Remove Cologne Scents From Clothes: Easy, Wash-Free Methods

Getting cologne out of clothes without washing them can be tricky, but it's not impossible. One option is to hang the clothes outside in the fresh air and sunlight for a few hours, which can help dissipate the scent. Alternatively, you could try using a natural deodorizer like vinegar or baking soda. Vinegar can be used as a substitute for laundry detergent and baking soda can be applied as a paste to specific spots on the clothing. For delicate fabrics, hand washing with Castile soap is an option.

Methods to Get Cologne Smell Out of Clothes Without Washing

Hang clothes outside

Hanging your clothes outside is a great way to get rid of cologne smells without washing them. The fresh air and sunlight will help to dissipate the scent.

To start, pick a breezy spot outside in direct sunlight. If you have a clothing line, hang your clothes there. If you don't have access to a clothing line, you can drape your clothes over an outdoor banister or place them on a hanger and hang them from a deck or fence. You can also place your clothing near leafy, green plants, as they may help absorb some of the chemicals.

Leave your clothes outside for at least 12 hours, but the amount of time needed will depend on how strong the cologne scent is. It may take a few hours or a couple of weeks for the smell to completely disappear.

If you are short on time, you can try hanging your clothes outside for a few hours before washing them. This will help to naturally dissipate the scent, and then you can try one of the other methods to remove the remaining smell.

Wash with vinegar

Vinegar is an effective natural deodorizer and can be used to eliminate odours from clothes without washing them. To use vinegar to remove cologne smells from your clothes, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that the clothes are completely dry. It is important that the garment is free of moisture, as this can disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.

Next, add your garment to the washing machine and pour in around 240ml of vinegar instead of soap or detergent. You can wash a full load of laundry with vinegar, so there is no need to keep the piece of clothing separate from the rest of the load.

After adding the vinegar, simply wash the load as normal. Set the wash cycle as if it were detergent that was in the machine. Vinegar will act as a cleaning agent, and dryer sheets can be used during drying to add a desired scent.

Once the wash cycle is complete, place the clothes in the dryer with scented or unscented dryer sheets. Ensure that the clothes are completely dry before removing them from the dryer. If the garments are left damp and crumpled in the dryer, more musty smells can develop.

If the cologne smell persists, there are several other methods you can try to remove the odour. One method is to hang your clothes outside in the fresh air and sunlight for a few hours before washing, which can help dissipate the scent. Alternatively, you can try using a natural alternative such as lemon juice or baking soda, which are known for their odour-neutralizing properties.

Use lemon juice and water

Lemon juice can be an effective way to remove cologne smells from clothes without washing them. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to break down and neutralise odours.

To use this method, start by creating a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water. You can either soak the clothes in this solution for several hours before rinsing, or apply the solution directly to the affected areas of the garment. If you choose to apply it directly, use a spray bottle to ensure an even application, then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas and distribute the solution evenly throughout the fabric.

After applying the lemon juice solution, hang the garment outside to dry in a well-ventilated area, preferably in direct sunlight. Sunlight and fresh air will help to dissipate any remaining odours and refresh your clothes. Leave the garment outside for at least 12 hours, ensuring that both sides of the clothing are exposed to the sun.

If the cologne smell persists, you can repeat the process or try another method, such as using baking soda, vinegar, or specialised odour-removing products.

Baking soda and water paste

Baking soda is a great option to remove cologne smells from your clothes without washing them. It is known for its odour-neutralising properties and works well to remove smells from particular spots on your clothing.

To use this method, start by mixing about two tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water. Stir the mixture until you have a smooth paste. Next, apply the paste to any smelly spots on the garment using a spoon or your fingers. Allow the paste to dry completely, which should take about five minutes. Finally, use a stiff brush to remove the dried paste from the clothing.

If you're dealing with a more stubborn smell or want to treat the entire garment, try this alternative method: place the clothing in a plastic bag and pour in half a cup of baking soda. Shake the bag thoroughly to coat the garment with the baking soda, then let it sit for about ten minutes. Take the item out of the bag and shake off any remaining baking soda.

If the baking soda alone doesn't completely remove the cologne smell, you can also try combining it with vinegar, which is another powerful odour-neutraliser. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, then apply the solution to the affected areas of the garment. Let the solution sit for 20-30 minutes, then wash the clothing as usual.

With these simple steps, you can effectively remove cologne smells from your clothes without having to wash them.

Soak clothes before washing

Soaking clothes before washing is a great way to remove cologne smells. Firstly, fill a sink or washing machine with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. Ensure the vessel is large enough to submerge the garment completely. Leave the clothes to soak overnight, or for a few days if the smell is particularly strong.

After soaking, wash the clothes as normal, following the care label guidelines. Add a quarter of a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the cycle. The vinegar will help to cut through any remaining perfume residue in the fibres. Finally, add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed from the clothing.

If the cologne smell persists, there are several other methods you can try. One option is to use vinegar and water. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply the solution to the affected area. Leave the garment for 20-30 minutes, then wash as usual. For more stubborn smells, fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add half a cup of white vinegar. Immerse the garment in the mixture, ensuring it is fully submerged, and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour before washing as usual.

Another natural alternative is to use lemon juice, which contains citric acid that can help to break down and neutralise odours. Try soaking the clothes in a solution of equal parts warm water and lemon juice for several hours before washing as usual. You can also dilute lemon juice with an equal amount of water and apply this solution directly to the affected area, gently massaging it into the fabric. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then wash the garment.

If you are short on time, rubbing alcohol can be used to neutralise the scent and remove any residue from the fabric. Simply apply a small amount to the affected area and let it evaporate.

Frequently asked questions