Hi all,

I've just bought some croc skin patterned leatherette and the backing on it smells really fishy and I was wondering if anyone knew a way I can get rid of the smell?

Thanks in advance.

Sometimes leatherette can have a weird smell because it's synthetic. Normally, leaving it to air out will get rid of the smell.

Thanks, I did wonder that but I'm just impatient I gave it a skoosh of febreeze for good luck

Depending on where it comes from (especially China), they use glue made out of boiled fish bones to bond the backing to the leatherette. This can account for the smell and is often to be expected with a lot of high-street store-bought handbags (Accessories is a huge culprit with that) and shoes too.

I ordered some leatherette to make pouches for a utility belt recently and it stinks of acetone. They treat fabric with all sorts of chemicals before imported, that's why a lot of people get "Primark rash" if they wear clothes straight out the shop without washing them first.