Aniline leather is a luxurious type of leather that is often used in furniture and car upholstery. It is known for its softness and natural appearance. But does aniline leather smell? In this article, I will explore the answer to this question.
Aniline leather does have a faint leathery odor or smell. This is due to the fact that it is made from animal hide, which contains some natural oils and fats. The smell of aniline leather can vary depending on the type of hide used and how it was treated during the tanning process.
The good thing about the smell of aniline leather is that it is not particularly strong or unpleasant. In fact, some people find the smell to be quite pleasant.
Here are’s a summary of all I will be discussing in the rest of this article;
- What does aniline leather smell like?
- Why does aniline leather smell?
- Can the smell be reduced or eliminated?
- How to preserve the smell of aniline leather
Let’s take a closer look at each of these questions.
What Does Aniline Leather Smell Like?
There are a few ways to describe the smell of aniline leather. Generally, the aniline leather smell is described as being leathery and musty with a hint of sweetness.
This can vary depending on the type of animal hide used in the leather and how it was treated during the tanning process.
If the animal source were a cow, then the smell would be slightly different than if it came from a goat.
Similarly, heavily dyed leather during tanning might have a slightly different scent than natural leather.
Also, if the leather has been treated with certain oils or waxes, they may contribute to the scent of the leather.
Why Does Aniline Leather Smell?
As I may have alluded to, many factors influence the smell of aniline leather. Here are a few common reasons why aniline leather may have a smell.
1. The Hide Used
First, as I mentioned earlier, the hide used may contribute to the smell of the leather. Different animals have different smells, and this can impact the finished product.
Typically, aniline leather is sourced from cows, goats, and pigs. Each of these animals may have a slightly different smell, depending on what they’ve eaten and how their hide has been treated.
2. The Dyes Used
One of the main reasons aniline leather smells is because of the dyes used. Aniline dyes are used to give the leather a natural look but can also contribute to the smell.
Some dyes have strong smells, which may linger in the leather. For most leather products, the dye will not be over-powering but will definitely influence the smell of the leather.
3. The Tanning Process
The tanning process can also influence the smell of aniline leather.
The leather is treated with various chemicals, oils, and waxes to help preserve it. These substances can also contribute to the smell of the leather.
4. The Age of the Leather
The age of the leather can also play a role in its smell. As leather ages, it can become musty and take on a unique smell.
This is especially true with aniline leather because of its porous nature and ability to absorb smells.
5. Where The Aniline Leather Was Stored
Finally, where the aniline leather was stored can also influence its smell. If it has been left in a damp place or exposed to strong odors, this may contribute to the smell of the leather.
There are a lot of manufacturers who, during storage, will introduce perfumes to the leather in order to mask any odors or make it have a more pleasant scent.
Can the Smell Be Reduced or Eliminated?
The good news is that reducing or eliminating the smell of aniline leather is possible. There are a few ways to do this.
- By Using Leather Cleaners
One common way aniline leather could lose its smell is when using a leather cleaner. Leather cleaners help to remove dirt and grime from the leather and can also help to neutralize any existing smell on the leather.
So whether it’s an old aniline leather item or new, you can use leather cleaner to reduce or eliminate any smells.
- Through Use
Another way this works is by simply using your aniline leather item. Through use, the leather will absorb the smells of your environment, such as body smell, furniture polish, or air fresheners, which can replace any existing smell.
- Conditioning It Regularly
Finally, you can also reduce the smell of aniline leather by conditioning it regularly. Leather conditioner helps to keep the leather supple and hydrated.
Most leather conditioners have nice smells that get absorbed into the leather and help to mask any existing smells.
How To Preserve The Natural Smell of Aniline Leather
On the flip side, if you actually like the smell of your aniline leather item, there are also ways to preserve it for the longest time possible.
- One way is by storing the leather in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. This helps to preserve the smell of the leather.
- You can also use a leather conditioner with no added fragrances or smells. This will help to keep the natural smell of the leather intact.
- Finally, you should also avoid using any harsh cleaning products or detergents on the leather as this could damage its natural smell.
Final Thoughts
Overall, various factors contribute to the smell of aniline leather, and while it may not be strong or intense, there are ways to reduce or eliminate the smell and preserve it.
It is also worth noting that the scent of aniline leather tends to fade over time as the leather ages and takes up new smells based on where who, and how the leather is used.
This is not only due to the material’s porous nature but also because the natural scent of aniline leather is not particularly strong or intense.
In addition to this, the smell of aniline leather can be further reduced by conditioning it on a regular basis, using leather cleaners, or through use.
It is also possible to preserve the natural scent of aniline leather by storing it in a cool and dry place and using a leather conditioner with no added fragrances.
