Removing Cologne Stains From Clothes: Effective Methods

Getting cologne out of your clothes can be a tricky task, especially if the scent is strong and has been there for a while. Luckily, there are several methods you can try to eliminate the smell and prevent it from happening again. Here are some of the most common and effective ways to remove cologne odours from your clothes.

Wash with vinegar

Vinegar is a great option for removing cologne from clothes as it's a natural deodorizer. It's also a good eco-friendly option.

Firstly, make sure the clothes are dry. If they're not, the molecules in the moisture could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.

Next, add 240ml of vinegar to your washing machine drum, instead of soap or detergent. You can wash a full load of laundry with vinegar, not just the single item that smells of cologne. Set the wash cycle as normal and add dryer sheets during the drying cycle if you want to add a scent to your laundry.

Make sure the clothes are completely dry at the end of the cycle. If they're left damp and crumpled in the dryer, they could start to smell musty.

If you don't have access to a washing machine, you can also soak the garment in a vinegar solution before washing it by hand. For this method, you'll need to mix equal parts vinegar and water in a large container and fully submerge the clothes in the solution.

You can also use vinegar to get cologne smells out of dry-clean-only items. To do this, place the item in an enclosed box or wardrobe with a bowl of vinegar. Leave the clothes for at least 72 hours.

Hang clothes outside

Hanging your clothes outside is a simple and effective way to remove cologne odours without washing them. The circulating fresh air will help to lift and disperse those stubborn fragrance molecules. The UV light from the sun will also help to neutralise the scent.

If you can, hang your clothes on an outdoor clothesline. If this isn't possible, place them in a warm, well-ventilated room with the windows and doors open. Rotate and spread out the clothes to maximise air exposure. Leave them for at least a few hours, but be aware that it could take a couple of weeks for the scent to fully disappear.

If you're in a hurry, be mindful of the morning dew, which can dampen your clothes and slow down the process.

Before hanging your clothes outside, make sure they are completely dry. Moisture molecules can disrupt the process of odour removal.

Hanging your clothes outside is a great first step to remove cologne odours. For more intensive methods, you can also try using baking soda, dryer sheets, or vinegar during the washing process.

Use lemon juice and water

Lemon juice is a natural and powerful odour-fighting agent. Lemon juice can be used to pre-treat clothing before washing to prevent cologne scents from sticking to the fabric.

To use lemon juice and water to get cologne out of clothes, follow these steps:

• Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. For example, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water.
• Shake the bottle to mix the solution, but don't overdo it, as this can break the chemical bonds in the solution and render it useless.
• Spray the solution liberally onto the affected areas of the clothing. There is no harm in spraying the entire garment if you want to give it a fresh scent.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas where you applied the solution. This helps distribute the lemon scent evenly and ensures the solution penetrates the fabric's core.
• Hang the clothes outside to dry in the sun. This step is crucial for ensuring the lemon scent is absorbed into the fabric. Note: this method is only recommended for dark or old clothes, as lemon juice can lighten lighter fabrics.

The citric acid in lemon juice helps break down and neutralise odours, including strong cologne scents. Lemon juice also has natural bleaching properties, so it can help brighten white clothes without the use of harsh chemical agents.

Use laundry detergent and booster

If you're struggling to get cologne out of your clothes, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, wash your clothes as you normally would, using warm water, as this can help to dissolve the detergent and break down the cologne molecules. However, if the scent is particularly strong, you may need to try something else.

One option is to use laundry detergent and a booster. For this method, add half a cup of detergent and smaller amounts of boosters such as fabric refreshers and baking soda. Then, wash similar colours together in warm water. Laundry detergent performs at its optimal level at around 40 degrees Celsius, so using warmer water will allow it to work at its full power.

If you're looking for a natural alternative, you could try soaking your clothes in a solution of equal parts warm water and lemon juice for several hours before washing as usual. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to break down and neutralise odours, and can also be used as a natural fabric freshener. Alternatively, you could try a specialised product designed to remove perfume smells from clothes, such as an enzymatic laundry detergent or an activated charcoal odour absorber.

Use baking soda and water

Baking soda is a great way to get rid of odours. Its porous structure absorbs smells and neutralises them. It is also alkaline, which means it can remove acidic odour compounds, such as those in sour milk, smoke, sweat, and vomit.

To use baking soda to get cologne out of your clothes, start by filling a large bucket, sink, or bathtub with one cup of baking soda and a gallon of cold water. Stir the mixture until the baking soda has dissolved. Next, add your cologne-scented clothes to the mixture. Make sure they are completely soaked and submerged in the baking soda water. Leave your clothes to soak for 15 minutes to get rid of regular cologne smells. However, if the scent is particularly strong, you can leave them to soak overnight or for up to 24 hours.

Once the pre-soak is complete, drain the baking soda water and put your clothes into the washing machine. There is no need to rinse them in between. You can also add in additional laundry items that didn't need the pre-soak if you need to make up a full load. Then, put the laundry through a regular cycle in the machine with your normal detergent to completely remove the cologne smell. Finally, hang your clothes to dry or put them in the dryer.

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