How to deodorize OEM leather shift knob???

[sry110]

I recently bought a used OEM shift knob for my 2004 STi from a member on here, and when I received it I noticed it has a pretty pungent odor. I can't quite put my finger on it....it's somewhere between moth balls and something more tangy. The 2004 STi knob has the black plastic top cap and black perforated leather stitched onto the sides.

Is there a tried and true method of cleaning & deodorizing these leather-bound shift knobs? I already tried wiping it down with a Clorox wipe, which seemed to take off a lot of black grime but the odor remains. Any help will be appreciated!

EDIT: Above I said tangy, but that's not really it. It almost smells like it was stored in or near moth balls and has that musty attic or basement smell mixed in.

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[MSMStannyl]

I can only speak from experience as I'm definitely not a professional detailer or anything.

First off, I would watch the Clorox wipes. I assume there is NO bleach in them, right? That would probably be a big No-No if it had bleach.

Secondly, having leather in my 2011, I've used the Meguires leather wipes several times (including on my last car). They have a real pleasant scent to them. I honestly don't know if it would cover whatever is making the smell you're talking about but I would think if you could get the "grime" off that's making the smell, you should be good to go.

[AspenScoob255]

The smells are probably a combination of mildew and oils from the hand on the leather and inside the perforations. This is assuming it was stored in an area that was not climate controlled.

I would suggested some more dedicated leather care products and some brushes to clean it. I would avoid the Clorox wipes as their chemical composition will likely dry out the leather and make it much harder to clean.

I can give some recommendations for products and tools however, if the only thing leather in your vehicle is the knob. Then you will be better off just going to the local auto store and picking up some megs stuff and a soft bristle brush (ie. A soft rated tooth brush or something similiar) also tampico bristled brushes work well. Check the beauty supplies in Walmart or the like for one of those hand and feet brushes some are tampico bristled.

[sry110]

Originally Posted by AspenScoob255

The smells are probably a combination of mildew and oils from the hand on the leather and inside the perforations. This is assuming it was stored in an area that was not climate controlled.

I would suggested some more dedicated leather care products and some brushes to clean it. I would avoid the Clorox wipes as their chemical composition will likely dry out the leather and make it much harder to clean.

I can give some recommendations for products and tools however, if the only thing leather in your vehicle is the knob. Then you will be better off just going to the local auto store and picking up some megs stuff and a soft bristle brush (ie. A soft rated tooth brush or something similiar) also tampico bristled brushes work well. Check the beauty supplies in Walmart or the like for one of those hand and feet brushes some are tampico bristled.

Awesome, thank you for the tips. I'll pick up some Meguiar's stuff over lunch...could always use it on the steering wheel, too (as well as shift knob and steering wheel in the other car at home).

[AspenScoob255]

Sounds good let us know how it works out.

[Kean]

......something else you can use that you may already have around the house is a light dilution of Woolite (the regular stuff). Couple that with the soft bristle brush Aspen recommended and it makes for a decent, relatively safe cleaning solution. ....this is assuming that buying leather-specific products for just a knob and possibly your steering wheel may not be worth it to you.

[sry110]

Originally Posted by Kean

......something else you can use that you may already have around the house is a light dilution of Woolite (the regular stuff). Couple that with the soft bristle brush Aspen recommended and it makes for a decent, relatively safe cleaning solution. ....this is assuming that buying leather-specific products for just a knob and possibly your steering wheel may not be worth it to you.

Thanks for that suggestion. I don't think I have any woolite around but I will check.