Easy Hacks To Remove Perfume Scents From Your Bra

There are several methods to remove perfume odours from clothing, and bras are no exception. Natural cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk recommends using household products such as baking soda, lemon juice, or coffee grounds. For example, a solution of lemon juice and water can be applied to the affected area and scrubbed with a soft-bristled brush. Similarly, vinegar is another effective method, as the chemical composition of vinegar acts as a fantastic everyday cleaner. For more stubborn odours, a pre-soak of warm water and baking soda can be used before washing the bra with unscented laundry detergent.

Soak in baking soda and water

Baking soda is a traditional laundry additive used to combat smells. It is less likely to damage the fibres of your bra than other methods. To remove perfume odours from your bra, create a mixture of baking soda and water. You can do this by filling a sink or washing machine with warm water and adding one cup of baking soda. Ensure that the vessel is large enough to submerge the bra completely. Allow the bra to soak overnight or for a few days. You can also scrub the bra with this mixture using an old toothbrush, focusing on the stinkiest areas.

After soaking, wash the bra as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent. If you are handwashing, add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and stop the cycle. Let the bra soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle. The vinegar will help to cut through perfume residue in the fibres. Finally, add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed.

If you don't have time to wash your bra, you can also place it in a sealed plastic container or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the odours, just as it does in your refrigerator.

Use vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile cleaning product, especially when it comes to laundry. It can be used to eliminate odours and neutralise smells, including strong perfume scents.

To use vinegar to remove perfume smells from your bra, you can try the following methods:

Vinegar Soak

Soak your bra in a mixture of vinegar and water. For this method, create a 1:1 solution by mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a bucket or sink. You can also use a spray bottle for more convenience. Before soaking your bra, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure that the vinegar solution does not cause any discolouration or damage to the fabric. If the fabric passes the test, proceed by flipping the bra inside out and then submerging it or spraying it thoroughly with the vinegar solution. Allow the bra to soak overnight, and then proceed to wash it as normal.

Vinegar in the Wash

Add vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine. For this method, pause the washer during the rinse cycle and add about a quarter to half a cup of vinegar to the machine. You can also add a cup of vinegar for a stronger effect, especially if you are dealing with strong mildew smells. Allow the washer to finish the cycle.

Vinegar Spray

Mix a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it onto the bra. For this method, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to ensure the solution is well combined. Then, spray the solution onto the bra, focusing on the areas with the strongest perfume scent. Allow the bra to air-dry, and the vinegar solution will help neutralise the odours.

When using vinegar to remove perfume smells, it is recommended to use white vinegar. Additionally, if you are hesitant to use vinegar or dislike its scent, you can opt for other odour-fighting alternatives, such as baking soda or lemon juice.

Try lemon juice

Lemon juice is a great natural odour fighter. To use lemon juice to remove perfume smells from your bra, create a 1:1 mixture of lemon juice and water. Spray the solution onto the bra, and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. Then, put the bra in the washer and wash it as usual.

You can also try adding one tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of water, and mixing the solution in a spray bottle. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the bra to make sure the colour doesn't run or change. If the bra passes the test, flip it inside out and spray the entire garment. Allow it to air dry, and the perfume smell should be gone.

Lemon juice can also be used to eliminate odours from dry-clean-only clothing. Hang the clothing on a line, a hanger, or near a window that gets lots of sun. Sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the wardrobe or enclosed closet, and allow the clothing to sit in the sun for a full day or longer.

Vodka spray

It is important to note that while vodka spray can effectively remove scents, it may not be sufficient to clean a bra of sweat and dirt. For a thorough clean, soap and agitation are necessary.

Other natural methods to remove perfume smells from clothing include using lemon juice and water, baking soda, and vinegar.

Air outside

Airing out your bra is a great way to remove unwanted perfume smells. If you can, hang your bra outside in the sunlight to dry, as the sunlight and plants will absorb any remaining odours. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, hang your bra near a window that gets lots of sun, or in a breezy, warm, sunlit room filled with leafy plants.

If you're in a cold or humid climate, it may be challenging to air-dry your bra outside. In these cases, it's best to air-dry your bra indoors, ensuring that you get as much of the excess water out as possible before leaving it to dry. Gently squeeze the water out, being careful not to wring or twist the bra, as this can cause damage. You can also roll up your bra and give it a gentle squeeze to remove excess water.

When air-drying your bra indoors, it's important to allow for good air circulation. Hang your bra by the centre gore, ensuring that it's not hung by the straps, as this can stretch them out. Leaving your bra to dry in a well-ventilated area will help prevent damp smells and the growth of mildew.

If you're short on time or unable to hang your bra, you can also lay it flat on a drying rack or another surface to air out. However, keep in mind that it may take longer for the bra to fully dry this way.

In addition to airing out your bra, there are a few other methods you can try to remove perfume smells. Soaking your bra in a mixture of warm water and baking soda, vinegar, or laundry booster before washing it can help neutralise odours. You can also spritz your bra with vodka or rubbing alcohol, which will neutralise perfume odours.

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