How to Clean a Smelly Leather Belt
Leather belts can get a smelly and unpleasant smell over time. The natural body odor from the wearer can contribute to this problem. To avoid this, it is important to deodorize the belt on a regular basis. Regular deodorizing will give the belt a fresh scent and give it power.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is one of the best odor-absorbing materials available. Its high surface area and millions of pores and micro pockets trap odors and keep them from spreading. Baking soda, meanwhile, has many interesting uses, but it’s not nearly as effective as activated charcoal. However, a recent Food Network segment confirms the effectiveness of baking soda as an odor-removing agent. The segment also features Innofresh’s popular FRIDGE IT activated carbon absorber.
If the smell of your leather belt is particularly persistent, you can try washing it yourself with a mild leather cleaner or saddle soap. Be sure to apply the cleaner along the grain of the belt and allow it to dry overnight. You can also try adding an essential oil to restore the leather’s freshness. Activated charcoal, available at pet stores, removes smells and is safe for use on leather.
Saddle soap
To clean a leather belt that is starting to smell, you can use saddle soap. This is a natural compound that cleans leather and restores it to its original condition. Use a microfiber cloth to rub the saddle soap into the leather. After you’ve rubbed the saddle soap into the leather, wipe it dry with a clean, dry cloth.
If the oil is set in and the spot is very difficult to remove, you can apply rubbing alcohol. Alcohol will make the spot softer, but it will also dry up the leather. Once the spot is dry, you can apply a conditioner or oil that is safe for leather. You can also apply Castile soap to the spot. This soap is made with vegetable oils and is safe for leather. It can be found at most grocery stores and local shops. It can be used on any part of the leather, and is available in a variety of scents and colors.
Hydrogen peroxide
If you want to clean your leather belt without the need to buy expensive cleaners, try hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide works wonders on leather and can remove stubborn stains. However, hydrogen peroxide can also bleach the leather, so it’s not a good choice if you don’t want to bleach your leather belt.
Before you use hydrogen peroxide, make a paste using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of dish soap. Use a soft brush to scrub the leather. Then, wipe off the hydrogen peroxide paste with a microfiber cloth that is dampened in warm water.
Sodium bicarbonate
Using Sodium bicarbonate to clean a leather belt can remove the smell without removing the leather. If the leather is white, apply one part of the powder to three parts water and rub the interior of the leather with a soft cloth. Allow the leather to dry completely before wiping it with a clean, moist towel.
Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in pharmaceuticals and other health applications. This chemical is also widely used in a variety of industrial processes. It is an important product today and will continue to be in the future.
Packing paper
If you have a leather belt that’s starting to smell, you can use packing paper to absorb the odor and leave it odor free. Packing paper has great absorption properties because of the paper’s structure and printing inks. Simply wrap your smelly belt in two layers of newspaper or packing paper. The porous fibers of the paper will absorb the odor and leave your belt odor free. Another great way to deodorize your leather belt is to use coffee beans. While coffee may not have a pleasant smell, it does contain deodorizing qualities.
You can also use a solution of distilled white vinegar and water. This solution will remove the smell and help the leather retain its shine. Depending on how smelly your leather belt is, this solution can be quite expensive. However, if you want to save money, you can use a mixture of a small amount of baking soda and water.
Febreeze
Using Febreeze to clean a smelly belt isn’t necessarily the best option, especially if the lining is stitched. The smell of Febreeze can ruin the leather and may stain it. However, it’s not the worst option either. Although it is a popular brand for cleaning fabrics, most manufacturers don’t recommend using it on leather. Before using it, do a spot test on an inconspicuous area of leather to determine whether or not it will damage the leather. Apply the solution both inside and outside of the belt and allow it to dry.
Another way to clean leather is to use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide will work by oxidizing the mold. This will lift the mold from the leather, causing it to decompose. However, it’s important to note that hydrogen peroxide may bleach the leather if not used properly. The best type to use is over-the-counter version, which has the lowest risk of bleaching. If you’re using laboratorial-grade hydrogen peroxide, you should wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling it.
