Table of Contents:
Suede 
items can get an odor for all the same reasons as other items: body odor, cooking odors, and even the chemical odors sometimes left on items from the manufacturing process. Thankfully, there are some simple odor removal techniques that work well for suede. Choose one of the methods below and your item will soon be odor-free.
The Odor Absorber Method
This is the best method for deodorizing suede as it does not put the item at risk for damage, so try this method first. It works for items large and small.
You Will Need:
- A box
- A bowl or plate
- An odor absorber (choose one):
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Coffee grounds
- Charcoal briquettes
Steps to Remove the Odor:
- If the item is small, put it in a box.
- Select an odor absorber from the list above and put it in a plate or bowl. Keep in mind that if you use coffee, the odor will be removed, but a coffee smell will be deposited on the item.
- Set the plate or bowl in the box with the suede item. For larger items like a couch, make more bowls and set them on or around the item. If using this method on shoes, the baking soda can be poured inside the shoe as well, but do not put any of the other items inside the shoe.
- Leave the deodorizer by the suede item overnight.
- If the suede item still smells, repeat the process using fresh deodorizer as many times as needed. It may help to rotate the item as well.
The Odor Cleaner Method
This method is basically the same as The Odor Absorber Method since it uses the same cleaners, but it is more drastic since the cleaners are put directly on the suede.
You Will Need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Enzyme digester
Steps to Remove the Odor:
- For white or light colors of suede, sprinkle baking soda over the item. Do not put baking soda on dark colors of suede. Let the baking soda sit for several hours, then brush it off with a suede brush. If any baking soda residue remains, vacuum it off with the upholstery brush attachment.
- For any color of suede, mix one part white vinegar and two parts water in a spray bottle. Test the mixture on a small hidden area on the suede to look for any adverse effects. If safe, spray the mixture over the dark suede. Let the vinegar mixture dry, then brush the suede with a suede brush.
- For faux suede, you can use an enzyme digester cleaner, such as Kids ‘N’ Pets or Nature’s Miracle. Do not use this method on real suede as the enzymes will eat the material. Follow the instructions on the label of your selected product.
Additional Tips:
- Vinegar has a strong smell when wet, but the smell will dissipate when the vinegar has dried, so you don’t have to worry about being stuck with that smell forever.
How may I clean a Suede jacket myself? It is too expensive for a professional cleaning. (It is between a maple and pecan color.) My jacket is about 20 years old, classical style, in very good condition. Judith
Judith,
All suede needs for a general cleaning is just to be brushed, either with a suede brush or a dry towel, which will rub up the nap. If you have any stains that need to be removed, see the guide How to Clean Suede.
Is there an easier way to make an odor go away without using baking soda ’cause that dosen’t work for me.
Yodada,
If you are referring to Step 1 of The Odor Cleaner Method, you can use Step 2 instead (white vinegar). Otherwise you can use The Odor Absorber Method instead and choose one of the other deodorizers. There are a variety of commercial odor sprays available (e.g. Febreze), however they often contain a variety of chemicals and suede is such a unique and sensitive material that it is best to avoid them. If you want to try a commercial odor spray, spot test it in a small hidden area first, then test it by actually spraying it on a slightly larger hidden area to see if there are any adverse effects such as color change or a residue. Good luck!