How to Get Smells Out of Your Bag
Without Damaging It
Does your vintage designer bag smell, even though it looks perfectly clean? Odors like mustiness, old perfume, smoke, or dampness can slowly settle into the lining and materials over time. The good news is that most bag smells can be removed safely, as long as you use the right method for the right material. At Pepper Luxury Vintage we explain how to deodorize your bag without risking leather drying, fabric staining, or hardware damage.
Why vintage bags start smelling
A vintage designer bag doesn’t start smelling because it’s dirty. Odors settle deep into the fabric or leather over time. Moisture plays a major role, especially when a bag is stored with limited airflow. In closed dustbags or boxes, humidity and bacteria can build up, allowing musty scents to develop inside the lining.
Outside influences play a role too. Smoke, perfume, food, and natural body oils can all be absorbed by vintage materials. These scents become trapped in the lining and materials of the bag. With the right care, those old scents can fade.
STEP 1:
How to remove smells from a bag naturally
Unpleasant odors inside a bag are common, especially with vintage and pre-loved items. The good news is that you don’t need harsh chemicals to fix this. So how do you remove smells naturally? We share simple and effective ways to remove odors and safely refresh the inside of your bag.
Baking Soda
Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and works well for light to medium smells.
How to use:
Place an open sachet or small bowl of baking soda inside the bag and leave it for 24 to 48 hours. Ideal for musty smells from storage or a light smoke odor.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a powerful odor and moisture absorber and works well for stubborn smells.
How to use:
Place one or two charcoal bags inside the bag and leave them for 2 to 4 days. Best for smoke odors, damp smells, or strong mustiness. Safe for leather and canvas.
Newspaper
Crumpled newspaper absorbs musty smells surprisingly well.
How to use:
Loosely fill the bag with dry, crumpled newspaper and replace it daily. Leave it inside for 2 to 3 days. Newspaper is the Best for typical vintage or storage smells.
Coffee grounds
Dry coffee grounds absorb strong odors and gently refresh the interior.
How to use:
Place completely dry coffee grounds in a small bowl or pouch and put it inside the bag for a few days. It's great for perfume smells or a stale interior.
STEP 2:
How to refresh a bag after removing smells naturally
Once odor absorbers have done their job, it’s time to let your bag breathe. Fresh air and gentle care can make a big difference, especially for vintage and pre-loved bags. This step focuses on refreshing your bag in a safe way, without damaging delicate materials like leather, canvas or the lining. Take your time and choose natural methods.
AIR IT OUT
Fresh air is one of the simplest odor eliminators.
- Turn the bag inside out if possible
- Open all compartments and pockets
- Place or hang the bag in a well-ventilated, dry space
- Avoid damp rooms such as bathrooms or basements
washable bags
Some materials, such as nylon or canvas, can handle gentle hand washing.
- Use only water or a mild detergent
- Hand wash carefully, without scrubbing
- Let the bag air dry completely
- Consider an enzyme-based laundry booster for stubborn odors
- Never wash leather bags unless advised by a professional
INDIRECT SUNLIGHT
A small amount of daylight can help reduce bacteria, but direct sun can damage materials.
- Place the bag in indirect daylight, never in full sun
- Limit exposure to around 10 to 15 minutes
- Keep leather away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or cracking
Vinegar
Vinegar helps neutralize odors and reduce bacteria, but is only suitable for non-leather parts.
- Mix diluted vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio
- Lightly wipe fabric linings with a cloth
- Allow the bag to air dry fully
- Best suited for fabric interiors and smoke-related odors
STEP 3:
Strong cleaning methods to deep clean your bag
Sometimes natural methods are not enough. Strong or lingering odors may need a little extra help. These options can be effective, but they should always be used with care, especially when dealing with vintage or designer bags.
Freezing a bag
Freezing is a simple and chemical-free way to kill odor-causing bacteria, especially when smells keep coming back. It is suitable for many materials, but should be avoided if the bag contains fragile hardware or glued elements.
- Place the bag inside a sealed plastic bag
- Make sure the bag is completely dry before freezing
- Leave it in the freezer overnight
- Let the bag return to room temperature inside the plastic bag before opening
Using a bag scent
A bag scent can help refresh your bag and bring back that clean, subtle feeling. Always choose a scent that is designed to neutralize odors rather than mask them with heavy fragrance.
- Use a bag scent or odor neutralizer made specifically for bags or delicate textiles
- Choose light, subtle scents instead of strong perfume-based sprays
Our bag scents are placed inside a cotton sachet, making them safe to use directly inside your bag without any contact with the leather or lining.
Restoring leather
Leather needs extra care after cleaning or long periods of airing to keep it soft and balanced.
- Restores moisture and helps prevent dryness or cracking
- Supports the leather’s natural scent and appearance
- Keeps the bag flexible and well-maintained
Our Pepper leather balm can be safely used on all types of leather and coated canvas, but is not suitable for cotton canvas, suede or nubuck materials. For best results, follow our recommended application method as explained in our care guide.
Care products to keep your bag at its best
Which method works best for each bag smell
Different odors need different solutions. A musty vintage smell usually improves with activated charcoal, a bit of newspaper, and fresh air. Smoke odors take more time and are best treated by leaving charcoal in the bag for a few days, sometimes followed by a gentle vinegar wipe on fabric linings only. Perfume scents often fade when baking soda or coffee grounds are used together with careful airing. Damp or mildew smells need extra patience, combining charcoal with complete drying and, in some cases, freezing.
By matching the method to the scent, odors can be reduced safely without damaging the bag. With time and the right care, your bag can feel fresh again!
Final tip: prevent odors by keeping moisture away
Even after a smell is removed, it can return if moisture stays trapped inside the bag. Luxury bags last longer when they are stored dry, clean, and able to breathe.
- Store your bag in a breathable cotton dustbag, not plastic
- Add a Pepper bag scent or silica packet to absorb moisture
- Make sure there is enough airflow in your closet
- Use a bag insert to help maintain the bag’s shape
Buy your vintage designer bag
Buying vintage Louis Vuitton at Pepper Luxury Vintage
At Pepper Luxury Vintage, we only select items that meet our quality and authenticity standards. Whether it’s a Speedy, Noé, or any other vintage designer bag, each bag requires the right care to keep its materials in good condition.
Discover our collection of vintage Louis Vuitton bags and get your vintage designer bag at Pepper Luxury Vintage.
Care advice is provided as guidance only. Pepper Luxury Vintage is not responsible for damage.