Anisha Riggs
Getting fragrance out of fabric can be a challenging task, especially with synthetic fabrics. The type of fragrance and its concentration also play a role in how long it lingers. While some fragrances are harder to remove, there are several methods to get rid of unwanted scents from fabrics. This includes using natural deodorizers like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or essential oils, as well as airing out the fabric in the sun or using specialty products like laundry boosters or RLR powder.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | The time it takes for fragrance to leave clothing depends on how much perfume is sprayed and its concentration. |
| Airing | Hanging clothing outside in the sun and fresh air helps get rid of trapped smells. |
| Sunlight | Sunlight helps kill any stench. |
| Natural Deodorizers | Baking soda, lemon juice, coffee grounds, and vinegar are natural deodorizers that can be applied to clothing before washing. |
| Alcohol | Vodka or rubbing alcohol is a natural neutralizer for heavy perfume scents. |
| Castile Soap | Castile soap can be used to scrub and rinse out the fragrance. |
| Laundry Booster | Laundry booster is a washing additive that helps remove bacteria and smells. |
| Fabric Refresher | Febreze, a fabric refresher, comes in scented and unscented formulas and can be used to remove odors. |
| Laundry Powder | RLR laundry powder supplements can be added to the wash to help remove chemical scents. |
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What You'll Learn
Airing out fabric
To start, identify a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, with plenty of fresh air and sunlight. If hanging the fabric outside is not feasible, opt for a warm, breezy room with leafy green plants, which can help absorb odours.
Next, prepare the fabric for airing. For washable fabrics, consider pre-treating them with odour neutralizers like baking soda, vinegar, or laundry boosters. Baking soda can be applied directly to the fabric, or you can create a solution by mixing it with water and applying it to the fabric. Similarly, vinegar can be diluted with water and sprayed onto the fabric. These treatments can help neutralize and remove unwanted scents.
Once the fabric is prepared, hang it up to air out. If possible, use a clothing line or a hanger to drape the fabric. Ensure the fabric is exposed to sunlight and fresh air for several hours or even a couple of weeks, depending on the intensity of the fragrance.
For dry-clean-only fabrics, a similar approach can be taken. Hang the fabric in a well-ventilated area and use a fabric refresher, like Febreze, which comes in scented and unscented options. Lightly spray the fabric and allow it to air out.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove unwanted fragrances from your fabrics through the process of airing them out.
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Using baking soda
Baking soda is widely considered the best option for removing unwanted odours from fabrics. It is a great cleaning aid, especially when you want to avoid fragrances or added chemicals. It is also customisable, as you can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to boost the scent without causing damage.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance, and when it comes into contact with acidic odours, it reacts to neutralise them. This chemical reaction produces a less odorous compound, and the change in pH helps eliminate the smell. It typically takes at least 24 hours for baking soda to absorb odours, but for stubborn smells, it can take several days.
To use baking soda to remove odours from fabrics, you can sprinkle it directly onto the clothes rather than adding it to the detergent cup or compartment. If you are out of laundry detergent, you can use one cup of baking soda in place of detergent. For targeted cleaning, apply it directly to spots or mix with water for a pre-wash paste. You can also soak your clothes in a solution of baking soda and water overnight, followed by a regular wash with laundry soap the next day.
Baking soda can also be used to remove odours from enclosed spaces, such as a refrigerator or closet. Simply keep it in a vented jar and allow it to sit, refreshing the powder every month or so.
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Using vinegar
Vinegar is an effective remedy to neutralise fragrance on fabrics. It is a great natural cleaner and a green option.
Firstly, ensure that the fabric is free of moisture, such as sweat. If the fabric is damp, the moisture molecules could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.
Next, prepare the vinegar solution. Mix one part vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. You can also add a quarter cup of distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine. Alternatively, add 240ml of vinegar to the wash cycle instead of soap.
Spray the vinegar solution over the fabric and allow it to dry. If using a washing machine, simply wash the fabric as normal after adding the vinegar.
After washing, dry the fabric outside in the sun. Sunlight will help eliminate odours, but be careful with coloured clothing as the sun can cause dyes to fade.
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Using lemon juice
Lemon juice is an excellent natural deodorizer and stain remover. The acid in lemon juice is gentle on fabrics, making it suitable for even the most delicate clothes. The citric acid in lemons helps to break down stains and get those dingy whites back to bright. It is also safe for colors, so you don't have to worry about discoloration.
To use lemon juice to remove fragrance from fabric, create a half-and-half solution of lemon juice and water. Apply this solution to the affected areas of the clothing. Leave the item in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight will help eliminate the perfume smell and brighten your clothes. For tougher mildew stains, a paste of lemon and salt is a great spot treatment.
Lemon juice can also be added to the laundry wash cycle. Add one cup of lemon juice to your load of wash along with your usual detergent. For best results, let the lemon juice sit on stains for at least one hour before laundering, but not so long that it dries completely, as it could make the stain harder to remove. Lemon juice can also be added to the rinse cycle to help brighten clothes.
Lemon juice is a natural alternative to fabric softeners. The citric acid present in lemon juice breaks down the residues left by detergents or soaps. Adding a half cup of lemon juice to the final rinse cycle can help clothes smell fresh.
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Using laundry boosters
Laundry boosters, also known as scent boosters or fabric softeners, are products that enhance and extend the fragrance of clothes, towels, and bedding. They are usually safe for all fabric types and skin types. They come in the form of dissolvable beads or crystals and are added to the washing machine during the wash cycle.
If you are using store-bought laundry boosters, it is recommended to add them to the fabric softener tray of your washing machine after adding detergent to your laundry. Do not add them to the detergent dispenser or mid-cycle, and do not put them in the dryer as this may start a fire. You can choose the intensity of the fragrance by adjusting the amount of booster you use.
There are also DIY options for creating your own laundry boosters at home using inexpensive, non-toxic ingredients such as Epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils. To make a large batch, fill a jar or container about 3/4 full with Epsom salt, add 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil, and mix well. You can also experiment with different types of oils to find the ones that linger the longest on your clothes. For example, citrus oils typically don't last as long, whereas lavender tends to have a more enduring scent.
It is important to note that some people with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or migraines may be affected by the chemicals in scent boosters. These products are not regulated, and there is growing evidence that they may be toxic. As such, it may be worth considering switching detergents or using natural products like essential oils to achieve your desired fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Airing out the fabric is a great way to get rid of smells trapped in your clothes. If possible, hang your clothing outside in a warm, sunny spot for 12-48 hours. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, hang it up inside in a well-ventilated, warm, and sunny room filled with leafy green plants, which can help absorb the odours.
There are several home remedies you can try to remove fragrance from fabric. You can create a simple solution with ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice, or coffee grounds, and then apply it to the fabric before washing. Alternatively, you can use essential oils to cover up the artificial smell with a natural fragrance.
There are several products designed to help remove fragrance from fabric. You can use laundry boosters, such as Borax or baking soda, which are washing additives that help remove bacteria and smells from clothing. You can also try using fabric refreshers, such as Febreze, which comes in both scented and unscented formulas and can effectively remove odours.
