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Cleaning Up/Cleaning Leather

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Expert: - 2/22/2006


Question
I frequent a lot of thrift stores in search of retro style vintage clothes. Most of the clothing I find is easily washable in the normal cycle of my washing machine, but every once in a while, I find really nice leather and suede jackets. They are normally clean with no stains, but they have a funky closet smell. Do you know any way to rid leather garments of this funky closet smell without resorting to expensive dry cleaning? Thank you, Jon

Answer
Jon,
Great question. Just to let you know I'm in this cleaning category, BUT because I am a clutter coach and they have no organizing section.

So this is NOT my area of expertise, but I hope I can help. I did some research and found two good ideas:

1. Brush suede w/ suede brush to loosen mold/mildew that may be there (you can't see it, it is microscopic)

2. Let item hang outside in the fresh air--sunshine works wonders on smells in leather/suede. and/or

3. Hang it in a closet with an open box of baking powder on the shelf or floor (they make a new box that does not open all the way so it won't spill.

Hope this helps! Good luck- Jamie

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Jamie Novak

Expertise

Disorganization at home, work or home based businesses and time managemetn. Area include but not limited to: paper bills mail toys closets kitchen garages spouses children to do lists laundry pantry chores errands drawers meal planning house cleaning and much more

Experience

Jamie Novak, Organizing Expert and Motivational Speaker is the resident organizer for NBC’s iVillage and has been a featured organizer on HGTV's Mission Organization with a best selling book 1,000 Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets and the forthcoming 1,000 Best Quick and Easy Time Saving Strategies. Jamie’s tips have been featured nationally in Woman’s World and Family Circle. Her approach is both easy and motivating. She is a natural and her passion for organizing shines through. Jamie promises not to try to reinvent you - instead she helps you find your style and work with it! Jamie's goal is to share real ideas the really work for real life! Visit her website for free resources - http://www.jamienovak.com

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