How to Deodorize a Leather Couch

How Do I Seal Leather Furniture Against Water?
Published: Sep 21, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

There are commercial products that are designed to deodorize leather furniture without damaging the finish. There are also a number of homemade remedies that you can attempt.

Things You Will Need

  • PH balanced leather cleaner
  • Saddle soap
  • Flannel cloths
  • Oil
  • White vinegar
  1. Apply a pH balanced leather cleaner to your couch, following the directions on the bottle. These products are designed to remove dirt and bacteria from the leather without damaging the surface, and they usually contain glycerin for adding softness to the leather.

  2. Treat the surface with saddle soap. You can buy it from a horse and tack store, or make your own using the directions in the "Resources" section. Apply the saddle soap with a wet flannel cloth, working it into the surface with a circular motion. Polish until dry with another soft flannel cloth.

  3. Spray white vinegar on the surface of the couch, which will kill odor-causing bacteria. Wipe away the excess with a clean cloth, and work a thin layer of oil into the surface to moisturize. Orange tree oil works well and has a fresh scent. Olive oil, neatsfoot oil and linseed oil also work well.

The Drip Cap

  • Leather goods are made from animal hides.
  • These products are designed to remove dirt and bacteria from the leather without damaging the surface, and they usually contain glycerin for adding softness to the leather.
  • You can buy it from a horse and tack store, or make your own using the directions in the "Resources" section.
  • Wipe away the excess with a clean cloth, and work a thin layer of oil into the surface to moisturize.

Photo Credits

Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Tucker Cummings

Tucker Cummings is a freelance writer based in New England. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of New Hampshire and is a member of the Association of Professional Business Writers. Cummings is also a food writer and…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.