Get Rid Of Cologne Stench From Your Comforter

Getting cologne out of a comforter can be a challenge, but there are several methods that can help eliminate the scent. One common approach is to use natural odour eliminators such as vinegar, baking soda, and fresh air. Hanging the comforter outdoors in the sunlight and allowing it to air out for several hours can help neutralise the cologne scent. Another option is to create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the comforter, being careful not to oversaturate it. Letting the comforter air dry completely will remove the vinegar smell along with the cologne.

Airing out the comforter

Airing out your comforter is one of the most straightforward and effective methods to get rid of the cologne smell. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with the process:

Choose a Sunny Day:

Try to pick a warm, sunny day for the task, as sunlight and fresh air are natural odor reducers. The sunlight will also help kill bacteria and allergens, giving your comforter a full refresh.

Prepare the Comforter:

Before you hang the comforter outside, lay it on a clean surface and let it sit in direct sunlight for a few hours. This will help evaporate any residual moisture and start the odor-reducing process. Remember to flip the comforter to ensure even exposure to the sunlight.

Hang the Comforter:

After the initial sunbath, it's time to hang your comforter on a clothesline or drying rack. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can hang it near an open window to allow for proper ventilation and sunlight exposure. Ensure the comforter is securely hung, so it doesn't blow away or fall.

Let it Air Out:

Leave the comforter to air out for several hours. The duration will depend on how strong the cologne smell is and how long it has been there. It might take a few hours to a couple of days for the smell to fade significantly.

Repeat if Necessary:

If the smell persists, you can repeat the airing-out process. Additionally, you can combine it with other odor-removal methods, such as using baking soda, white vinegar, or essential oils, as suggested in the original search results.

Remember that airing out your comforter regularly is also an excellent way to keep it smelling fresh and prevent lingering smells.

Using baking soda

Baking soda is a fantastic natural odour absorber and can be used in a few different ways to get cologne out of a comforter.

Firstly, you can sprinkle baking soda over the affected area of the comforter and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, shake off the excess powder and give the comforter a good shake to eliminate any remaining cologne particles.

Another method is to soak the comforter before washing. Fill a basin or your washing machine with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. Submerge the comforter completely and let it soak overnight or for a few days. Then, wash the comforter as usual, following the care label guidelines.

You can also use baking soda to freshen up your comforter without washing it. Simply sprinkle baking soda over the comforter and let it sit for an hour or more. Then, vacuum the baking soda off the comforter (shaking it off can leave a thin layer of powder that may irritate the skin). Flip the comforter and repeat the process on the other side. This method will help eliminate odours and freshen your comforter.

Additionally, you can make a baking soda air freshener spray to help eliminate odours. Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with five to six drops of an essential oil of your choice. Mix well and then spoon the mixture into an empty spray bottle. Add water to fill the bottle and shake well. You can then spray this mixture onto your comforter to help neutralise any cologne odours.

Using white vinegar

To get cologne out of a comforter, white vinegar is a great option. White vinegar is a natural fabric softener and odour neutraliser that is safe to use on down comforters. It can also help remove detergent residue that may dull the colour of your comforter.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Always read your care label before trying any stain removal method. Do not use any products or procedures prohibited by the care label. Some materials, like down or wool, can be damaged by certain cleaning agents, so it's important to check the label first.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Before washing your comforter, it's a good idea to pre-treat any visible stains. Use a mild detergent and water solution to dab at the stains. Avoid scrubbing, as this can damage delicate fabrics. For larger stains, mix a bit of oxygen bleach or a commercial fabric spot cleaner in warm water and let the comforter soak for 30 minutes before washing.

Step 3: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can also use a 1:1 solution of lemon juice and water for extra odour-fighting power. Lemon juice is acidic and can help erase scents from the fabric while leaving a fresh, clean scent.

Step 4: Apply the Vinegar Solution

Lightly mist the comforter with the vinegar solution, avoiding oversaturation. Pay particular attention to areas with strong cologne scents.

Step 5: Air Out the Comforter

Let the comforter air out completely until the vinegar smell dissipates. Sunlight and fresh air can naturally reduce odours by evaporating any residual moisture. Lay the comforter out on a clean surface outside or hang it on a clothesline in direct sunlight for several hours. Flip the comforter over periodically to ensure even exposure.

Step 6: Wash the Comforter

After the comforter has aired out, it's time to wash it. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent that is safe for the fabric of your comforter. Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold or warm water to avoid damaging the fabric. If your comforter is made of natural fibres like wool, you may want to use a detergent specifically designed for those materials.

Step 7: Dry the Comforter

After washing, thoroughly dry the comforter. Down comforters can take a long time to dry, so it's important to use a low heat setting in your dryer. You can also air dry the comforter after the dryer to ensure all moisture has evaporated. Using dryer balls or clean tennis balls in the dryer can help fluff the comforter evenly.

Step 8: Repeat if Necessary

If the cologne scent persists, you may need to repeat the above steps. Alternatively, you can try using other odour removal methods, such as baking soda or oxygen bleach.

Using essential oils

To get cologne out of a comforter, you could try using essential oils. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Essential Oils

Select three essential oils with top, middle, and base notes. For a masculine scent, consider woodsy, earthy, spicy, or citrus notes. Examples include wild orange, sandalwood, frankincense, lemon, cardamom, ylang-ylang, vetiver, cedarwood, lemongrass, basil, douglas fir, bergamot, clove, and white fir.

Step 2: Blend the Essential Oils

Experiment with blending your chosen essential oils. Start with a few drops of each oil and mix them together. Remember that not all notes will go well together, so this step may require some trial and error. Aim for a total of 25-30 drops for small bottles and 35-50 drops for larger bottles.

Step 3: Add a Carrier

Add a carrier, such as witch hazel, distilled water, or a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. If using witch hazel or distilled water, add two parts of the carrier to one part of your essential oil blend. If using a carrier oil, fill the rest of your bottle with it after adding the essential oils.

Step 4: Allow it to Sit

Let the mixture sit for at least a week to allow the essential oils to infuse. For a stronger fragrance, you can also add glycerin to the mixture.

Step 5: Apply

Once your mixture is ready, apply it to the affected area on the comforter. You can also use this as a natural cologne and apply it to your chest, wrists, and neck.

Creating your own essential oil blend can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will it help remove the cologne scent from your comforter, but it will also result in a unique and appealing fragrance that you can use yourself or gift to others.

Using professional cleaning services

If you don't want to attempt to remove the cologne stain from your comforter yourself, you can always enlist the help of a professional cleaning service.

Professional cleaning services are a great option if you don't have the time or inclination to clean your comforter yourself, or if you're dealing with a particularly stubborn stain. They have the necessary tools and expertise to effectively remove stains and odours, and can also provide guidance on how to best care for your comforter.

When choosing a professional cleaning service, it's important to select a reputable company with experience in handling similar items. Ask for references or read online reviews to get an idea of the quality of their work. It's also a good idea to find out what types of cleaning products and methods they use to ensure they are safe and effective for your comforter.

Some professional cleaning services offer specialised cleaning for items like comforters, taking into account the specific materials and fillings used. This can be especially useful if you have a down comforter, as these require extra care to maintain their loft and freshness.

Costs for professional cleaning services can vary depending on the size and type of comforter, as well as the extent of the cleaning required. Some companies offer flat rates for comforter cleaning, while others may charge by the hour or provide a quote based on the specific services needed. Be sure to ask for a cost estimate before booking their services.

When using a professional cleaning service, you can also request additional services such as deep cleaning, stain protection, or odour removal. They can also advise you on how often your comforter should be cleaned and provide tips on how to maintain it between professional cleanings.

By choosing a professional cleaning service, you can rest assured that your comforter is in good hands and will be cleaned thoroughly and safely. This option can save you time and effort, and help extend the life of your comforter.

Frequently asked questions