Onion smell out of leather?

[brittsmum1998]

Does anyone have any remedies for getting the onion smell out of a lether handle (coach pocketbook). I swear I will never let anyone borrow a brand new pocketbook ever again!

Any help would be appreciated and thanks in advance.

 

[Janepod]

I needed a new heel for my shoe, so, I decided to go to Morganville, which is what they called Shelbyville in those days. So I tied an onion to my belt, which was the style at the time. Now, to take the ferry cost a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on 'em. Give me five bees for a quarter, you'd say.

Now where were we? Oh yeah: the important thing was I had an onion on my belt, which was the style at the time. They didn't have white onions because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones...

I'm no help, but I'm dying to know how the onion smell got into the leather.

 

[MartyM]

I use a metal bar of soap, or just rub them on the chrome faucet when my hands stink like onion or garlic. It's something about the ionization reaction of it.

I don't know if it would work for leather, but it works for skin.

 

[LisaR]

See, this is why I love the Dis. I am always learning something new. Next time I borrow a purse from a friend, I will make sure not to fry up my onions inside of it. Another faux pas averted!

 

[sookie]

people borrow pocketbooks from each other? really?

 

[Alsobrook]

I hate to tell you this, but onion is really hard to get out of leather. Warm water and a little soap could help a little, but you're better off with dry baking soda first. THEN, use a little warm water with baking soda as kind of a thick paste. Test it on a small area first.

Last but not least....get some Febreeze and spray it on there and work it in a little bit. THEN go back over with the wet baking soda solution.

Be careful about using white vinegar on it...I wouldn't even go there.

 

[S. C.]

Coffee grounds will get vomit and other bad smell out of carpet, etc. Might be worth a try to buy some cheap coffee and try it.

 

[Shanna-like-Banana]

uumm, maybe try leaving some un-used dryer sheets in it for a few days ?

you need something to obsorb the odor, like a box of Arm N Hammer baking soda, or a cedar block ? Also plain white bread is great for absorbing things, the bread will be dry as toast, but alas will aborb.

Does the purse have a cloth lining that can be turned inside out and cleaned ?

stumped here, did you try leather cleaner ?

 

[MartyM]

I'd say what white vinegar would ruin it, and you'd reek of coffee or febreze if it works. Baking soda sounds ok, though.

I guess it's pretty much ruined regardless if you don't get the odor out though...

Another option might be activated charcoal.

Can we ask how this happened?

 

[brittsmum1998]

Sorry i wasn't clear enough.....the smell is on the leather straps that you would hold with your hands. She must've cut onions and then went to her occasion holding the pocketbook. My sister borrowed it.

Oh yeah, and I want what Janepod is having.

 

[disykat]

Not only was I trying to figure out how the onions got on it, I still don't really know what a pocketbook is. I thought maybe I knew (was picturing a small clutch purse or a large wallet) but then she said "straps" and I'm confused again!

 

[cornflake]

I hate to tell you this, but onion is really hard to get out of leather. Warm water and a little soap could help a little, but you're better off with dry baking soda first. THEN, use a little warm water with baking soda as kind of a thick paste. Test it on a small area first.

Last but not least....get some Febreeze and spray it on there and work it in a little bit. THEN go back over with the wet baking soda solution.

Be careful about using white vinegar on it...I wouldn't even go there.

I opened the thread because of the 'why did your friend carry cut onions in the purse she borrowed?' factor.

Now I'm onto 'why, precisely, do you know how to get the smell of onion out of leather and how difficult it is?'

people borrow pocketbooks from each other? really?

Aren't there entitre websites devoted to lending or renting purses?

Not only was I trying to figure out how the onions got on it, I still don't really know what a pocketbook is. I thought maybe I knew (was picturing a small clutch purse or a large wallet) but then she said "straps" and I'm confused again!

A purse, a handbag, etc.

 

[sissy_ib]

Sorry i wasn't clear enough.....the smell is on the leather straps that you would hold with your hands. She must've cut onions and then went to her occasion holding the pocketbook. My sister borrowed it.

Oh yeah, and I want what Janepod is having.

It's from an old episode of The Simpsons.

 

[cabanafrau]

I'd say what white vinegar would ruin it, and you'd reek of coffee or febreze if it works. Baking soda sounds ok, though.

I guess it's pretty much ruined regardless if you don't get the odor out though...

Another option might be activated charcoal.

Can we ask how this happened?

I'd seal it in a plastic bag or container with some activated charcoal and then change the charcoal after a day or two, repeat if necessary.

 

[brittsmum1998]

I'd say what white vinegar would ruin it, and you'd reek of coffee or febreze if it works. Baking soda sounds ok, though.

I guess it's pretty much ruined regardless if you don't get the odor out though...

Another option might be activated charcoal.

Can we ask how this happened?

Sis made salad using onions she cut up and then grabbed the straps on the pocketbook and I have a keen sense of smell so I can still smell it. Its not IN the pocketbook just on the handle straps.

 

[happygirl]

I wonder what Febreeze would do to it? I can't image it very strong.

 

[brittsmum1998]

I wonder what Febreeze would do to it? I can't image it very strong.

I tried that. No such luck. Ever since I quit smoking I am like a hound dog. I can smell things from miles away . Its only one handle, so I've now sprayed it with lysol. I can't understand, its only ONE handle, it may be easier to just kill my sister .

 

[dis-happy]

I'd try Lexol, a product for cleaning saddles. It comes in small sample sizes at the tack shop ( or online). Cleanser and conditioner. Hey, if it can get the horsey smells out you should be ok for onion. GL!

 

[laughinplace199]

Does Coach sell leather cleaner? I think I recall buying some years ago. Maybe that would help.

 

[Sgt Mickey]