Seamus Hammond
Getting perfume out of clothes can be tricky, especially if the scent has sunk into the fabric. While some fragrances are designed to be long-lasting, others can stain and discolour clothing. To remove perfume from clothes, there are a number of methods you can try, including using natural household products like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and alcohol. Soaking the garment in cold water can also help to lift the scent, as can traditional laundry methods. For more stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the process several times or try a combination of these techniques.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Test perfumes on scrap fabric or an old T-shirt to see if they stain. Spray your fragrance before getting dressed. Try applying your perfume or cologne directly onto your skin so it doesn't get on your clothes. |
| Removing perfume stains | Dab the stain with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, try using a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol, or a mixture of glycerin, detergent, and water. Wash in the washing machine after soaking in equal parts water and baking soda for 15 minutes. |
| Removing perfume scent | Use vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and water, vodka, or laundry detergent. Soak clothes in a mixture of soap and water for an hour, then wash again. Hang clothes in an enclosed space with baking soda or newspaper at the bottom to absorb scents. Wash with detergent and warm water. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak clothes in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda
Soaking your clothes in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda can be an effective way to remove unwanted perfume scents from your clothes. However, it is important to note that vinegar and baking soda should not be combined in the same cycle when doing laundry, as they will cancel each other's benefits out in the wash or rinse water. Instead, you can use them separately to boost the cleaning power of your chosen laundry detergent.
To use baking soda to remove perfume scents, create a mixture of 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Dip an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled scrubbing brush into the mixture and apply it to the stained area of your clothing. Leave the mixture to work on the fabric for 30 minutes, then wash the item as usual with heavy-duty laundry detergent in the warmest water setting that is safe for the fabric. Alternatively, fill your washer tub or a sink with cool water and add dissolved baking soda. Add your perfumed clothes and let them soak overnight. Drain the washer and then wash the laundry as usual.
To use vinegar to remove perfume scents, add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine instead of a commercial fabric softener. The mild acid in the vinegar will help to dissolve any detergent residue left in the fabric fibres that cause stiffness. The softer fibres will also release pet hair and lint, so they can be flushed away. You can also add vinegar to the final rinse cycle by manually pausing your machine right before the cycle and adding a 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load. If you have particularly stubborn stains, you can also use vinegar as a pre-treating soaking solution. Fill a bucket or sink with water and add vinegar, then let your clothes soak in the mixture for about an hour. After soaking, swish the clothes around and wash them again. Once you're done washing the garment, leave it outside to dry in the sun.
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Use laundry detergent with added baking soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help remove perfume scents from clothes. It is an unorthodox but effective method to add extra scent-erasing strength to your laundry detergent.
To use this method, dissolve one cup of baking soda in water and soak your clothes in this solution for several hours or overnight. Then, wash your clothes with laundry detergent as usual, but add white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. If possible, pause the wash cycle for an hour before letting it finish. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary.
If you don't have time to soak your clothes, you can also try sprinkling baking soda over the affected areas of your clothes and placing them in a sealed container or plastic bag for at least 72 hours before washing them. This method allows the baking soda to absorb the odours without the need for a water soak.
You can also add baking soda directly to your laundry detergent when washing your clothes. Use half a cup of baking soda with your detergent and wash your clothes in warm water. This method is especially useful for delicate clothing, as it is less invasive than other methods.
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Spray vodka or rubbing alcohol on the affected area
Vodka or rubbing alcohol can be used to remove perfume from clothes. This method is particularly useful for vintage clothing that cannot be washed. It is also a good option if you do not have time to wash your clothes. To use this method, put the vodka or rubbing alcohol into a fine mist spray bottle and spritz the affected area. Then, let the alcohol evaporate. The alcohol will neutralise the scent and remove any residue from the fabric.
Vodka is a perfect odour remover as it is odourless and colourless, and it has a sanitising effect. It is also useful for killing bacteria that cause odours. This method was learned from theatre costume professionals, who use it to keep garments fresh and sanitised between cleanings.
If you are using rubbing alcohol, you do not need to dilute it with water. However, if you are using vodka, you can add essential oils for added scent and cleaning power. It is recommended to use a ratio of 4-6 drops of essential oil per 2 ounces of vodka.
After spraying the vodka or rubbing alcohol, you can wash the clothing as usual. It is important to dry the clothes completely before wearing or storing them to prevent any remaining scent from lingering.
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Wash clothes with lemon juice and water
Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and fabric softener that can help eliminate odours from your clothes. Lemon juice can be used to neutralise unpleasant smells and keep your clothes looking and feeling their best.
To wash your clothes with lemon juice and water, start by preparing a soaking solution. Mix ¼ cup of lemon juice with a basin of water. Submerge the clothes in this solution and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This will allow the lemon juice to penetrate the fabric and neutralise any lingering odours.
After soaking, proceed to wash the clothes as you normally would. You can also add lemon juice to the rinse cycle of your washing machine to break down any grime or dirt that may have caused the fabric to stiffen. The pleasant aroma of lemons can replace synthetic perfumes found in commercial fabric softeners.
Lemon juice is gentle on fabrics and will not damage them like some chemical cleaners can. It is also a natural bleaching agent, so it can help brighten your laundry. Before using lemon juice on coloured fabrics, it is crucial to perform a patch test to ensure it won't cause any unwanted damage. Apply a small amount of lemon juice to an inconspicuous area of the fabric, such as an inside seam or hem.
In addition to lemon juice, other natural remedies for neutralising odours include baking soda, vinegar, and alcohol or vodka. These household items can effectively remove smells and irritants from most clothing items.
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Use a detergent with cold water
If you're looking to remove perfume stains from your clothes, a detergent with cold water can be an effective solution. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Prepare a Detergent Solution
Start by mixing a mild detergent with cold water. You can use a gentle laundry detergent or opt for natural alternatives like Castile soap or vinegar. If using soap, dilute a few drops in a bucket of cold water. For vinegar, aim for equal parts water and vinegar.
Soak the Garment
Submerge the stained clothing in the detergent solution. Gently agitate the garment to ensure the solution penetrates the fabric. Allow the item to soak for an extended period, at least an hour or two. This step helps loosen the perfume stain and prepares it for further treatment.
Rinse and Wash
After soaking, remove the garment from the detergent solution. Rinse it thoroughly with cold water to remove any residual detergent. Then, proceed to wash the clothing as you normally would, using your preferred laundry detergent and cold water. Follow the care instructions on the garment's label to avoid damaging the fabric.
Air Dry
After washing, it's essential to air dry the garment. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat may affect the results. Hang the clothing outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. The fresh air will help eliminate any lingering perfume odours.
Repeat if Necessary
In some cases, you may need to repeat the process for stubborn perfume stains. If the scent persists, try soaking the garment in a mixture of cold water and baking soda before washing it again. Alternatively, you can pretreat the stain with a detergent-water solution before the next wash cycle.
Using a detergent with cold water is a gentle yet effective approach to removing perfume stains from your clothes. It's important to act promptly and repeat the process if needed. With patience and persistence, you can effectively eliminate perfume odours and stains from your favourite garments.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to remove perfume from clothing, including:
- Using natural household ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice.
- Soaking the clothing in cold water and then washing as usual.
- Spraying the clothing with vodka or rubbing alcohol to neutralize the scent.
The best method depends on the type of fabric and the concentration of the perfume. For washable fabrics, soaking the clothing in cold water and then washing with laundry detergent is usually effective. For more delicate fabrics, natural methods such as using baking soda or vinegar may be preferable.
The time it takes for perfume to leave clothing depends on the amount and concentration of the perfume. Lightly fragranced items can take several hours to several weeks to lose their scent.
