Seamus Hammond
Getting perfume out of clothes can be a challenge, but there are several methods to try. The first is to simply air the clothes outside overnight. The wind and sunlight may naturally remove the scent. Another method is to use a detergent such as Tide Hygienic Clean 10x and set the washing machine to double rinse. Adding baking soda or vinegar to the wash cycle can also help, as vinegar acts as a cleaning agent. It's important to wash with warm water and avoid fabric softener or dryer sheets, as these can leave a residue. If these methods don't work, you can try washing the clothes with a traditional detergent, which may help to neutralise the fragrance.
How to Clean Perfume from Clothes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Agents | Vinegar, detergent, baking soda, fabric softener, soap, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice, vodka, witch hazel |
| Techniques | Soaking, hand washing, machine washing, drying with dryer sheets, airing outside |
| Tools | Washing machine, dryer, bucket, cotton balls, swabs |
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What You'll Learn
Soak in vinegar
Vinegar is an effective remedy to neutralize perfume odours on clothes. It is a natural cleaner that can help cut through perfume residue in the fibres of your clothes.
Before using vinegar to clean your clothes, ensure that the garment is free of moisture, such as sweat. The molecules in the moisture could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.
To soak your clothes in vinegar, start by filling a bucket or your washing machine drum with warm water. Add vinegar to the water—the amount of vinegar will depend on the size of your load and the strength of the perfume odour, but a good rule of thumb is to use 240ml of vinegar for a regular load. Place the clothes in the vinegar and water solution and let them soak for about an hour.
After an hour, swish the clothes around in the solution and then wash them again with fresh water and vinegar. You can also add a few drops of liquid soap to the vinegar solution to help boost its cleaning power.
Once you have finished washing the garment, dry it outside in the sun. Sunlight will help remove any lingering odours. However, bright sunlight can cause dyes to fade, so hang dark-coloured clothes in the shade.
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Wash with detergent
If other methods have failed to remove perfume from your clothes, it may be time to try a traditional wash with detergent. This classic solution involves washing your clothes as you normally would, but with the added benefit of priming from previous attempts at removing the scent.
To start, simply add your desired amount of detergent or go-to cleaning aid, such as laundry detergent or soap. If you're looking for extra scent-erasing strength, consider adding a little baking soda to your wash. It may seem unorthodox, but it can help boost the power of your detergent.
When it comes to water temperature, opt for warm or hot water instead of cold. This will help release the full power of your detergent, increasing your chances of removing even the most stubborn perfume scents. If the fabric allows, washing at higher temperatures is generally more effective.
After adding your detergent and choosing the right water temperature, it's time to start the wash cycle. Make sure to set it as you normally would when washing your clothes, and consider adding an extra rinse cycle if possible. This will help ensure that any remaining detergent or perfume residue is thoroughly washed away.
Once the wash cycle is complete, it's important to dry your clothes properly. Avoid using fabric softener or dryer sheets, as these can leave a residue on your clothes that may make the problem worse. Instead, opt for scented or unscented dryer sheets to add a pleasant scent and ensure your clothes are completely dry. Alternatively, you can air-dry your clothes outside, allowing the wind and sunlight to naturally wash away any lingering perfume. Just be mindful of the morning dew, as this can leave your clothes damp for an extended period.
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Use baking soda
Baking soda is a great natural remedy to remove perfume from clothes. It is a powerful odour absorber and can be used in a few different ways.
Firstly, it can be used as a laundry booster. Add half a cup of baking soda to your regular detergent during the wash cycle. It will boost the detergent's effectiveness in eliminating odours and keep your clothes free of any smell. Make sure to check the care labels on your clothes to ensure they are compatible with this method.
You can also use baking soda without washing the garment. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the areas of the fabric that have been soaked with perfume. Leave the powder on for a couple of hours or overnight, so it can effectively absorb the odour. Finally, shake or brush off the powder.
Another method is to place the fragrant garments in a sealed plastic tub or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box of baking soda. Leave the clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours. The baking soda will absorb the odours, just like it does in your refrigerator.
If you are looking for a quicker fix, try using baking soda with vinegar. Soak your clothing in a sink or washing machine filled with warm water and one cup of baking soda. Leave the clothes to soak overnight. Then, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the cycle.
These natural, homemade remedies are an excellent way to remove perfume odours from clothes.
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Air clothes outside
Airing clothes outside is a simple yet effective way to remove unwanted perfume odours. The natural airflow and sunlight help to disperse lingering fragrance molecules and naturally break them down.
To air your clothes outside, find a breezy spot in direct sunlight and hang your clothing from a clothesline, or drape them over an outdoor banister or hanger. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can also hang your clothes near an open window or use a fan to improve ventilation. Leaving your clothes outside for at least 12 hours is recommended for optimal results, but be mindful of the morning dew, which can dampen your clothes.
If you're in a hurry, there are quick fixes you can try. For instance, you can place your clothes in a sealed container with coffee grounds, which helps absorb unpleasant perfume smells. Alternatively, you can use a fabric spray with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to neutralise odours.
While airing your clothes outside is a great first step, you may need to repeat the process or combine it with other methods, such as washing with vinegar or using an odour-absorbing substance like baking soda, to completely eliminate strong perfume scents.
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Try specialised products
If you're looking for specialised products to help remove perfume from your clothes, there are several options available. Firstly, you could try using a laundry booster, which is a washing additive designed to remove bacteria and odours. Baking soda can also be used as a natural, homemade laundry booster. Another option is to use an enzyme cleaner, which targets and eliminates perfume odours effectively.
If you're looking for a quicker fix, fabric refreshers can be used to trap odour molecules and keep them suspended until the garment can be cleaned. Febreze is a commonly recommended product for this purpose, and it comes in both scented and unscented varieties.
For dry-clean-only clothing, specialised methods are available to remove odours, although these typically involve the use of harsh chemicals. When taking dry-clean-only items to a dry cleaner, be sure to mention any fragrance sensitivity you may have, as some dry cleaning chemicals can also contain perfumes.
Additionally, scented laundry detergents can be used to mask the smell of perfume. Plant-based detergents are a good option if you're looking for a natural fragrance to cover up the perfume scent. However, if you're sensitive to chemicals, this may not be the best option.
When using specialised products, always check the care label of your garment to determine the best water temperature and amount of detergent or additive to use.
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Frequently asked questions
Try washing your clothes with a detergent or cleaning agent, such as vinegar, baking soda, or soap.
You can use a detergent, or a natural soap such as Castile soap.
Try hanging your clothes outside overnight. The wind and sunlight may naturally wash away any lingering perfume.
Try washing your clothes again with a detergent or cleaning agent, but this time use warm water.
