Get Rid Of Stubborn Perfume Stains And Smells From Clothes

Getting rid of perfume smells from clothes can be a challenge, especially with heavily scented laundry products such as fabric softeners and dryer sheets. The time it takes for the smell of perfume to leave clothing depends on the amount of perfume sprayed and its concentration. Luckily, there are several methods to speed up the process. One of the easiest ways to eliminate odours is to mix lemon juice with water and apply it to the sections of clothing that have absorbed the perfume. Another simple method is to use a box of baking soda, which absorbs odours in the same way it does in your refrigerator.

Soak in vinegar

Soaking your clothes in vinegar is an effective way to remove unwanted perfume smells. Vinegar is known for its odour-neutralising properties, helping to break down perfume molecules that have penetrated fabric fibres.

To create a vinegar solution, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a large container. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus to your solution to create a pleasant aroma. Submerge the clothes in the solution and leave them to soak. The length of time you should leave your clothes to soak for depends on the saturation of the smell. For lighter smells, a few hours should be sufficient, but for heavier smells, you may need to leave the clothes to soak overnight or for a few days.

After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with an unscented laundry detergent. You can also add a quarter of a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help cut through any remaining perfume residue.

Vinegar is an effective remedy to neutralise odours, but it may not be suitable for all fabrics. Delicate fabrics like silk or lace should be washed by hand or using a gentle cycle in the washing machine to avoid damaging the fabric fibres. For synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, which can trap odours more easily than natural fabrics, a stronger detergent may be necessary in addition to the vinegar solution. Dark-coloured fabrics may also require extra care, as vinegar can leave a white residue or cause discolouration. In these cases, it may be best to try hanging the clothes outside to air out or using a specialised odour absorber like activated charcoal.

Baking soda

One method is to mix baking soda with water and soak your clothes in this solution for several hours or overnight. Then, wash the clothes with white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. If possible, pause the wash cycle for an hour before letting it finish. For delicate fabrics like silk or lace, hand washing or using a gentle cycle in the washing machine is recommended to avoid damaging the fabric fibers.

Another method is to place the fragrant garments in a sealed plastic container or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box or bowl full of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the odors, just like it does in your refrigerator. Leave the clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours, or even a few days, before washing them.

For a pre-soak, you can also use warm water and baking soda overnight to remove stubborn odors. Then, wash the clothes the next day with unscented laundry detergent.

Additionally, you can try making a baking soda paste and applying it to the affected areas of clothing. However, this method may not be as effective when used alone.

Airing out

When dealing with perfume smells on clothes, airing them out is one of the easiest and most effective methods for removing excessive perfume odours. Start by hanging your clothes in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. If you cannot hang the item outside, hang it up in a breezy, warm, sunlit room. The sun's UV rays accelerate the process of breaking down and neutralizing the perfume's odour-causing compounds. However, be careful with delicate or dark-coloured fabrics, as they tend to fade away with extended exposure to the sun.

If you are hanging your clothes outdoors, leave them for at least a day, and if possible, rotate the garment occasionally to ensure even exposure to air and sunlight on all sides. If you are hanging your clothes indoors, place the garment in direct sunlight.

Another method for airing out clothes involves using baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected areas of the fabric, leaving it for a couple of hours or overnight. Then, shake or brush off the excess powder. Baking soda works as a deodorizer by neutralizing other chemicals.

For quick results, hang the item in a well-ventilated space or outside to allow fresh air to dissipate the smell.

Lemon juice and water

Lemon juice is an excellent natural deodorizer and stain remover. To remove perfume smells from clothes using lemon juice and water, start by mixing equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the solution thoroughly, but don't overdo it as this can break the solution's chemical bonds.

Next, spray the solution onto the affected areas of the clothing. If you're dealing with light-coloured clothing, you can try scrubbing the area with a soft-bristled brush. Then, leave the garment to dry in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight will help eliminate the perfume smell and brighten your clothes.

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps break down and neutralize odors, including perfume smells. However, it's important to note that lemon juice may lighten the overall colour of your garment, so it's best to avoid this method if your clothing is brightly coloured. Always do a spot test first to ensure it doesn't cause any discolouration.

For synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, which can trap odours more easily, you may need to add baking soda or vinegar to the lemon juice and water solution. These ingredients are known for their odour-neutralizing properties and can help break down perfume molecules that have penetrated the fabric fibres.

If the perfume smell persists after using the lemon juice and water solution, you can try repeating the process or combining it with other methods, such as soaking the garment in a vinegar and water solution before washing.

Vodka or rubbing alcohol

To use vodka, spray it directly onto the spot with a heavy perfume odour and let it dry. Then, launder the garment as normal. Vodka breaks down scent molecules as it evaporates, leaving the fabric odour-free. This method is a good option for last-minute fixes and clothes that can't be washed immediately.

Rubbing alcohol can be applied in the same way as vodka: sprayed directly onto the affected area. Allow the alcohol to evaporate, neutralizing the scent and removing any residue from the fabric.

If you are in a hurry, placing the clothes in a dryer on a low heat setting with a fabric softener sheet can help to mask the perfume smell until you can wash them properly.

Frequently asked questions