Question from LA
Our college daughter who lives with us bought a used car, and realized afterward (when it heated up and especially when the seats are heated) that it has been treated with a fragrance. It does not seem to come out of the heating and cooling system, however, the surfaces smell like this fragrance when heated. Especially the leather seats. Then the fragrance sticks to the clothing wherever the clothing is in contact with the seats. Is there a way to get this fragrance out of the leather seats? Our daughter is not wanting to cover up her nice leather seats, so we’re hoping to find a way to remove the fragrance. The fragrance doesn’t bother her as much as it bothers me, as I am chemically sensitive and she is not. The fragrance sticks to her clothes, and then to the furniture in the house. Any suggestions? Thank you!!!!
Lisa’s Answer
If you can tolerate vinegar, you can wipe the leather with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the leather. If you live in a warm climate, try leaving the windows open for several days. Readers, other suggestions?
I have sprayed vodka on my sofa with success in getting out fragrance but you need the windows open as it evaporates quickly in the air. The sun is great a great follow-up. EnviroKlenz cleaning products can help. Not sure if either of these are safe with leather.
I use a product called Atmosklear (available on amazon) and liberally spray my heated leather seats with it. Also spray my seatbelt. It works! I spray it, let it sit for a few minutes and wipe off the excess. I sometimes pick up fragrance from public chairs or my chiropractor’s table and inadvertently transfer them onto my car surfaces.
To eliminate as much transference smells as I can, I bring a tote bag with white towels with me to appointments and sit on them or lie on them. Two layers of towels will usually keep the smell off my clothing, but not always. Easier to wash the white towels than my clothes.
I would definitely call a car leather repair place and ask them for their ideas.
They make lotion-style leather cleaners, and there might be one that is unscented yet removes other chemicals that have been absorbed some into the surface of the leather.
I sure know what you mean about clothing absorbing smells from leather!
I have a lovely osteopath, but sometimes after I see him, since he only covers the headrest, I can smell the laundry detergents on my clothing from the person who lay there before me! At least it washes out pretty well.