Heidi Norton
Thrift stores are a great way to find unique pieces at bargain prices, but sometimes the clothes you buy might have a strong perfume scent. While it may take some time and effort, there are several ways to remove these unwanted odours. The most common methods include using natural deodorizers like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, and rubbing alcohol. Other methods include using essential oils, dryer sheets, activated charcoal, and even cheap vodka. Some people have also found success with commercial scent-busting products, laundry stripping, and simply allowing the clothes to air out in the sun and fresh air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soak | Lemon juice and water, vinegar, lemon juice and vinegar, alcohol, bleach |
| Spray | Lemon juice and water, vinegar, vodka, rubbing alcohol, Febreze |
| Sprinkle | Baking soda |
| Soak and wash | Vinegar and water, vinegar and lemon juice, castile soap laundry solution |
| Wash | Vinegar, ammonia, laundry soap |
| Air dry | Outside, well-ventilated area, sunlight |
| Absorb | Cat litter, activated charcoal, newspaper |
| Steam | Steamer |
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What You'll Learn
Soak in lemon juice and water
Soaking thrift store clothes in lemon juice and water is an effective way to remove unwanted perfume scents. Lemon is a natural emulsifier, which means that the acid in the lemon juice will break down the scent molecules trapped in the clothing fibres.
To start the process, create a solution by mixing equal parts lemon juice and water. You can either soak the clothing in this solution or apply it directly to the sections of the clothing that have absorbed the perfume. If you choose to soak your clothing, use a small plastic tub and fill it with enough water to completely submerge the garment. Allow the clothing to soak for several hours or overnight.
If you are applying the lemon and water solution directly to the affected areas, use a sponge or cloth to gently work the solution into the fabric. Let the solution sit on the fabric for 15 to 30 minutes.
After soaking or applying the lemon and water solution, rinse the fabric with clean water or launder it as usual. If the perfume scent is particularly strong or persistent, you can add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Allow the clothing to soak in the vinegar solution for about an hour before completing the rinse cycle.
It is important to note that while lemon juice and water are effective in removing perfume scents, they may not completely eliminate all traces of the fragrance. For best results, combine this method with other odour-removing techniques, such as drying the clothes in sunlight or using baking soda. Additionally, always test the lemon and water solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that it does not cause any discolouration or damage to the clothing.
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Vinegar and baking soda
Alternatively, you can soak the clothes in a mixture of baking soda and water before washing them. For this method, fill a sink or washing machine with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. Submerge the garment completely and let it soak overnight or for a few days. After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, adding a quarter of a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle and letting the clothes soak for an hour before completing the cycle.
To boost the odour-removing power of baking soda, you can combine it with vinegar. This creates an alkaline-and-acid combo that can effectively remove strong smells. For this method, fill a small tub with vinegar and water, and soak the clothes in the mixture for a few days. Then, rinse the fabric or launder it as usual.
Vinegar is also an effective natural deodorizer that can neutralize unwanted smells. To use it, add one cup of vinegar to the wash cycle or use it in place of laundry detergent. You can also soak the clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water for a few days before rinsing and washing them.
In addition to vinegar and baking soda, other household items such as lemon juice, essential oils, and dryer sheets can also be used to remove unwanted smells from clothes.
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Vodka or rubbing alcohol spray
To use this method, fill a spray bottle with cheap vodka or plain grain alcohol. Spray the fabric well on both sides and allow it to air-dry completely. You can also use a fine mist spray bottle for delicate fabrics.
Rubbing alcohol is another option and is especially useful for delicate fabrics like suede. It evaporates quickly, so it won't warp the fabric. However, it's important to test it on a small area first, as certain fabrics like wool, silk, acetate, rayon, and acrylic may be damaged by harsh alcohol, and some plastics may not react well to it.
While vodka and rubbing alcohol are effective for removing odours, airing out your thrift store clothes is also an important step. Hang your clothes in the fresh air and sunlight, as wind and sunshine will help to speed up the process of eliminating odours.
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Airing outside
Sunlight and fresh air are effective ways to get rid of unwanted smells from thrift store clothing. The process can be sped up by hanging the clothes outside on a sunny and breezy day. However, this method may not be suitable for dark-coloured clothing as bright sunlight can cause dyes to fade.
For items that cannot be hung outside, they can be hung inside in a warm, well-ventilated room with a fan and leafy plants. The combination of wind and sunshine helps to dissipate scents, but the type of fabric and fragrance can determine how long the airing-out process takes.
For fabrics that cannot be easily washed, baking soda can be used to absorb odours. Simply sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the fabric, let it sit for a few hours, and then brush off the powder. This method can also be used to deodorize closets and prevent the accumulation of odours over time.
Another option is to use a steam cleaner, which can help release odours trapped in the fibres of clothes. However, it may need to be repeated several times for optimal results.
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Steamers with scent-infused cleaning solution
Steam cleaning is a well-known method for cleaning floors and other surfaces. It involves using steam to clean and disinfect without the need for harsh chemicals. Introducing essential oils to the steam-cleaning process adds a delightful scent and offers additional benefits such as improved mood and well-being.
To use essential oils for steam cleaning, fill your steam cleaner's reservoir with water as usual. Once the machine is ready, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil directly into the water tank. The amount of essential oil used should be minimal, as a small amount is quite effective. When you start the steam cleaner, the heated process will spread the essential oil-infused steam, enhancing your cleaning experience with a sensory pleasure.
Various essential oils can be used for steam cleaning, each offering unique advantages. Peppermint oil, for example, is known for its refreshing scent and strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps eliminate harmful microorganisms, creating a healthier environment. Additionally, its invigorating aroma can uplift your mood and energize the atmosphere, making it ideal for combating odors.
Eucalyptus oil is another excellent choice for steam cleaning. It possesses strong antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its fresh scent can improve respiratory health, making it beneficial during cold and flu seasons. Eucalyptus oil is also a natural insect deterrent, helping to keep pests away from your home.
Lavender oil is renowned for its soothing aroma, creating a tranquil and stress-relieving atmosphere during cleaning. It effectively masks odors, leaving behind a refreshing scent that is perfect for eliminating stubborn smells from perfume, laundry detergent, and fabric softener. Lavender oil is safe to use around children and pets, making it a worry-free option for households with little ones or furry friends.
By incorporating essential oils into your steam-cleaning routine, you can transform your cleaning experience, infusing your living spaces with captivating scents while promoting a healthier and more relaxing environment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to get rid of perfume smells on thrift store clothes. You can try using baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, or vodka.
Sprinkle a thin and even layer of baking soda over the clothing and let it sit overnight. Then, vacuum up the excess. Alternatively, you can place the clothing in a sealed plastic tub or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box of baking soda.
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it onto the clothing. Then, let the item sit outside to air dry. You can also add a cup of vinegar to your wash.
Mix equal parts lemon juice and water and apply the solution to the sections of clothing that have absorbed the perfume. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then rinse or launder as usual.
Fill a spray bottle with cheap vodka or plain grain alcohol and spray the fabric well on both sides. Allow it to air dry completely.
