Removing Lingering Cologne Scents: A Step-By-Step Guide

Whether it's a spritz too many of your signature scent or an overzealous salesperson at the perfume counter, there are times when you need to get rid of a fragrance. While you might be tempted to scrub your skin with soap and water, this won't be very effective as fragrances are formulated with alcohol-soluble ingredients. So, what's the best way to get rid of unwanted cologne?

Use unscented deodorant

Using an unscented deodorant is an excellent way to get rid of cologne. It's a simple swap that can make a big difference and prevent your scents from clashing.

Unscented deodorants are free from synthetic fragrances, which means they won't interfere with your cologne or other scented products you use, such as body lotion, shampoo, or perfume. This is especially important if you want the scent of your cologne to stand out.

Additionally, unscented deodorants are ideal if you're sensitive to fragrances. Many people experience fragrance sensitivity, which can cause headaches, rashes, watery eyes, sneezing, eczema, migraines, or irritant-induced asthma. By choosing an unscented deodorant, you can avoid these unpleasant symptoms.

When selecting an unscented deodorant, look for options with natural, plant-derived ingredients that combat body odour. For example, some unscented deodorants contain tapioca starch and bentonite clay, which are highly absorbent and work by soaking up sweat before bacteria can break it down and cause odour.

• Native Deodorant: Contains naturally derived ingredients and provides 72-hour odour control for women and men. It's aluminium-free and includes baking soda, coconut oil, and shea butter.
• Mitchum Unscented Antiperspirant: A good quality option that works well for many people, available for both men and women.
• Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant and Deodorant: Designed for women, this provides 3X stress sweat protection and comes in an invisible solid, soft solid, or gel formula.
• Vanicream Deodorant: This is a great option for sensitive skin, providing clinical-strength odour protection without any fragrance.
• Speed Stick Power Unscented: A popular choice for both men and women, offering long-lasting odour protection.
• Tom's of Maine Unscented Natural Deodorant: An aluminium-free option for women and men, with natural ingredients.

Cotton balls and rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective solution because fragrances are formulated with ingredients soluble in alcohol. Glen Anderson, executive director of innovation at Avon, recommends this method to neutralize perfume. "It will quickly dilute the scent," he says.

If you don't have any rubbing alcohol on hand, there are a few alternative solutions. One option is to use vodka. Simply soak some cotton balls in unflavored vodka, apply them to the skin, and wipe away. Another option is to use a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics. Saturate several cotton pads with the remover, apply them to the perfumed area, and leave for at least three minutes. If any traces of scent remain, repeat the procedure with a fresh cotton pad soaked in remover, then rinse with water.

Coffee grounds

• Deodorise a room: Place a bowl of dried coffee grounds in a room to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Replace the bowl every 1-2 weeks to maintain freshness.
• Deodorise a wardrobe or drawer: Put dried coffee grounds in a small cloth bag and place it in the wardrobe or drawer. The coffee grounds will absorb moisture and neutralise odours, keeping the space fresh and fragrant. Replace the bag every 2-3 weeks.
• Deodorise shoes: Fill a sock with dried coffee grounds and place it inside your shoes. The coffee grounds will absorb moisture and eliminate odours. Replace the coffee grounds every 2 days.
• Deodorise a refrigerator: Hang dried coffee grounds in a cloth bag in the refrigerator. They will absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Replace the bag every 1-2 weeks.
• Create a natural air freshener: Mix dried coffee grounds with baking soda in a 1:1 ratio and place the mixture in a cloth bag or glass jar. Put the bag or jar in a room to absorb and neutralise odours.
• Create a natural deodorant: Coffee grounds can be used as a natural deodorant. Mix equal parts of dried coffee grounds and olive, coconut, or avocado oil to create a moisturising and exfoliating body scrub.
• Remove odours from hands: If your hands smell of cologne, rub some dried coffee grounds on them to neutralise the odour.

Note: Coffee grounds can stain light-coloured objects and surfaces, so use them with caution. Always dry coffee grounds before using them for deodorising to prevent mould growth.

Baking soda and water paste

Baking soda is a great natural alternative to commercial cleaning products. It is basic, so it works best when tackling acidic stains like coffee, wine, fruit juices, tomato sauce, and various bodily fluids. It is also very absorbent and can draw stains and odours out of fabrics.

To make a baking soda and water paste, simply mix 1 tablespoon of water with 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda. The exact quantities are less important than maintaining the right ratio and getting the right consistency. You can add more water and baking soda, maintaining the correct ratio, if you need more of the mixture.

Once you have made the paste, apply it to the affected area of skin or fabric. Leave it to sit for a few minutes, or for particularly tough stains, leave it to dry. You can then brush the dried baking soda into a sink or bin before washing the fabric as normal. For fabrics, it is important to check for colourfastness before applying the paste, as baking soda has the potential to pull pigment from non-colourfast fabrics.

If the stain or odour remains, repeat the process until it is gone, then proceed to machine washing and drying.

Soapy water

Step 1: Choose the Right Soap

Opt for a dish soap or hand soap that is unscented and free from fragrances. You can also use a liquid castile soap, which is a natural, plant-based option derived from vegetables or fruits such as coconut, olive oil, or hemp oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Soapy Water

Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a few drops of your chosen soap. Stir the water gently to create a soapy solution. Avoid using hot water, as it may irritate your skin or cause the cologne to further penetrate the skin.

Step 3: Soak and Wash the Skin

Fully submerge the area of skin with cologne in the soapy water and allow it to soak for a couple of minutes. Then, gently wash the area with your hands or a soft washcloth. Avoid scrubbing too vigorously, as this can irritate the skin.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the skin thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap residue. Finally, pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Additional Tips:

• If you are removing cologne from your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, following proper handwashing techniques.
• For more intense cologne scents, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method, such as using hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, or an unscented antiperspirant before washing with soapy water.
• If the cologne has been applied to your hair or scalp, wet your hair and massage a small amount of shampoo into the scalp. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner if desired.

Frequently asked questions