Katrina Rosales
Whether you've accidentally knocked over a bottle of perfume or simply want to remove a scent that's too strong, there are several ways to get rid of perfume. For perfume on the skin, you can use baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, witch hazel, or even vodka. Soaking in full-fat milk or taking a dip in the sea can also neutralise scents. For clothing, baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, and unscented laundry detergent are all effective methods.
Ways to get rid of perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Baking soda | Make a paste with water, apply to skin, and rinse |
| Detox bath | Baking soda or Epsom salt |
| Dead Sea Mud Mask | Apply, let it sit, and rinse |
| Unscented deodorant | Apply, wait, and wash off with unscented detergent |
| Soak in vinegar | Use a cotton ball to apply, then rinse |
| Rubbing alcohol | Use a cotton ball to apply, then rinse |
| Lemon juice | Mix with water, wipe with a soaked cotton pad |
| White wine vinegar | Mix with water, wipe with a soaked cotton pad |
| Coconut or olive oil | Massage into skin, rinse with soap and water |
| Vodka | Apply with a cotton ball, let it sit, and wipe |
| Coffee grounds | Rub on skin, wash with soap and water |
| Makeup remover | Sweep a soaked cotton pad over the perfumed area |
| Soak clothes in vinegar | Add to the rinse cycle, let laundry soak, then complete the cycle |
| Wash clothes with unscented laundry detergent | Wash as usual, dry in the fresh air and sunlight |
| Soak clothes in baking soda | Put item in a sealed container with an opened box or bowl full of baking soda |
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What You'll Learn
Removing perfume from skin
There are several methods for removing perfume from the skin. One common suggestion is to use an oil-based product, as fragrance is also oil-based. Oils such as coconut, olive, almond, jojoba, grape seed, or sunflower oil can be applied to the skin, left for a few minutes, and then washed off with soap and water.
Another method is to use an alcohol-based product, as fragrances are formulated with alcohol-soluble ingredients. This could include rubbing alcohol, vodka, or hand sanitizer, followed by a soapy wash. However, alcohol can be harsh on the skin, so it may be better to use an oil-based method first and then an alcohol-soaked paper towel to remove any remaining fragrance.
Other household products that can be used to remove perfume include deodorant, which can be applied and then washed off, and baking soda, which can be mixed with water to form a paste and applied to the skin to absorb the scent. A shower or bath can also help to remove perfume, and some sources recommend using a clarifying shampoo as body wash, or dish soap, to cut through oils.
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Removing perfume from clothes
There are several methods for removing perfume from clothes, ranging from natural remedies to traditional washing methods.
Natural Remedies
A natural, homemade remedy that can be used to remove perfume from clothes is Castile soap. This detergent is eco-friendly and versatile, and can be used to clean wounds as well as wash out scents. To use this method, dilute the soap in a bucket of water and wash your clothes as normal.
Another natural way to remove perfume from clothes is to use lemon juice and water. The mild acid in lemon juice helps to break up scent molecules, thereby eliminating odours.
Baking soda is another household item that can be used to neutralise scents. To use this method, fill a box with baking soda and place it, along with the affected item of clothing, in an enclosed space such as a wardrobe or box. Leave the clothing enclosed for at least 72 hours.
Similarly, crumpled-up newspaper can be used to neutralise scents. Follow the same method as above, but replace the baking soda with newspaper.
Traditional Washing Methods
To remove perfume from clothes, it is recommended to first pre-treat the affected area. One way to do this is to use a stain remover or laundry detergent. Apply the detergent to the affected area and leave it to sit for five minutes before laundering as normal.
After pre-treating the stain, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines. If washing by hand, add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and stop the cycle. Leave the clothing to soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle. The vinegar will help to cut through perfume residue in the fibres.
If using a washing machine, add 240ml of vinegar to the machine instead of soap and wash the clothing on a normal cycle.
After washing, dry the clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in the fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help to remove odours, but bright sunlight can also cause dyes to fade, so hang dark colours in the shade.
If using a tumble dryer, use a low-temperature setting such as the permanent press option. High temperatures can cause remaining odour molecules to adhere more deeply to the fabric.
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Removing perfume from the air
Ventilation
The simplest way to get rid of perfume in the air is to improve airflow. Open windows and doors to let fresh air circulate and push the scent out. Using fans can also help blow the air outwards, speeding up the elimination of stubborn odours.
Air Purifiers
Modern air purifiers are designed with features like air quality sensors and quiet operation, making them efficient for everyday use. Look for air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters, which effectively remove scents without the risks associated with ozone generators.
Odour Absorbers
Baking soda is a well-known odour absorber. Sprinkle a generous amount on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum thoroughly. You can also add baking soda to your wash cycle for items like bed linens and curtains to remove strong smells.
Deep Cleaning
For hard surfaces like tables and countertops, a mix of vinegar and water can be sprayed or wiped on and then wiped down with a microfiber cloth. For fabrics that can be washed, a cup of distilled white vinegar added to the rinse cycle can help cut through perfume residue.
Other Methods
In severe cases, some have suggested using an ozone generator, but this is not recommended due to the potential health risks to people and pets. Instead, natural odour absorbers like charcoal or carbon filters can be used to target specific areas with strong scents.
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Removing perfume from floors
To get rid of perfume from floors, you must first identify the type of flooring. If you have hard floors, you can mop them with a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. You can also use a mixture of water and vinegar, which is an effective smell eliminator. Mix equal portions of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply the solution to your floors. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly, taking the perfume scent with it.
If you have a carpet, you can sprinkle baking soda over it and let it sit for several hours before vacuuming. The baking soda will absorb the perfume smell. You can also try shampooing your carpet or steam cleaning it with a cushioning attachment to remove trapped perfume particles.
Additionally, you can try using isopropyl alcohol, which can fade the smell of perfume. You can also try placing bowls of activated charcoal or baking soda near the affected area to absorb the perfume odour.
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Removing perfume from carpets
To get rid of perfume stains and their odours from carpets, it is important to first read and follow any care instructions provided by the carpet manufacturer. Natural fibres and certain dyes or finishes may require special treatment.
If you have spilled perfume on your carpet, start by diluting the spill with water. Sponge the area with water and then stand on a cloth towel or paper towel to absorb the liquid. Repeat this process with two or three more dry towels, then drench and repeat the soaking-up process five or six times. Next, apply rubbing alcohol to the area, but be sure to ventilate the room well as the fumes will be pungent. Place a fan so that it blows over the wet spot and points out of an open window. Leave for 4–6 hours and then repeat the process the next day.
Another method is to use a cleaning solution made of one part clear ammonia and four parts warm water. Apply this solution to the stain, then use a clean white cloth to blot the area repeatedly until the stain is removed. Once the stain and odour are gone, be sure to rinse the area where the spill occurred.
To remove the smell of perfume from carpets, sprinkle baking soda over the carpet and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming thoroughly. Bowls of vinegar can also be used to absorb odours.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get rid of perfume on your skin. You can try using baking soda and water to make a paste, applying it to your skin, and rinsing it off with water. You can also try using coconut or olive oil, massaging it into your skin, and then rinsing off with soap and water. Other methods include using lemon juice, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol.
To get rid of perfume on your clothes, you can try using baking soda. Put the item of clothing in a sealed container with an open box or bowl of baking soda. You can also try laundry stripping, or washing the clothes with distilled white vinegar, following the care label guidelines.
To get rid of a strong perfume smell in a room, you can try using vinegar and baking soda. Apply the vinegar and baking soda to the floor, scrub, and let it stand for a few hours. Then, mop it up and remove the residue with paper towels. Repeat the process as needed. You can also try using an air purifier or an ozone generator, but be sure to read the warnings before using one.
