Removing Lingering Cologne Scents: A Step-By-Step Guide

Getting rid of cologne or perfume smells can be a tricky task, especially when dealing with strong or lingering scents. The good news is that there are several effective methods to remove unwanted fragrances from various surfaces, fabrics, and even your skin!

Whether you're looking to eliminate perfume odours from a room, remove excessive cologne odours from clothes, or neutralise fragrance on your skin, a variety of household items and natural remedies can help.

From increasing ventilation and using natural deodorisers like vinegar and baking soda to soaking clothes in specific solutions and utilising enzyme-based detergents, this guide will explore numerous strategies to tackle even the most stubborn perfume and cologne scents.

Airing out clothes

To air out clothes, hang them outside in a breezy, warm, and sunlit area. If hanging them outdoors is not possible, hang them in a room with these same conditions and place leafy green plants in the room, as they can help absorb odours.

For delicate fabrics like silk or lace, it is recommended to wash them by hand or use a gentle cycle in the washing machine to avoid damaging the fabric fibres.

Baking soda and water paste

Baking soda is a well-known natural cleaner that can be used to effectively remove cologne and other unwanted smells. When mixed with water, it forms a paste that can be applied directly to affected areas. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use baking soda and water paste to eliminate cologne odours:

Preparing the Baking Soda and Water Paste

Start by mixing baking soda and water in a small bowl. The exact measurements may vary depending on the size of the affected area and the intensity of the cologne smell. As a general guideline, mix one part water with three parts baking soda. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste. The paste should be spreadable but not runny. You can adjust the consistency by adding small amounts of water or baking soda as needed.

Applying the Paste to the Affected Area

Once you have prepared the paste, use a spatula, brush, or gloved hand to apply it to the surfaces that retain the cologne odour. This method is particularly useful for fabrics such as upholstery, curtains, clothing, or carpets that have absorbed the cologne smell. Spread the paste evenly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage. You can also gently rub the paste into the fabric to help it penetrate deeper and absorb the odour more effectively.

Allowing the Paste to Work

After applying the paste, let it sit for several hours or even overnight. The longer you allow it to work, the more effective it will be at absorbing and neutralising the cologne odour. Baking soda typically needs at least 24 hours to absorb odours, and for stubborn smells, it may take a few days to eliminate them completely. During this time, ensure that the area is well-ventilated by opening windows or using fans to promote air circulation.

Removing the Paste

Once the paste has had sufficient time to work, you can remove it by vacuuming or brushing it off the surface. If you are treating fabric items, wash them as usual after removing the paste. For hard surfaces, use a damp cloth to wipe away any remaining residue, ensuring that the area is thoroughly cleaned.

Enhancing the Effectiveness

While baking soda and water paste is effective on its own, you can enhance its odour-eliminating properties by adding a few drops of essential oil to the mixture. Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or citrus oils not only provide a pleasant scent but also have natural deodorising properties. Alternatively, you can also use vinegar instead of water to make the paste, as vinegar is a powerful natural deodoriser.

Vinegar and water spray

Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and can be used to get rid of cologne or perfume smells. To use this method, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the air. You can also use the solution to wipe down surfaces with a cloth. This is a great natural alternative to store-bought air fresheners and odor neutralizers.

For removing cologne or perfume smells from clothes, wash the garment with vinegar. Make sure the clothing is dry before washing, as the molecules in any moisture could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied. Load your garment into the washing machine and add 240ml of vinegar instead of soap. You can wash a full load of laundry with vinegar. After adding the vinegar, set the wash cycle as normal. The vinegar will act as a cleaning agent, and you can use dryer sheets during drying to add a desired scent. After the cycle is over, throw the load into the dryer and be sure to run the cycle until the clothes are completely dry.

If you are looking to remove the smell of cologne or perfume from a room, you can also place jars of vinegar around the room. The vinegar will absorb the cologne smell, but the room might temporarily smell of vinegar instead.

Lemon juice and water solution

Lemon juice and water is an effective solution for removing cologne or perfume smells from clothes. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps to break down and neutralise odours.

To make a lemon juice and water solution, mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. For example, 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 and render it useless.

Once you have prepared the solution, spray it onto the piece of clothing where the scent is concentrated. You can also spray the entire piece of clothing to give it a fresh lemon scent. After applying the solution, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas of application. This helps to ensure that the solution penetrates the fabric's core and effectively removes the scent. It also helps to distribute the lemon scent evenly throughout the garment.

Note that this method is only recommended for dark and old clothes, as lemon juice has the potential to wash out lighter fabrics. After applying the solution, hang the clothes outside to dry in the sun. The sun's heat and rays will help to activate and enhance the effect of the lemon juice. Leave the clothes outside for at least 24 hours to ensure complete dryness.

In addition to removing cologne or perfume smells, lemon juice can also be used as a natural fabric freshener. You can either spray it directly onto clothes or add a few drops to your laundry detergent. For a quick fix, rub a fresh lemon slice directly onto the affected area of clothing.

Enzyme-based laundry detergents

• Choose a detergent with a variety of plant enzymes to target different types of stains and odours. Look for enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, and more.
• Fully saturate the affected areas of the garment with the enzyme-based detergent. It is recommended to wait at least 15 minutes, but for the best results, wait 8 hours or more before washing.
• Gently scrub or agitate the treated areas with a soft-bristled brush or by rubbing the fabric together. This helps to work the detergent into the fibres and break down the odour-causing particles.
• Wash the garment according to the care instructions. Enzyme-based detergents are effective in both warm and cold water, so choose the appropriate temperature setting for the fabric.
• If the odour persists, repeat the above steps as needed. Avoid tumble drying the garment until you are sure the odour is gone, as the heat can "bake" any remaining odour molecules into the fabric. Instead, air dry the item and repeat the washing process if necessary.
• For particularly tough odours, consider using an enzyme-based pre-soak or pre-treatment product before washing. This will give the enzymes more time to work on breaking down the odour-causing particles.
• In addition to enzyme-based detergents, there are other natural products that can help remove cologne smells. These include vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and castile soap. These products can be used in conjunction with enzyme-based detergents for even better results.

Frequently asked questions