Remove Cologne Odor From Dresses: Quick And Easy Guide

Getting rid of cologne or perfume smells from clothing can be a challenging task. The oils and chemicals in colognes are designed to be long-lasting, so it's no surprise that they can leave a strong scent on fabrics. Luckily, there are several methods to remove these stubborn smells and prevent them from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get rid of that pesky cologne smell from your dress:

- Wash with Vinegar: Use vinegar instead of soap when washing your dress. Vinegar is an effective natural deodorizer and can help eliminate odours. Add about 240 ml of vinegar to the washing machine and wash as normal.

- Hang Clothes Outside: Hanging your dress outside in the fresh air and sunlight can help naturally dissipate the cologne smell. The wind and sunlight act as a natural deodorizer.

- Use Castile Soap: Castile soap is an eco-friendly detergent that can effectively remove cologne smells. Add a few drops to a bucket of water and hand wash your dress, or wash it in the machine as usual.

- Soak in Baking Soda: Soak your dress in a solution of warm water and baking soda before washing. Baking soda is known for its odour-neutralizing properties and can help break down the cologne molecules.

- Lemon Juice Remedy: Lemon juice has natural deodorizing properties. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water and apply this solution directly to the affected areas of your dress. Gently massage it into the fabric and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.

- Enzyme-Based Laundry Detergents: Try using an enzyme-based laundry detergent if all else fails. These detergents contain enzymes that break down organic compounds like perfume oils. Follow the instructions on the packaging and test on an inconspicuous area first.

Wash with vinegar

Vinegar is a great option for removing cologne from a dress, as it is a fantastic everyday cleaner and a green option.

Firstly, ensure the dress is dry. If the dress is damp, the molecules of moisture could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.

Next, add the dress to your washing machine. Instead of adding soap, pour in around 240ml of vinegar. You can wash the whole load with vinegar, so there is no need to keep the dress separate from the rest of the load. Set the wash cycle as if it were detergent that was in the machine.

After the cycle is over, throw the load into the dryer with scented or unscented dryer sheets. It is important to ensure the cycle is run until the clothes are completely dry. If the garments are left damp and crumpled in the dryer, more musty smells can develop.

If you don't have access to a washing machine, you can also soak the dress in a vinegar and water mixture. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add half a cup of white vinegar. Immerse the dress in the mixture, making sure it is fully submerged. Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour, and then wash the dress as usual. This method is particularly useful for delicate fabrics that may be sensitive to direct application of vinegar.

Hang clothes outside

Hanging your dress outside is a great way to get rid of cologne or perfume smells. Leaving your garment outside for 12 or more hours will allow fresh air to permeate the fabric and neutralise the scent. If you can, hang your dress on a washing line in a breezy spot outside, but if you don't have a washing line, you can drape it over an outdoor banister or hang it from a deck or fence.

If you can, place your dress near leafy, green plants, as they can help absorb the chemicals in the cologne. The time needed to air out your dress depends on how strong the scent is. It may take a few hours or a couple of weeks to completely get rid of the smell.

If you want to speed up the process, you can also try soaking your dress in a mixture of vinegar and water before hanging it outside to dry. Vinegar is known for its odour-neutralising properties. To make the mixture, add equal parts of white vinegar and water to a large container and then submerge your dress. Leave it to soak for 30 minutes to an hour, and then wash your dress as usual.

If you don't want to use vinegar, you can also try using baking soda. Make a paste by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water. Apply the paste to any smelly spots on your dress and let it dry completely before brushing it off. Alternatively, you can place your dress in a plastic bag and pour in half a cup of baking soda. Shake the bag thoroughly and let it sit for about 10 minutes before removing your dress and shaking off any remaining baking soda.

Soak clothes before washing

Soaking clothes before washing is a great way to remove stubborn odours, and it can be particularly useful for delicate fabrics. Here are some methods you can use to soak your dress and remove the cologne smell:

Vinegar Soak

Firstly, make sure your dress is dry. It's important to remove any moisture, such as sweat, as this can disrupt the chemical reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied. Next, fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add half a cup of white vinegar. You can also use a washing machine for this step if your dress is not made of delicate fabric. Immerse your dress in the mixture, ensuring it is fully submerged. Let it soak for around 30 minutes to an hour. After soaking, wash your dress as usual, following the care label guidelines.

Baking Soda Soak

Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. You can also use a washing machine if your dress is not delicate. Make sure the vessel is large enough to submerge your dress completely. Soak the dress overnight or for at least a few hours. Then, wash the dress as usual, following the care label instructions.

Lemon Juice Soak

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water. Apply this solution directly to the affected area of the dress and gently massage it into the fabric. Lemon juice has natural deodorizing properties that can help neutralize strong scents like cologne. Leave the solution on the dress for 10 to 15 minutes, then wash the dress as normal.

Enzyme-Based Laundry Detergent Soak

If the cologne smell is still lingering, try using an enzyme-based laundry detergent. These detergents contain enzymes that are designed to break down organic compounds such as perfume oils. Follow the instructions on the detergent's packaging, and select the appropriate temperature for the fabric you're washing. It is recommended to test the detergent on an inconspicuous area of the dress first.

Vodka Spritz

Pour some vodka into a spray bottle and spritz it on the affected areas of your dress. As the alcohol in the vodka evaporates, it will help lift and remove the cologne odour.

After soaking and washing your dress, it is important to dry and air it out properly. Hang the dress on a clothesline or drying rack in fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help remove any remaining odours. However, bright sunlight can cause dyes to fade, so hang dark-coloured dresses in the shade.

Use lemon juice and water

Lemon juice mixed with water can effectively remove cologne or perfume scents from clothing. The juice's acidity helps to neutralise scents, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean.

Step 1: Create a Lemon Juice and Water Solution

In a spray bottle, mix equal parts lemon juice and water. For example, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Ensure you mix the solution thoroughly, but do not overdo it, as this can break the solution's chemical bonds and render it useless.

Step 2: Spray the Solution onto the Dress

Spray the lemon water solution onto the dress, focusing on the areas where the cologne scent is concentrated. You can also spray the entire dress if you want to give it a fresh lemon scent.

Step 3: Scrub the Fabric

Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the areas of the dress where you applied the solution. This ensures that the solution penetrates the fabric's core and effectively removes the cologne scent. It also helps distribute the lemon scent evenly throughout the dress.

Step 4: Air-Dry the Dress

Hang the dress outside to dry in a well-ventilated area, preferably in direct sunlight. While sunlight and fresh air help neutralise odours, they also ensure that the lemon scent is absorbed into the fabric. Note that this method is only recommended for dark and old clothes, as lemon juice can potentially wash out lighter fabrics.

Additional Tips:

• If the dress is dry-clean-only, place it in direct sunlight for 24 hours first. The sun and wind may remove much of the cologne scent.
• If the above step doesn't work, hang the dress in an enclosed cardboard box or wardrobe. Add a "scent sucker" like crumpled newspaper or a box of baking soda to the bottom of the box. These items will naturally absorb the cologne scent. Leave the dress enclosed for at least 72 hours.
• To prevent cologne smells from lingering on your clothes in the future, apply cologne to your pulse points (wrists, neck, and behind the ears) instead of spraying it directly onto your clothes.
• Allow the cologne to dry completely on your skin before getting dressed to reduce the likelihood of the scent transferring to your clothes.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively remove cologne scents from your dress using lemon juice and water.

Use laundry detergent and booster

If you're looking to get cologne out of a dress, you might want to try a few methods before reaching for the laundry detergent. Firstly, try hanging the dress outside in the fresh air and sunlight for a few hours. This method works well to naturally dissipate scents. If this doesn't work, you could try using baking soda. Create a mixture of one part baking soda and two parts water, and gently rub the solution onto the affected area. Leave it for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with water. Baking soda is great at absorbing unpleasant odours.

If the baking soda method doesn't work, it's time to bring out the vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and spray the solution onto the affected area. Leave the dress for 20-30 minutes, then wash it as usual. For more stubborn cologne smells, fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add half a cup of vinegar. Immerse the dress in the mixture, making sure it is fully submerged. Let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour, then wash as usual.

If the scent is still lingering, you could try using lemon juice. Dilute lemon juice with an equal amount of water, and apply this solution directly to the affected area. Lemon juice has natural deodorizing properties that can neutralize strong scents. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then wash the dress.

If all else fails, it might be time to try laundry detergent and booster. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Add 1/2 Cup of Detergent, Booster, and/or Baking Soda

Just like you would with any load of laundry, add your desired amount of detergent or go-to cleaning aid. You could also add baking soda for extra scent-erasing strength.

Step 2: Wash Clothes in Warm Water

Washing in warm water will help release the detergent's full power, meaning you have a greater chance of getting even the most potent cologne scents out of the fabric.

Step 3: Dry Outside in the Sun

The combination of heat and sunlight will react with the chemical composition of the cologne, helping to lock out the scent after washing.

Frequently asked questions