How to Get Fishy Smell Out of Fake Leather

Are you dealing with a smelly fake leather piece that’s ruining your living space? Don’t let it get to you – there are plenty of ways to help remove the fishy smell from your faux leather furniture and accessories. Whether it’s a sofa, purse, or other item, there are steps you can take to restore it back to its original condition without replacing the material altogether. 

How to Get Fishy Smell Out of Fake Leather

Fake leathers such as pleather, vegan or synthetic can sometimes have a strong odor that smells like fish or even worse chemicals. If you’re looking for ways to eliminate this smell, then you are in the right place!

In this blog post we will be discussing useful tips and tricks on how to get fishy smell out of fake leather items. Get ready for fresh smelling faux leather again by reclaiming your belongings and freshening them up with these simple solutions.

Top Reasons Behind Getting Fishy Smell Out of Fake Leather 

1. Moisture

Moisture trapped in the material can contribute to fishy smells. Make sure your fake leather items are not stored in damp or wet areas. It ‘s best to keep them in a place with good air circulation. When  exposed to moisture and humidity, fishy smells can be produced by the trapped liquid and bacteria.

2. Mildew

If your fake leather item is exposed to mildew, it is likely to produce a fishy smell. To prevent this from happening, never store your faux leather items in damp or wet places. If the item is already showing signs of mildew, it should be cleaned and dried immediately.

Fake Leather Item is Exposed to Mildew

3. Contamination

When fake leather is exposed to any type of contamination, such as body oils and sweat, it may produce a fishy smell. It  is important to keep the item clean and free of any debris or dirt. If you come into contact with the item, make sure to wipe it down regularly.

4. Deterioration

As fake leather deteriorates over time, it may produce a fishy smell due to the materials breaking down and losing their original shape. Regularly inspect your faux leather item for signs of wear and tear, and replace or repair them as needed.

5. Poor Storage Conditions

Fake leather items should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If the item is constantly exposed to high temperatures, it can create a fishy smell. Make sure you choose an area that provides adequate ventilation and is not prone to moisture buildup.

6. Chemical Reactions

Chemical reactions can occur when fake leather is exposed to certain substances, such as solvents and cleaners. Check the labels of any products you plan on using to clean your faux leather item and make sure they are safe for use.

7. Fish Oils

Some types of fish can contain a natural oil that has a strong fishy smell. If your fake leather item has been exposed to these oils, then it may have absorbed the scent. When cleaning the item, use a damp cloth and mild detergent to remove any lingering odors.

8. Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke can be absorbed into fake leather items and produce a fishy smell. Sometimes we cannot detect the odor, but it is still present. If you  are a smoker, make sure to store your faux leather items away from any lit cigarettes.

9. Fragrances

Certain fragrances can produce a fishy smell when exposed to fake leather. If you plan on spraying any perfumes or scented candles near your faux leather item, make sure to open the windows first to ensure that the smell doesn’t linger.

10. Old Food

If you have been storing food inside a faux leather item, the remnants may be causing it to smell like fish. To remove this odor, thoroughly clean out the item with warm water and mild soap. Make sure to get into all of the hard-to-reach areas to remove all traces of the old food.

11. Pet Urine

If your pet has urinated on a fake leather item, it may have left behind a fishy smell. To get rid of this odor, you can try using an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for removing pet urine odors. Additionally, you should make sure to keep your pet away from the area where your faux leather items are stored.

Pet Has Urinated on a Fake Leather Item

12. Dirt

Dirt trapped in the fibers of the faux leather can produce a fishy smell. To remove this, you should vacuum the item and use a mild soap to clean any remaining dirt. Sometimes , it may be necessary to use a brush or scrubber to get into the hard-to-reach areas.

13. Bacteria

Bacteria can grow in the material and cause a strong odor that smells like fish. We don’t care how clean you keep your faux leather item, bacteria can still sneak in. You can remove this odor by using a disinfectant spray and regularly wiping down the item with a damp cloth.

14. Sunlight

Direct sunlight may damage fake leather, making it more prone to odors such as fish. When we come back from  a sunny day, the material can absorb all the dust and dirt from the air. But we are not alone, bacteria and other particles are also in the air. To avoid this fishy smell, we recommend that you keep your faux leather item away from direct sunlight.

So, we hope our article on how to get fishy smell out of fake leather will also help you to find out the reasons for fishy smell out. Now it’s time to care about your fake leather items and keep them away from any of the causes mentioned above.

Compact Guidelines: How to Get Fishy Smell Out of Fake Leather

1.  Sterilize with Disinfectant

If you sterilize  your faux leather item with a disinfectant, then it can get rid of any existing odors. When using a disinfectant, make sure that you wipe the item down with a damp cloth or paper towel. You may also want to spray the item and let it sit for several minutes before wiping it off.

Sterilize Faux Leather
Item With a Disinfectant

2. Clean with Vinegar

Vinegar has natural deodorizing properties and can be used to remove strong smells like fish from faux leather. Before using the vinegar, mix it with an equal amount of water and then spray this solution onto the item. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth or paper towel.

3. Apply Odor Neutralizer

If you’re still having trouble getting rid of fishy smell on your faux leather item, then you may want to try an odor neutralizer. These products are specifically designed to eliminate odors from fabrics and leathers. Spray a generous amount of the product on your faux leather item and let it sit for several minutes before wiping off with a damp cloth or paper towel.

4. Wipe Down the Leather

After using any of the above solutions, make sure that you wipe down your faux leather item. This will help to get rid of any lingering odors and freshen up the item. For best results, use a damp cloth or paper towel when wiping down the item.

5. Soap Solution

If you’re still having trouble getting rid of the fishy smell, then you may want to try a soap solution. Mix a few drops of mild liquid dish soap with warm water and then use this mixture to wipe down your faux leather item. The soap will help break down any bacteria that is causing the fishy smell.

6. Rinse in Water

Once you’ve wiped down your faux leather item with the soap solution, it’s important to rinse it off. Simply fill a bucket or sink with warm water and dip your faux leather item into it. Let it sit for several minutes before taking it out and patting dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

7. Air Out in  Well-ventilated Area

The faux leather item in a well-ventilated area. This will help to get rid of any remaining odors and freshen up the item. Make sure that you keep the item away from direct sunlight or heat, as this may cause damage to the faux leather material.

8. Using Powder

You can also use a powder, such as talcum or baking soda, to help absorb any remaining odors. Sprinkle a generous amount of the powder onto your faux leather item and let it sit for several hours before wiping off with a damp cloth or paper towel.

9. Dry Coffee Grounds

Dry coffee grounds can also be used to absorb odors from faux leather. Simply sprinkle the grounds onto your item and let them sit for a few hours before wiping off with a damp cloth or paper towel. You may  need to repeat this process a few times in order to completely remove the fishy smell.

Following these steps will help you get rid of any fishy smells on your faux leather item. Remember to always use gentle cleaning products and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the material.

Dry Coffee Grounds Used to Absorb Odors

Conclusion

Take the necessary steps to ensure that your fake leather infested with a fishy smell is properly taken care of. It can be difficult to find the source of the stench, and regular cleaning may not take it away completely, so really buckle down and use as many tips and tricks as possible for best results. 

Baking soda, white vinegar, wipes, window cleaner sprays – get creative! If you are unsuccessful in your attempts to remove the persistent stench from the item caused by fishy smelling bacteria, unfortunately, your only option may be getting rid of it altogether.

No one wants a smelly piece of furniture or garment lingering around their household! So if nothing else seems to work short of replacing the item itself, don’t hesitate to start looking out for a decent replacement. With these tips on how to get fishy smell out of fake leather, you’ll be able to rid your home from unwanted fishy smells!

Photo of author

Matt Clark

Hi, this is Matt, and I am a leathercraft hobbyist. I have been working with leather for quite a bit of time. When I was a teenager, my father taught me the basics of leathercraft. Along the way I have learned a lot of things about leather work leather items, restoring leather, and creating leather accessories. I started this blog to share my knowledge of leatherworking with others and help people learn about this amazing craft. I also wanted to create a community of like-minded people who could share ideas and support each other in their leatherworking journey.

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