Removing Stubborn Cologne Scents From Clothes

Getting cologne out of clothes can be a tricky task. The longer you leave it, the more stubborn the scent becomes, so it's best to act fast. The first thing to try is to wash your clothes as normal, but with warm water, as this can help to dissolve the detergent and break down the cologne molecules. If this doesn't work, there are several other methods you can try. One natural alternative is to soak the clothes in a solution of equal parts warm water and lemon juice for several hours before washing as usual. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to break down and neutralise odours. You can also try using a stronger detergent, or adding baking soda or vinegar to the wash cycle, as these are known for their odour-neutralising properties. If you're in a hurry, you could try applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the affected area and letting it evaporate, or putting the clothes in the dryer on a low heat with a fabric softener sheet to mask the smell.

Wash with vinegar

Vinegar is an effective method for removing cologne and other scents from clothing. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure that the clothes are completely dry. It is important that the garment is free of any moisture, as this can disrupt the reaction with the vinegar.

Next, load the clothes into the washing machine. Add approximately 240ml of vinegar to the machine instead of soap or detergent. You can wash the whole load with vinegar, so there is no need to separate the item from the rest of the laundry.

After adding the vinegar, simply set the wash cycle as normal. The vinegar will act as a cleaning agent, and you can use dryer sheets during the drying cycle to add a desired scent.

Once the wash cycle is complete, dry the clothes in the dryer with scented or unscented dryer sheets. Ensure that the clothes are completely dry before removing them from the dryer. Leaving damp clothes in the dryer can cause musty smells to develop.

If you are washing delicate items or those that are dry-clean only, you may want to hand wash them using vinegar. First, ensure the clothes are dry, then fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of vinegar. Soak the clothes in the solution for about an hour, then swish them around and wash again. Finally, leave the clothes outside to dry in the sun for at least 24 hours.

White distilled vinegar is recommended for this process, as apple cider vinegar may stain the clothes. Additionally, while both hot and cold water can be used, it may take several washes for the cologne smell to completely disappear.

Hang clothes outside

Hanging your clothes outside is one of the simplest ways to get rid of cologne or perfume smells. The natural elements will help to dissipate the scent from your clothes.

If you're able to, hang your clothes outside on a washing line. If you don't have access to a washing line, drape them over an outdoor banister or fence, or place them on a hanger and hang them from a deck.

The amount of time you'll need to leave your clothes outside will depend on how strong the cologne scent is. It could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks for the smell to completely disappear.

If you can't hang your clothes outside, you can also hang them inside in a warm, sunlit room with lots of leafy green plants. The plants will help to absorb the odours. You can also use a fan to create a breeze, which will help to air out the clothes.

When hanging your clothes outside, be mindful of the morning dew, as this can make your clothes damp. You should also avoid hanging dark-coloured clothes in direct sunlight, as this can cause the dyes to fade.

Soak clothes before washing

Soaking clothes before washing is a highly effective way to remove cologne or perfume smells from clothing. Firstly, it's important to ensure that the garment is dry before soaking. This is because moisture molecules can disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.

For the soaking process, fill a sink or washing machine with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. Ensure that the vessel is large enough to submerge the garment completely. Leave the clothing to soak overnight, or for a few days if the smell is particularly strong.

After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent. Add a natural deodorizer like vinegar or lemon juice to the wash cycle. For vinegar, add 240ml to the wash, and for lemon juice, create a 1:1 solution with water and spray or soak the garment.

If the smell persists, repeat the airing, soaking, washing, and drying cycle several times.

Use laundry detergent and booster

If you've tried the first two methods of removing cologne smell from your clothes (washing with vinegar and using Castile soap and washing by hand) and they haven't worked, it's time to try the next method: using laundry detergent and booster.

Step 1: Add 1/2 Cup of Detergent, Booster, and/or Baking Soda

Add your desired amount of detergent or go-to cleaning aid. If you want to add extra scent-erasing strength, you can also add baking soda.

Step 2: Wash Clothes in Warm Water

Washing your clothes in warm water will help release the detergent's full power, giving you the greatest chance of getting even the most potent cologne scents out of the fabric.

Step 3: Dry Outside in the Sun

The combination of heat and sunlight will react with the chemical composition of the cologne, helping to lock out the scent after washing.

Other Tips

If you have delicate clothing, such as silk or lace, wash these items by hand or use a gentle cycle on your washing machine to avoid damaging the fabric fibres. For synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon, which can trap odours more easily than natural fabrics, you may need to use a stronger detergent or a baking soda and vinegar solution. Dark-coloured fabrics may also require extra care, as some odour-removal methods, such as baking soda or vinegar, can leave a white residue or cause discolouration. In these cases, try hanging the clothes outside to air out or using a specialised odour absorber like activated charcoal.

Use lemon juice and water

Lemon juice and water can be used to remove cologne from clothes while leaving them smelling fresh and clean. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps to break down and neutralise odours.

To use this method, start by creating a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water. For example, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Mix the solution thoroughly but avoid overdoing it, as this can break the solution's chemical bonds and render it useless.

Once your solution is ready, spray it onto the piece of clothing where the scent is concentrated. You can also spray the entire piece of clothing if you want to give it a fresh lemon scent. After spraying, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas where you applied the solution. This helps ensure that the solution penetrates the fabric's core and effectively removes the scent. It also aids in distributing the lemon scent evenly throughout the garment.

Finally, let the clothing dry outside in the sun. This step is crucial, as it helps to ensure that the lemon scent is absorbed into the fabric. Note that this method is only recommended for dark or old clothes, as lemon juice can potentially wash out lighter fabrics.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove cologne smells from your clothes while leaving them with a pleasant lemon fragrance.

Frequently asked questions