The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning Cologne Spills

Whether you're dealing with a stubborn stain or simply trying to eliminate an overpowering scent, knowing how to clean cologne from various surfaces is a valuable skill. From fabric care to skin and household surfaces, here are some methods to effectively remove cologne stains and odours.

How to Clean Cologne

Removing cologne from skin

Removing cologne from the skin can be a tricky task, as the fragrance is designed to linger. However, there are several methods you can try to neutralise the scent and remove any remaining residue.

Soap and Water

The simplest method is to wash the skin with soap and water. This is often effective for mild colognes, but stronger fragrances may require additional steps.

Makeup Remover

Makeup remover wipes, such as Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes, can be effective at removing cologne from the skin. Follow up with a facial moisturiser to ensure your skin feels clean and soft.

Oil

Applying oil to the skin, such as baby oil, can help to break down the cologne. Dab the oil onto the skin, wait for around 10 minutes, then wash it off with soap or shower gel.

Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol or hand sanitiser can be effective at removing cologne when you're on the go. Simply apply it to the skin and allow it to dry. Be cautious, as alcohol can dry out your skin.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another natural product that can help neutralise strong scents. Dilute the vinegar with water and apply it to the skin using a soft cloth.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has mild acid properties that can help break up scent molecules. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water and apply the solution to the skin.

It's important to note that lemon juice may wash out lighter fabrics, so test it on a small area first. Additionally, avoid using any method that involves alcohol or vinegar on acrylic or modacrylic fibres, as it can damage them.

Removing cologne from fabric

To remove cologne from fabric, you can try a few different methods. Firstly, it is important to act quickly and treat the stain when it is still fresh. Start by dabbing the stain with cold water, then wash the garment as usual. If the stain persists, try one of the following methods:

Method 1: Vinegar

Make sure the garment is dry, then add it to your washing machine along with your usual detergent and 240ml of vinegar. Wash and dry as normal.

Method 2: Baking Soda

Soak the garment in a solution of warm water and baking soda for several hours or overnight. Then, wash the item as normal, adding an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed.

Method 3: Lemon Juice

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and apply to the garment. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the fabric, then hang it out to dry.

Method 4: Detergent and Booster

Add 1/2 cup of detergent, booster and/or baking soda to your wash, and wash the clothes in warm water. Dry the clothes outside in the sun if possible, as this will help to lock out the scent.

Method 5: Castile Soap

Ensure the garment is dry, then add 4-5 drops of Castile soap to a bucket of warm water. Soak the garment in the solution for about an hour, then wash and dry as normal.

Method 6: Rubbing Alcohol

Sponge the stain with a little rubbing alcohol, then cover with an absorbent pad that has been dampened with alcohol. Leave until the stain is removed, keeping the pad moist. Once the stain is gone, rinse the fabric with water and allow to dry.

Always check the care label on your garment and test any cleaning agents on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Removing cologne from upholstery

To remove cologne stains from upholstery, you should first blot up any excess liquid. If the stain is still fresh, you can try to lift it with cold water. For more stubborn stains, try one of the following methods:

Method 1:

Mix a solution of 1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon detergent, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Soak the upholstery in the solution for about 15 minutes, then rinse. If the stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol, rinse thoroughly, and launder.

Method 2:

Mix a solution of 1 part glycerin, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Apply the solution to the stain sparingly, then cover the stain with an absorbent pad dampened with the solution. Allow it to sit until the stain is removed, keeping the stain and pad moist with the solution. Sponge with clear water and blot thoroughly.

Method 3:

Mix a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, creating a large volume of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge and wipe with a clean, dry cloth. If any oil stain remains, rub with a soft, dry cloth. Once the stain is gone, apply a leather conditioner.

Method 4:

Try steam cleaning. Vacuum the upholstery first, then pretreat any heavy stains with a cleaning solution. Follow your steam cleaner's guidelines to use it properly.

It is important to test any cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they do not damage your upholstery. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and care labels before cleaning.

Removing cologne from paper

To remove cologne from paper, it is important to act quickly as cologne often permanently stains paper. First, carefully wipe the area with a sponge dipped in clear, cool water and wrung out until damp. Overlap strokes to prevent streaking. Then, gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth.

Next, rub the stain with a little denatured alcohol. Follow this with a liberal application of boiled linseed oil. If the stain persists, leave some oil on the surface for 24 hours, then wipe with a clean, soft cloth and polish or wax as usual.

Be cautious when using commercial products or combinations of cleaning supplies. Always store and dispose of products/cans/containers as recommended and keep them out of the reach of children.

Removing cologne from other surfaces

Cologne can be difficult to remove from various surfaces, but with the right techniques and products, it is possible. Here are some methods to remove cologne from different types of surfaces:

• Wood (interior and exterior): Immediately rub the stained area with a small amount of denatured alcohol. Follow this by applying a generous amount of boiled linseed oil. If the stain persists, keep the oil on the surface for 24 hours, then wipe it off with a soft, clean cloth and polish or wax the surface as usual.
• Upholstered furniture: Blot the excess liquid gently. Sponge the stain with clear water. Spray a commercial fabric spot remover on the stain, following the directions on the product. Blot the area thoroughly and let it dry. If the stain remains, create a solution of one part glycerin, one part white dishwashing detergent, and eight parts water. Apply a few drops of this solution to the stain and cover it with an absorbent cloth dampened with the same solution. Keep the cloth and stain moist with the solution and allow it to work until the stain is removed. Sponge the area with clear water, blot, and let it dry.
• Paper (leather and suede): Blot the excess liquid gently. Mix a mild soap with lukewarm water to create a sudsy solution. Apply only the foam to the stain using a sponge. Wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth. If any oily stain remains, apply a dry-cleaning solvent to an absorbent cloth and gently dab the stain. Rub the area with a soft, dry cloth. Once the stain is gone, apply a leather conditioner, such as saddle soap.
• Acrylic plastic, alabaster, ceramic glass, glass, and plastic: Wash the spill with a solution of warm sudsy water. Rinse well and wipe the surface dry with a clean cloth.
• Kitchen/bathroom cabinets (wood): Follow the same procedure as for wood (interior and exterior).
• Porches, decks, patios (wood): Rub the stain with denatured alcohol, followed by boiled linseed oil. If the stain persists, leave the oil on the surface for 24 hours, then wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth. Wood may need to be resealed.
• Tile and grout: Clean up as much of the spill as possible. Try using vinegar and baking soda, scrubbing the area, and allowing it to sit for several hours before mopping and removing the residue with paper towels. Repeat this process if necessary. If the smell persists, consider using an air purifier or a charcoal air filter for the HVAC system. You can also try using paint thinner, an ozone generator (with caution), or resealing the grout.
• Air and ventilation: Open windows and doors to increase air circulation and speed up the dissipation of the cologne scent.
• Other surfaces: For surfaces like acrylic fabric, burlap, carpet, cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, and wool, sponge the stain with water and apply a wet spotter. Cover the stain with an absorbent pad dampened with the wet spotter and let it stand until the stain is removed. Change the pad as it absorbs the stain, keeping both the pad and the stain moist with the wet spotter. Flush the area with water and repeat the process if necessary. If the stain remains, apply rubbing alcohol and cover it with an absorbent pad dampened with alcohol. Let it stand, changing the pad as it absorbs the stain, and keep the area moist with alcohol. Finally, flush the area with water and let it dry.

Frequently asked questions