Neutralizing Scents: Removing Cologne Odor From Your Arms

Getting rid of cologne or perfume smell from your skin can be challenging, especially if you have sensitive skin. The most popular method is to use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or witch hazel to neutralise the scent. If you have sensitive skin, you can try using makeup remover, which is designed for waterproof cosmetics, and applying it to the affected area for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water. Alternatively, you can create a paste with equal parts of baking soda and warm water, rub it into your skin, let it sit, and then rinse it off.

If you want to get rid of the cologne smell from your clothes, try airing them out first. Hang them in a breezy, warm, and sunlit room, preferably filled with leafy green plants that can help absorb the odours. If the smell persists, soak the clothes in warm water with a cup of baking soda overnight or for a few days. Then, wash the clothes as usual, adding a quarter cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Finally, dry the clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in the fresh air and sunlight.

Use alcohol or vodka to neutralise the smell

Alcohol and vodka are effective ways to neutralise cologne smells on your arm. Here are some methods to try:

Using Alcohol or Vodka Directly

Apply pure alcohol or vodka to a cotton ball or cotton swab and gently wipe your arm. This method is inexpensive and simple, but be cautious if you have sensitive skin, as alcohol can be drying and irritating.

Creating an Alcohol or Vodka Spray

Fill a spray bottle with alcohol or vodka and spritz it directly onto the affected area. This method is ideal for larger areas of skin or for quick and easy application.

Making an Alcohol or Vodka Solution

Mix four parts water with one part alcohol or vodka in a spray bottle. Alternatively, for more heavily scented areas, try a stronger mixture of three parts water to one part alcohol or vodka. Spray the solution onto your arm, and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Follow up by washing the area with an unscented laundry detergent. This method is excellent for neutralising underarm cologne smells on clothing.

Combining Alcohol or Vodka with Other Ingredients

Create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and warm water. Apply the paste to your arm and let it sit for several minutes before rinsing it off. Alternatively, make a simple mixture of white vinegar and oil, dab it onto your skin, and then wash it off with soap and water. These methods combine the odour-neutralising properties of alcohol or vodka with the cleansing and moisturising benefits of other natural ingredients.

Try a paste made from baking soda and warm water

If you've applied too much cologne, you can try making a paste with equal parts of baking soda and warm water. Then, apply the mixture to your skin, gently rubbing it into the affected area. Leave the paste on your skin for a few minutes. Finally, rinse it off with lukewarm water. The baking soda will soak up the oils in the cologne and remove the excess fragrance.

This method is a great alternative to simply washing the affected area with soap and water, which may not always be effective at removing strong cologne scents. It is also a more unorthodox solution than using rubbing alcohol, which is a common go-to for many people. However, unlike rubbing alcohol, you will need some spare time when using the baking soda and warm water paste method, as it needs to be left on your skin for several minutes.

It's important to note that baking soda can be abrasive, so avoid rubbing it directly onto your skin. Instead, apply the paste gently and give it time to work its magic. This method may not completely eliminate the cologne smell, but it will significantly reduce its intensity. If you find that the scent is still too strong, you can try repeating the process or using a different method, such as applying hand sanitiser or mineral oil, followed by soap and water.

If you're looking for a quick fix, you can try using a hairdryer. Set it to the highest temperature and direct the hot air towards the affected area. The heat and airflow will help remove a large amount of the excess cologne in a short amount of time.

Wash with unscented heavy-duty laundry detergent

If you have a cologne smell lingering on your arms, one method to get rid of it is to wash with unscented heavy-duty laundry detergent. This method is recommended by housekeeping and fabric care expert Mary Marlowe Leverette, who suggests the following:

Firstly, apply an unscented deodorant to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wash the area with an unscented heavy-duty laundry detergent, such as Tide Free. It is important to ensure that the detergent you use is unscented, as you do not want to cover up the cologne smell with another fragrance.

This method can also be used to remove perfume from the skin, as recommended by POPSUGAR Beauty.

Use a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics

If you're looking to get rid of a cologne smell from your arm, one method is to use a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this effectively:

Firstly, purchase a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics. While the brand isn't too important, it's best to opt for a gentle and effective product that is suitable for sensitive skin. Look for products with hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or plant oils, and avoid those containing common irritants like alcohol, fragrance, ammonium lauryl sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Next, saturate several cotton pads or balls with the makeup remover. You may need to use quite a few, depending on the size of the area you're targeting and the strength of the cologne smell.

Then, apply the soaked cotton pads to the perfumed area of your arm. Ensure that the pads are in contact with your skin for at least three minutes. If the cologne smell is particularly strong or stubborn, you may need to leave them on for a little longer.

After the three minutes have passed, gently wipe or sweep the cotton pads across your skin, moving in one direction (rather than back and forth). You should notice the cologne smell transferring to the cotton pads as you do this.

Finally, rinse the area with water. The cologne smell should now be gone or significantly reduced. If any traces of the scent remain, simply repeat the process.

Using a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics is a gentle and effective way to remove cologne smells from your arm. It's important to be patient and thorough when performing this method, ensuring that you give the product enough time to work before wiping it away.

Apply a mildly scented oil and rinse with shower gel

If you want to get rid of an unpleasant cologne or perfume smell from your skin, you can try this method using a mildly scented oil and shower gel.

First, apply a small amount of a mildly scented oil such as almond, jojoba, or grape seed oil to your skin and give yourself a massage. This will not only help to remove the unwanted scent but will also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. If you want to enhance the exfoliating effect and achieve even softer skin, you can use a dry sponge or body brush to rub the oil into your skin.

After massaging the oil into your skin, simply rinse it off in the shower with plenty of shower gel. Finally, apply your favourite moisturising lotion or oil to lock in hydration and leave your skin feeling nourished and refreshed.

This method is a great way to gently and effectively remove unpleasant cologne or perfume scents from your skin while also providing a relaxing and sensory experience.

Frequently asked questions