Easy Ways To Remove Stubborn Perfume Scents From Jackets

Getting rid of perfume smells from jackets can be challenging, especially with outerwear that is dry-clean only. However, there are several methods to try, including natural remedies and commercial products. The key is to act quickly and not to store clothes away with a strong perfume odour. The first step is often to air the jacket outside, preferably on a sunny day, as the sun and wind can help remove or dilute the scent.

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Soak in baking soda

Baking soda is a natural cleaner that has been used to neutralise odours for generations. It is particularly effective at killing acidic odours due to its alkaline properties, but it can eliminate many other types of odours as well.

To use baking soda to remove perfume smells from your jacket, create a baking soda solution by mixing one cup of baking soda with a gallon of cold water in a large bucket, your sink, or your bathtub. Stir the mixture until the baking soda has dissolved. Then, add your jacket to the solution and mix it well so that the jacket is completely soaked and submerged in the solution. Allow the jacket to soak for at least 15 minutes to remove regular perfume smells, or leave it overnight or for up to 24 hours for stronger, more stubborn odours.

After the jacket has soaked, drain the solution and put the jacket into the washing machine. You do not need to rinse the jacket before putting it into the washer. You can also add in other laundry items that don't need to be soaked to make up a full load. Then, run the washer through a regular cycle with your normal detergent to completely remove the lingering acidic perfume smell.

If the jacket still has bothersome odours, repeat the process as often as necessary.

Wash with vinegar

Vinegar is an effective natural deodorizer and can be used to eliminate odors from clothing. To use vinegar to remove perfume smells from a jacket, follow these steps:

Prepare a vinegar solution

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a large container or basin. For example, mix one cup of vinegar with one cup of water.

Soak the jacket

Fully submerge the jacket in the vinegar solution. Allow the jacket to soak for at least 30 minutes. For more stubborn odors, you can soak the jacket overnight or for a few days.

Rinse and wash

After soaking, thoroughly rinse the jacket with cold water. Then, wash the jacket as usual in the washing machine or by hand, following the care label guidelines. Use a scent-free or fragrance-free detergent to avoid adding new scents that may mix with the lingering perfume smell.

Add vinegar to the rinse cycle

Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle of the washing machine. Stop the cycle and let the jacket soak in the vinegar solution for about an hour. Then, resume the cycle and complete the rinse.

Dry the jacket

After washing, dry the jacket completely before wearing or storing it. Air-drying the jacket in a well-ventilated area or outside in the sun is recommended. The sun can help further eliminate odors, but be careful with colored jackets as the sun's rays can cause fading.

It may take several washes for the perfume smell to completely disappear. If the jacket is made of delicate fabric, such as silk or lace, hand washing is recommended to avoid damaging the fabric fibers. Additionally, be cautious when using vinegar on dark-colored fabrics as it may cause discoloration.

Air outside

Airing out your jacket is a simple yet effective method to remove unwanted perfume smells. It is a great first step to take before attempting more invasive methods, such as laundry stripping.

To air out your jacket, find a breezy spot outside in bright sunlight. If possible, hang your jacket on a clothing line. If you don't have access to a clothing line, drape your jacket over an outdoor banister or place it on a hanger and hang it from a deck or fence.

The length of time you should leave your jacket outside will depend on how strong the perfume scent is. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks for the smell to dissipate. If you are unable to hang your jacket outside, you can hang it inside in a warm, sunlit room. Placing the jacket near leafy green plants can also help absorb the odours.

Airing out your jacket in the fresh air and sunlight is a natural way to remove unwanted perfume smells. The sun and wind may completely remove the scent, or at least dilute it before you try other methods.

Use lemon juice

Lemon juice is an excellent natural deodorizer and stain remover. To use lemon juice to remove perfume from your jacket, start by creating a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle and top it up with water. Spray the solution onto the affected areas of the jacket, focusing on areas with the strongest perfume smell. Leave the jacket in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight will help eliminate the perfume smell and brighten your jacket.

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help break down and neutralize odors, including perfume smells. It is a powerful natural cleaner that can be used to brighten whites and remove synthetic fragrances. The mild acid in lemon juice helps to break up scent molecules, pulling out excess odor.

For a quick fix, you can also rub a fresh lemon slice directly onto the affected area of the jacket. To maximize the chances of success, wash the jacket in warm water with a strong detergent, adding a tablespoon of baking soda or vinegar to the wash cycle. Baking soda and vinegar are known for their odor-neutralizing properties and can help break down perfume molecules that have penetrated the fabric fibers.

Lemon juice can be safely used on colored clothing, but it is recommended to do a spot test first to ensure it does not cause any discoloration.

Vodka spritz

Step 1: Prepare the Vodka Solution

Pour plain, unflavoured vodka into a spray bottle. You do not need to dilute the vodka.

Step 2: Spritz the Jacket

Hang your jacket in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Spray the vodka solution onto the areas of the jacket with the strongest perfume smell. You can also spritz the inside of the jacket.

Step 3: Air-Dry

Allow the jacket to air-dry completely. The alcohol in the vodka will help break down the odour-causing molecules and evaporate, leaving no scent behind.

Step 4: Repeat if Necessary

If the perfume smell is still noticeable, you can repeat the vodka spritz process. You can also try other methods, such as soaking the jacket in a mixture of warm water and baking soda or using vinegar in the wash cycle.

Additional Tips:

• If you are unable to hang your jacket outdoors, hang it in a breezy, warm, and sunlit room. Direct sunlight can help disinfect and remove odours.
• For dry-clean-only jackets, you can still air them out as you would for washable jackets.
• Vodka spritzing is not the only way to neutralise odours. Other natural odour absorbers include baking soda, vinegar, coffee grounds, and activated charcoal.

Frequently asked questions