How To Remove Stubborn Cologne Scents From Pants

Getting rid of strong cologne smells from clothing can be a challenging task. The longer the cologne lingers, the harder it is to remove. Luckily, there are several methods to get rid of the scent. Firstly, it is important to wash the clothes as soon as possible. Using warm water can help dissolve detergent and break down cologne molecules. In addition, using natural alternatives such as lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda can help neutralise odours. For more stubborn smells, specialised products such as enzymatic laundry detergents, activated charcoal odour absorbers, and fabric refreshers can be used.

Soak in vinegar and water

If you're struggling to remove a strong cologne smell from your pants, a vinegar and water solution may be the answer. This method can be used for all types of strong scents, including cologne, and is a great natural alternative to chemical-based cleaning products.

Firstly, ensure the pants are completely dry. This is important because any moisture on the garment could disrupt the reaction that will take place when the vinegar is applied. Next, fill a sink, bucket, or washing machine with cool water and add one cup of white distilled vinegar. Completely submerge the pants and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes. If the smell is particularly strong, you may need to soak the garment for longer—even overnight.

After soaking, drain the vinegar and water solution and then wash the pants as usual with a heavy-duty laundry detergent. Check the garment for any remaining odour. If the smell persists, repeat the process. Finally, dry the pants according to the care label, or air dry them on a clothesline outside. The fresh air will help eliminate any lingering odours.

This method is a great way to remove strong cologne smells from your pants without the need for harsh chemicals.

Wash with lemon juice and water

Lemon juice is a great natural solution for removing cologne from your clothes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Make a Solution of 1:1 Lemon Juice and Water

Take a spray bottle and mix equal parts lemon juice and water. For instance, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Make sure to mix the solution thoroughly but do not overdo it as this can break the solution's chemical bonds, rendering it useless.

Step 2: Spray the Garment with the Solution

Spray the lemon water solution onto the piece of clothing where the cologne scent is concentrated. You can also spray the entire garment if you want to give it a fresh lemon scent.

Step 3: Use a Soft Brush to Scrub Areas of Application

By brushing the garment with a soft-bristled brush, you ensure that the solution penetrates the fabric's core and effectively removes the cologne scent. This step also helps distribute the lemon scent evenly throughout the garment.

Step 4: Let Dry Outside

Note: This method is recommended for dark and old clothes as lemon juice has the potential to wash out lighter fabrics.

While sunlight is important for removing the cologne scent, this step is crucial for ensuring the lemon scent is absorbed into the garment. One of the main benefits of this method is the natural lemon scent that lingers afterward, so machine drying the garment will negate this pleasant aroma.

Additional Tips:

• It is important to wash your clothes shortly after they become saturated with cologne. The longer you wait, the more challenging it may be to remove the scent.
• Before attempting to remove the cologne scent with lemon juice and water, make sure your clothes are dry. If they are damp, the moisture molecules can disrupt the reaction when the lemon juice solution is applied.
• If the lemon juice method doesn't completely remove the cologne scent, you can try other natural methods such as vinegar or castile soap, or opt for traditional laundry detergent and booster.

Use baking soda

If you're struggling to get a strong cologne smell out of your pants, try using baking soda. This household staple is known for its odour-neutralising abilities and can be used in a few different ways to tackle stubborn scents.

As a Pre-Soak Treatment

Before washing your pants, fill a sink or bucket with cool water and add half a cup of baking soda. Stir the solution to dissolve the baking soda, then add your pants and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. For more heavily soiled garments, you can also add a quarter cup of vinegar to the pre-soak solution. After soaking, proceed to wash your pants as directed on the care label.

In the Washing Machine

Add half a cup of baking soda directly to the drum of your washing machine along with your regular laundry detergent. Wash your pants on a normal cycle using warm water. The baking soda will boost the cleaning power of your detergent and help to neutralise odours.

For Dry-Clean-Only Items

If your pants are dry-clean-only, you can still use baking soda to remove odours without washing them. Simply place the pants in a sealable plastic container or bag along with an open box of baking soda. Leave the container sealed for several days, replacing the baking soda as needed, until the odour is gone.

For Removing Mildew Odour

If the cologne smell on your pants has attracted mildew and left unsightly stains, you can use baking soda to tackle both issues. Add your regular laundry detergent and one cup of baking soda to the washer, then wash your pants on a normal cycle with hot water. The heat and the baking soda will work together to kill the mildew and eliminate the odour.

Air clothes outside

Airing clothes outside is an effective way to remove unwanted odours without washing them. The sun's UV rays and natural breeze can help remove odours, especially from sweaty clothes with bacteria. If you don't have access to outdoor space, place the clothes near an open window or a fan.

Hanging clothes outside to air is a good first step, but you may need to take additional measures to completely remove the cologne smell. One option is to wash the garment with vinegar instead of soap. Add about 240ml of vinegar to the washing machine and wash as normal. After the cycle is over, dry the clothes in the dryer with scented or unscented dryer sheets.

If the cologne smell is particularly strong, you may need to pre-soak the garment in a vinegar solution before washing it. Fill a sink or bucket with cool water and add one cup of vinegar. Soak the garment for at least 30 minutes, then wash it in the machine as usual with a heavy-duty laundry detergent.

Another option is to use baking soda. Fill a large sink or bucket with cool water and dissolve one cup of baking soda in four cups of hot water. Add this solution to the cool water and fully submerge the garment. Let it soak for at least four hours, or overnight if possible. Then, wash the garment as directed using a heavy-duty unscented laundry detergent. If the odour persists, repeat the process. Finally, dry the garment according to the care label, or hang it on a clothesline outside.

If the garment is dry-clean only, you can still air it outside on a breezy day to help remove the cologne smell. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda all over the garment, let it sit in a tub overnight, then shake it out the next day.

Use laundry detergent and booster

If the above methods don’t work, it doesn’t hurt to try washing your clothes the traditional way – the classic solution. Not only will the clothes be primed from the two previous attempts, but now you’ll be introducing artificial scents that could neutralize the fragrance you’re trying to remove.

Firstly, add ½ cup of detergent, a booster, and/or baking soda. Just like you were washing any other load of laundry, add your desired amount of detergent or go-to cleaning aid. Baking soda is a little unorthodox but can help add extra scent-erasing strength.

Secondly, wash the clothes in warm water. By doing this instead of using cold water, you’re helping to release the detergent’s full power, meaning you have the greatest chance of getting even the most potent and pure cologne scents out of a garment.

Thirdly, dry the clothes outside in the sun. The combination of heat and sun rays reacts with the chemical composition of the undesired scent and helps to lock it out after washing.

If the cologne smell is still noticeable, don’t give up! Perhaps you need to air the clothes out more or try a second heavy-duty wash, adding 1 cup of vinegar and a scoop of oxygen boost to the wash cycle, in addition to your laundry detergent.

Frequently asked questions