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Faux leather is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather. Made primarily from plastic, such as PVC or polyurethane, it offers an alternative to real leather that is often more affordable, cruelty-free, and water-resistant.
Popular in fashion and upholstery, faux leather is versatile but may lack the durability and breathability of natural leather.
There is a notable drawback with faux leather though, and that is sometimes your faux leather item has a notably fishy smell. This is unpleasant, and many people will decide against using their faux leather bag or purse, or consider throwing it away.
You don't need to take such drastic action, as The Leather Colour Doctor is here to support you and ensure you get far more use of your faux leather item.
We are faux leather specialists, and we'll make sure you know why this smell occurs in your faux leather item, and more importantly, we'll make sure you know how to remove fish smell quickly and confidently.
Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather or PU leather, sometimes emits a fishy odour due to the chemicals used in its production. The primary culprits are often compounds called amines, which can release a fish-like smell when they break down. This scent can be especially noticeable in low-quality or poorly-treated faux leather products.
Yes, it's normal for faux leather to have an initial odour due to the chemicals used in its production. This smell often results from the plastic materials and synthetic compounds used to give the material its flexibility and leather-like texture.
Typically, the nasty smell will dissipate over time, especially when the item is aired out. However, if the chemical smells persist or are particularly strong, it might indicate lower-quality faux leather or inadequate post-production treatments.
Check out: How To Clean Leather Bags
There are many reasons why a faux leather item has a fishy smell, with the following reasons being pertinent, with many of them relating to the manufacturing process.
Faux leather items, when sealed in certain types of plastic or synthetic packaging, can trap odours. This trapped odour combined with the lack of ventilation can result in a fishy smell once the packaging is opened.
Faux leather is primarily made from plastic materials like PVC or polyurethane. The production process for these materials often involves chemicals that can emit a fishy odour, especially when they start to break down.
Some of the materials used in the production of faux leather are amines. These compounds can release a fish-like smell when they degrade.
The dyes used to colour faux leather can sometimes produce a peculiar smell, especially if they're made from certain chemicals or are applied in large quantities.
Check out: How To Dye A Leather Jacket
To prolong the shelf life and appearance of faux leather, manufacturers use preservative chemicals. Some of these chemicals can emit a fishy odour, especially when they interact with other substances in the faux leather.
Adhesives or glues used in the construction of faux leather items, especially in bonded leather products, can have a strong initial smell that might be reminiscent of fish.
Faux leather often has a protective coating to enhance its durability and resistance to wear and tear. This coating, depending on its chemical composition, can contribute to the fishy smell.
Check out: How To Repair A Tear In Leather
Depending on the treatments applied after production, some faux leather goods might retain more of the chemical smell than others. Inadequate or insufficient post-production treatments can contribute to the lingering smell.
Unlike natural leather, faux leather does not breathe as well. This lack of breathability can trap odours within the material, making them more noticeable.
If faux leather products are stored for long periods in warehouses or stores without proper ventilation, the trapped odours from all the aforementioned factors can intensify, leading to a stronger fishy smell when the product is finally unboxed or used.
Given there are so many reasons why faux leather items can have a fishy smell, including the manufacturing process, it is no surprise that many people experience this. Thankfully, there are many ways to remove that unpleasant fishy smell from your favourite faux leather item.
The starting process always begins with airing the leather out, and then you can opt for your preferred cleaning solution.
Place the faux leather item in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, but ensure it's not under direct sunlight as this can damage the faux leather item.
Leave the item for several hours or even a day. Fresh air can greatly help in reducing or eliminating unwanted odours.
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl or basin, and then dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring out excess liquid. Gently wipe the faux leather surface with the damp cloth.
Wipe away any soap residue from the bag, purse, or clothing with a clean, damp cloth, and let the item air dry.
Purchase a cleaner specifically designed for faux leather bags or vinyl products, then follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as application methods may vary.
Let the item air dry thoroughly after cleaning.
If you have lemon or lemon juice at home, squeeze it into a bowl and mix it with warm water. Dip a cloth into the warm water and lemon juice mix and rub over the leather surface and pay attention to the area with the fishy smells.
With a paper towel or dry cloth, wipe off lemon juice and get rid of any residue with plain water, and allow the faux leather to dry, you can even leave it to sit overnight in the outside air.
At least one of these tips should completely remove strong smells, so if you have leather shoes or a bag with a smell like fish, there are steps you can take to improve it, even when you have a strong fish smell on cheap materials.
Some tips to consider include:
Remember, faux leather is a synthetic material, and excessive moisture or harsh chemicals can damage its texture and appearance. Always use gentle cleaning methods and allow the item to dry thoroughly after cleaning. If there are cleaning instructions for your faux leather items, familiarise yourself with them, and follow the instructions as closely as you can.
It is helpful to have items like baking soda or white vinegar around because they remove stains effectively. We also know many people have mild soap lying around at home, so a soap solution might be the most effective for you in removing fishy smells.
We also recommend having warm water, a paper towel or two a dry cloth, and a damp cloth when removing unpleasant smells from faux leather material.
Check out: How To Clean A Leather Purse
When your bag, shoes, or jacket smells like fish, it can ruin a great item you love. With dirt and stains, there is a visible problem, but one you can often remove with clean water and a mixture. However, with a strong smell, it is often harder to get rid of the problem.
At The Leather Colour Doctor, we are fabric specialists, and a fish smell doesn't need to spell the end of your favourite item. We'll help you get rid of the odours, and with a quick rinse or when you air it out, you should find your bag, bags, shoes, or favourite clothing is as good as new. No matter the leather problem, The Leather Colour Doctor is here to help, so please get in touch.
