Heidi Norton
Getting rid of perfume smells from clothing can be a challenge, especially when it comes to strong scents like eau de parfum. The good news is that there are several simple, natural remedies that can help neutralise odours and remove perfume residue from fabrics. These include using vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, alcohol, and even sunlight. So, if you're looking to freshen up your favourite fragrance-filled garments, read on to discover the best methods for getting perfume out of used clothing.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soak clothes in | Vinegar and water, lemon juice and water, isopropyl alcohol, borax, bleach, or baking soda and water |
| Wash with | Vinegar, lemon juice, detergent, Castile soap, laundry boosters, oxygen bleach, or baking soda |
| Dry with | Sunlight, dryer sheets, or clothesline/drying rack |
| Other methods | Febreze, vodka, scent absorbers, steam setting, stain remover, scented detergent, or activated charcoal |
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What You'll Learn
Soak clothes in vinegar and water
Soaking your clothes in vinegar and water is an effective way to remove perfume from your clothes. According to Patric Richardson of The Laundry Evangelist, vinegar can soften clothes by breaking down excess detergent that makes clothes feel stiff. It is also a natural fabric softener and can brighten clothes.
To soak your clothes in vinegar and water, fill a sink, bucket, or tub with water and add a cup of white vinegar. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender to this mixture. Soak your clothes in this solution for at least 30 minutes to a couple of hours. If your garment has sweat on it, make sure to dry it before soaking it in vinegar and water.
After soaking, drain the solution and wash your clothes as usual in cool water with a heavy-duty laundry detergent. You can also add a cup of baking soda to the detergent to further neutralize odors.
If the perfume smell persists, repeat the process. You can also try adding vinegar to the final rinse cycle of your wash or drying your clothes outside, as sunlight will help remove odors.
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Use baking soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help remove perfume scents from clothing. It works by neutralizing other chemicals, effectively absorbing and removing odors.
To use baking soda to remove perfume from your clothes, start by sprinkling a generous amount of it over the affected areas of the fabric. Leave the baking soda on the garment for a couple of hours or overnight to allow it to absorb the odor. Finally, shake or brush off the excess powder. This method is especially useful if you don't have time to wash the clothes right away.
For more stubborn perfume smells, you can also try soaking your clothing in a solution of warm water and baking soda before washing. Fill a sink or washing machine with enough warm water to completely submerge the garment, and add about a cup of baking soda. Let the clothing soak overnight, or for a few days if needed. After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines.
If you're dealing with dry-clean-only clothing, you can still use baking soda to remove perfume odors. Hang the clothes in an enclosed cardboard box or wardrobe and place a box full of baking soda at the bottom. Leave the clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours to allow the baking soda to absorb the odors.
Additionally, you can boost the odor-removing power of your regular laundry detergent by adding baking soda during the wash cycle. Simply add about half a cup of baking soda to your detergent to enhance its effectiveness in eliminating odors.
By following these steps and utilizing the deodorizing properties of baking soda, you can effectively remove unwanted perfume scents from your clothing.
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Try lemon juice and water
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help to break down and neutralise odors, including perfume smell. To remove perfume from your clothes using lemon juice and water, start by mixing equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. For instance, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Make sure to mix thoroughly but don't overdo it, as this can break the solution's chemical bonds and render it useless.
Once you have your lemon juice and water solution, spray it onto the piece of clothing where the scent is concentrated. You can also try rubbing a fresh lemon slice onto the affected area of clothing to help remove the perfume smell. After applying the lemon solution, wash the clothes in hot water with a strong detergent and add a tablespoon of baking soda or vinegar to the wash cycle. These additional ingredients are known for their odour-neutralising properties and will help break down the perfume molecules that have penetrated the fabric fibres.
It's important to note that lemon juice has the potential to wash out lighter fabrics, so this method is only recommended for dark and old clothes. The sun is also important to the effectiveness of this method, as it helps to absorb the lemon scent into the garment. If you can, hang the clothes outside in the sun to dry, as this will help naturally dissipate any remaining scent.
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Castile soap laundry solution
If you are looking for a natural, eco-friendly, and gentle alternative to commercial detergents, Castile soap is a great option. It is made from natural ingredients, such as coconut, olive, palm, or hemp oils, and does not contain synthetic chemicals or phosphates commonly found in commercial laundry detergents. This makes it a greener and less harmful option for the environment and a good choice for those with skin irritations or allergies.
To use Castile soap as a laundry solution, create a diluted mixture by combining one part Castile soap with 10 parts water. You can add a few drops of essential oils to give your laundry a pleasant fragrance, but Castile soap typically has little to no scent. For a normal load of laundry, use one-third to half a cup of the diluted Castile soap mixture. It is important to only use the recommended amount, as using more can leave a residue on your clothing.
Castile soap can be used as you would a regular detergent, by adding it to your washing machine. However, it is important to note that it does not have the same softening properties as commercial detergents, so you may need to use a separate fabric softener if desired. Additionally, avoid mixing Castile soap with vinegar, as they have different pH levels and can curdle or separate when combined.
For best results, wash your laundry with warm water, and allow the clothes to soak for about an hour before completing the rinse cycle. After washing, dry your clothes outside in the sun, as sunlight will help remove any lingering odours.
Castile soap is a versatile and effective laundry solution that can help remove unwanted perfume scents from clothing. By following the recommended dilution ratios and washing instructions, you can effectively remove odours while also being gentle on your fabrics and reducing your environmental impact.
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Air clothes outside
Airing clothes outside is an effective way to remove unwanted perfume smells. The fresh air, wind, and sunlight all help to naturally eliminate odours.
To air your clothes outside, hang them up on a clothesline or drying rack. If you don't have access to outdoor space, you can hang your clothes near an open window or door, or in a breezy, well-ventilated room. Sunlight will help to neutralise odours, but it can also cause dyes to fade, so hang dark-coloured clothing in the shade.
The length of time you should leave your clothes outside depends on the strength of the perfume smell. For strong odours, leave your clothes outside for several days or even weeks. If the smell is mild, airing your clothes outside overnight or for 24 hours may be sufficient. Remember to bring your clothes inside if rain is forecast, as they will need to be dried out again afterwards.
You can speed up the process by rotating your garments occasionally to ensure even exposure to air and sunlight on all sides.
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