leather jacket liner. This way, you can get rid of the musty smell. After applying the baking soda to the liner, you can wipe the surface with a damp cloth. You can also use crumpled newspaper to absorb the odor.
Another effective method for cleaning leather is by mixing vinegar and baking soda. Mix the two together and use it to clean leather jackets. Once you’ve done this, make sure to rinse it well and hang it on a hanger, away from any source of heat.
Dryer sheets
If your leather jacket is starting to smell musty, you should try using dryer sheets. These sheets absorb the smell and help the leather return to its original form. You should also try to dry the jacket inside and out to let the moisture out. If this method does not work, you may want to get professional help to clean your leather jacket.
Dryer sheets are great for cleaning leather jackets because they neutralize static electricity. You can even put them in pockets or arms of the coat. However, you must replace these sheets after a few weeks. To keep the leather jacket from becoming musty again, you should use fresh dryer sheets every couple of weeks.
Dryer sheets are also helpful for masking scents. They can absorb the odor and also remove hair from leather garments. Simply place the sheet on the leather and rub it in a circular motion. If you have a larger jacket, you may need to use several sheets to clean it completely.
Keeping leather jackets in fresh air for odor removal
Keeping leather jackets in fresh air for an hour or so is a great way to eliminate odors. The odors on leather jackets are often caused by bacteria, so exposing them to fresh air can help eliminate them. Moreover, exposing leather jackets to direct sunlight is another way to neutralize external surface odors. The UV rays from the sun penetrate the leather surface and neutralize the odor.
You can also use a conventional household liquid to treat leather jackets. Vinegar is an excellent disinfectant and cleaner. This common liquid will also help remove smoke and oil stains from the leather. After you have applied the solution, leave the jacket out in the fresh air for about half an hour.
It is also important to keep leather jackets out of plastic bags. Plastic bags tend to trap moisture that can cause odors on leather jackets. The airborne moisture vapor will settle on the surface of the leather and eventually turn into mildew. The mold will produce an unpleasant odor.
