Removing Cologne Stains From Clothes: Quick And Easy Methods

Getting cologne out of clothes can be a tricky task, but there are several methods to help eliminate the scent. One of the most popular methods is to wash the clothes with vinegar, which is a great natural deodorizer. Other methods include using baking soda, lemon juice, or a strong detergent. For delicate fabrics, hand washing with Castile soap is recommended. Hanging clothes outside in the fresh air and sunlight is another easy way to help dissipate the scent.

Hang clothes outside

Hanging clothes outside is a simple and effective way to remove cologne odours without washing. The circulating fresh air will help to lift and disperse fragrance molecules, while direct sunlight will naturally deodorise fabrics.

If you are hanging your clothes outside, be mindful of the morning dew, which can dampen your clothes. If you are in a hurry, or if the weather is damp, try hanging your clothes in a warm, well-ventilated indoor space instead. Open windows and doors to maximise air exposure and use a fan to create a breeze.

The time needed to air out your clothes will depend on how saturated they are with scent. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. If you are short on time, try soaking your clothes in a mixture of warm water and baking soda before hanging them out to dry. This will help to neutralise odours.

When hanging your clothes outside, be sure to place them in direct sunlight. The UV light from the sun will help to expedite the process of removing odours. If you are unable to hang your clothes in direct sunlight, try placing them near leafy green plants, which can also help to absorb odours.

Wash with vinegar

Vinegar is a great option for removing cologne from clothes, and it's a green option, too.

First, make sure the clothes are completely dry. If they're not, the moisture molecules could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.

Next, load your garment into the washing machine and add 240ml of vinegar instead of soap. You can wash the whole load with vinegar if you want, and you can use dryer sheets during the drying process to add a desired scent.

After adding the vinegar, set the wash cycle as normal. Once the cycle is over, put the clothes in the dryer and run the cycle until they are completely dry. This is important to prevent musty smells from developing if the garments are left damp.

You can also add vinegar during the rinsing stage of the wash cycle. Simply pause the cycle midway through and add 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar, depending on the size of your laundry, then continue with the wash.

If you want to use vinegar at the beginning of the washing process, make sure the clothes are dry, especially in areas like the armpits or the ends of blouse cuffs. Add 1 cup of vinegar and detergent, then continue with a regular wash. You can also wash with only vinegar acting as the detergent.

Once the wash cycle is complete, immediately hang the clothes to dry in direct sunlight or toss them in the dryer. Make sure the clothes are completely dry to prevent any dampness or musty smells.

Wash with lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural odour-fighting agent and can be used to pre-wash your clothes to prevent the cologne scent from sticking to your clothing. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to break down and neutralise odours, including perfume and cologne.

To effectively pre-wash your clothes with lemon juice, follow these steps:

Mix one part lemon juice and one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution throughout your clothes, focusing on areas prone to absorb smells, such as the armpits, collars, and cuffs. Let your clothes sit for around 30 to 40 minutes. Then, proceed with a regular wash using detergent in the washer. For a more subtle wash, you can add a cup of baking soda to the washer along with the detergent.

Lemon juice can also be used as a natural fabric freshener. You can spray it directly onto clothes or add a few drops to your laundry detergent. For a quick fix, rub a fresh lemon slice onto the affected area of clothing to help remove the cologne smell.

While lemon juice is generally safe for most fabrics, it is always a good idea to do a spot test on a hidden area first, as its acidity might affect delicate or coloured textiles.

Use a powerful detergent and booster

If you're looking to get cologne out of your clothes, a powerful detergent and booster can be a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get the best results:

Step 1: Choose the Right Detergent

Select a laundry detergent with powerful natural scents or additives. Opt for detergents with lemon or lime as their base. These citrus-based detergents are excellent for fighting strong cologne smells. You can also look for laundry detergents that contain enzymes, as they will help break down the cologne molecules.

Step 2: Add a Booster

In addition to your chosen detergent, you'll want to add a booster to enhance its odour-fighting power. There are a few options you can choose from:

• Fabric Refreshers: These products are designed to eliminate odours and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
• Baking Soda: This household staple is a natural odour absorber and can help neutralise strong cologne scents. Add a small amount along with your detergent.
• Vinegar: Vinegar is a powerful scent absorbent. Add a cup of vinegar to the washing machine at the beginning of the cycle, or during the rinsing stage. Just be sure to keep the clothes dry, as substances like sweat can react with the vinegar and cause an unpleasant outcome.

Step 3: Wash with Warm Water

When it comes to water temperature, opt for warm water. Warm water, around 40 degrees Celsius, will allow your detergent to unleash its full power. It will also help release the boosters' full potential.

Step 4: Dry in the Sun

After washing, dry your clothes outside in the sun. The combination of heat and sunlight will react with the cologne molecules and help lock out the lingering smell. If hanging your clothes outside is not an option, you can tumble dry them, ensuring they are completely dry to prevent any dampness or musty smells.

Additional Tips:

• Always dry your clothes completely before wearing or storing them to prevent any remaining cologne scent from lingering.
• If you're in a hurry, a quick fix is to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the affected area and let it evaporate. Rubbing alcohol can neutralise the scent and remove any residue.
• Remember to always test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first when using new products to ensure they don't cause discolouration or leave stains.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively remove cologne smells from your clothes, leaving them fresh and clean.

Soak clothes before washing

Soaking clothes before washing is an effective way to remove cologne from clothes. It is recommended to soak the clothes in a sink or washing machine filled with warm water and one cup of baking soda. The vessel should be large enough to submerge the clothes completely. While some suggest that an overnight soak is enough, others recommend soaking for a few days. However, it is probably more effective to repeat the airing-soaking-washing-drying cycle several times if necessary.

After soaking, wash the clothes as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and stop the cycle. Let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle. The vinegar will help cut through the cologne residue in the fibres. Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is rinsed from the clothes.

Dry the freshly washed clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in the fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help remove the odours, but bright sunlight can also cause dyes to fade, so hang dark colours in the shade. Line drying will also provide a final opportunity for the clothes to air out.

Frequently asked questions