They do special cleaning at dry cleaners for leather..could they do purses? What about putting baking soda in a sock, tie it up and put it in to absorb odor?

I wonder if Odor eaters or that spray you can spray into smelly tennis shoes will help. I also like the idea of baking soda in a sock. I'd be real concerned if the odor is that bad. It can't be too healthy for your relatives.
When my mother used to smoke, I'd have that same thing happen to me when I'd visit. Smoke smell throughout my clothes and luggage. Ugghhh. I was so glad when she quit.

So...here is what I did...I went on line and read everything that anyone had to say about getting mold or mildew smells out of leather, canvas and clothing. I used White vinegar and water mix and wiped inside and out of both of my bags. I then went to Bed, Bath and Beyond and bought some of those charcoal odor absorbents, as well as about 8 baking soda packet things that sucktion to the side of your fridge. Between the White vinegar wipe down, charcoal packets and baking soda, the smell has started going away and has improved. I left the all leather bag outside all day today. There is still a smell, but not half as bad as it was. I am going to continue airing it out and keep the baking soda and charcoal packets in it to absorb the smell. I am hoping that eventually, it will all be better! There was some type of odor sponge that I ordered on line that had really high reviews for mildew absorbtion. I am waiting for those to come in and then I am going to add those. Between that and putting the bags outside to air out on cool days when there is sun, is supposed to help. I wish I could describe how bad this smell is, but I can't. I didn't realize how bad their house was until I stayed there and have come home. Now, I am thinking I must have smelled awful on the plane! My clothes and everything smelled like mildew!!!!!

Ok.. I knew there was something I had read. I think it's vodka! LOL food-hacks.wonderhow to.com/how-to/one-th ing-even-cheap-vodka -is-good-for-ma

Update…Mildew smell is still slightly there. Both purses are going to the dry cleaner to see what they can do. It's in the leather and I even left it hanging outside on the porch for two days and nights in this freezing weather to air out!

@Pookie1263
Any good news on the smell?

@SloPoke I wish I had good news. The purse is still sitting out and airing out. The dry cleaners won't take it because the solution they use on it to get the smell out will harm the leather parts. So, it still smells. Now, I am waiting for the first warm days with sun, so I can stick out in the sun and wind for a day. I am not sure what to do. I have baking soda in it now. Nothing has worked.

Fabric softener sheets and then tie it up in a plastic bag to trap the good smell

Maybe try a different dry cleaners.. I know there are some that send out leather jackets etc. they may be able to do the purse..

UPDATE: Well, I had several pair of leggings that also had the mold smell. I let them sit in a bathtub overnight with about 5 boxes of baking soda sprinkled on each pair. Took them out, shook them off and put them in a washer with a cup of white vinegar. SMELL GONE!

I put a little baking soda and vinegar in with laundry detergent. Someone told me that for my husband and son's work out clothes. I do it with our bath towels. I put vinegar a couple of times a month in dishwasher and washer to help clean.