Lance Carson
Perfume stains on clothes can be frustrating, especially when they appear on your favourite items. However, there are several methods to remove these stains, depending on the fabric type. It is important to act quickly and to blot, rather than rub, the stain. For fresh stains, dabbing with cold water may be enough to remove the mark. For older, dried stains, a mixture of vinegar and water can be applied before putting the garment through the wash. For more stubborn stains, glycerine, dish soap and water can be combined and applied to the stain before rinsing.
How to get rid of perfume marks on clothes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Spray perfume before wearing clothes, allowing it to dry before dressing. Alternatively, hold a tissue in front of your clothes and spray the perfume on it. |
| General Treatment | Act quickly. Blot, don't rub. Use cold water to rinse the stain. Pretreat fresh stains with cold water. |
| Fabric-specific Solutions | Cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, triacetate, silk, or wool: Moisten a sponge or cloth with water, then gently move from the inside of the stain to the outside. Repeat until the stain is gone. |
| Leather or suede: Use mild soap and water. Blot excess perfume, then apply the soap suds with a sponge. Wipe with a dry paper towel. If the stain remains, sprinkle cornmeal on it and use a stiff-bristled brush to remove it. Finish by applying a leather conditioner. | |
| Carpet or upholstery: Blot excess perfume, then spray a commercial fabric spot cleaner. Mix a solution of 1 part glycerin, 1 part dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Apply the solution and cover with an absorbent pad. Sponge with clear water and blot. | |
| Stain Removal Techniques | Soak the stain with water. Use a mixture of vinegar and water and gently sponge the stain. Soak the clothes in a cleaning solution, then wash with water and dry in the sun. Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain, then rinse with cold water and wash the garment. |
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What You'll Learn
Blot, don't rub
Blotting, rather than rubbing, is a key step in removing perfume stains from clothing. This method is particularly effective on fresh perfume stains. The moisture from blotting prevents the stain from spreading and setting into the fabric.
To begin, use a clean paper towel or absorbent cloth to blot up any excess perfume. Then, use a water-soaked sponge or cloth to gently pat the stain, working from the centre outwards. This will help to absorb the perfume oils and prevent the stain from setting. It is important to avoid using hot water, as this can cause the stain to set. Instead, opt for cold water, which is more effective at flushing out the oils and alcohol commonly found in perfumes.
For more stubborn stains, you can try using a mixture of vinegar and water. Soak a sponge or cloth in the mixture and gently blot the stain, again working from the centre outwards. Finally, rinse the fabric with water to remove any remaining vinegar solution.
Another option for tough stains is to use rubbing alcohol, which has degreasing properties. Soak a cloth or cotton ball in the alcohol and dab it onto the stain. Allow it to work for several minutes, then rinse the fabric with water to remove any remaining alcohol.
By blotting rather than rubbing, you can effectively remove perfume stains from your clothing without risking the spread or setting of the stain.
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Use vinegar and water
Vinegar is an effective way to remove perfume stains from clothing. Its acidity neutralises the oils in perfumes, which are often slightly acidic themselves. This means that vinegar can break down the perfume's oils, helping to lift the stain.
To use vinegar to remove a perfume stain, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. You can then gently sponge the stain, covering the entire area. You can also dip a cloth into the solution and gently dab the stain, working from the centre outwards.
For more stubborn stains, you can soak the garment in a solution of vinegar and water. Mix one unit of white vinegar with one unit of water and apply the solution to the stain. Then, slowly move out of the stain using hand strokes. Repeat this movement several times to ensure the perfume stain is completely removed. You can also try gently rubbing the stain with a cloth soaked in the vinegar solution.
For silk, a delicate fabric that requires extra care when removing perfume stains, you can try a vinegar rinse. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and dab it onto the affected area. Then, lay the garment flat to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources.
After using vinegar to treat a stain, always rinse the garment with water and allow it to dry. The smell of vinegar will disappear as the fabric dries.
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Try glycerin and dish soap
If you have a perfume stain on your clothes, you can try to remove it with glycerin and dish soap. This method is particularly effective for fresh perfume stains. First, blot up any excess perfume with a paper towel or absorbent cloth. Then, mix a solution of one part glycerin, one part dish soap, and eight parts water.
Apply the solution to the stain sparingly, then dampen an absorbent pad with the solution and press it onto the stain. Leave it for about ten minutes. If you are treating a stain on suede or leather, use a paper towel to gently tap the solution onto the stain.
After ten minutes, remove the paper towel or pad and check to see if the stain has been removed. If the stain is still visible, repeat the process until the stain is gone. Finally, sponge the area with water and allow it to air dry. This method is suitable for use on blended fibres, fibreglass, natural and synthetic fibres, and wool.
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Soak in a cleaning solution
Soaking your clothes in a cleaning solution is an effective way to remove perfume stains. Before you begin, it's important to test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of the fabric to ensure it won't cause damage or discolouration. It's also crucial to act quickly, as the sooner you treat a perfume stain, the easier it will be to remove.
For washable fabrics, create a soaking solution by mixing a small amount of laundry detergent with warm water. Tide recommends using one ounce or one and a half tablespoons of Tide Plus Bleach Alternative Liquid per gallon of warm water. Soak the garment for up to five minutes, weighing it down with a white towel to keep it fully submerged.
For more stubborn stains, you can try a few different cleaning solutions. One option is to mix vinegar and water, gently sponging the stain to cover the entire area. Another option is to mix glycerin with dishwashing liquid or soap detergent, and then add eight parts water. Cover the front and back of the stain with a paper towel, and then apply the solution. Wait 10 minutes and check if the stain has been absorbed by the paper towel. If not, repeat the process until the stain is gone, and then wash your clothes as usual to remove the detergent and glycerin.
If the stain is on a delicate fabric like silk or wool, and home remedies aren't working, consider taking the item for professional dry cleaning.
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Apply rubbing alcohol
If the perfume stain persists, applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol can help break down the oils in the perfume. Here are some ways to apply rubbing alcohol to remove perfume stains:
Using a Paper Towel or Absorbent Pad
Soak a paper towel in rubbing alcohol and cover the stain with it. Leave it on for about 10 minutes. Keep the paper towel moist with alcohol. Once the stain is removed, rinse the fabric with cold water and launder as usual.
Using a Sponge
Dab a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto the stain using a sponge. Rinse the fabric with cold water and launder as usual.
Using a Dropper or Spray
If using a dropper, apply a few drops of rubbing alcohol to the stain. Alternatively, you can put the alcohol in a spray bottle and spray it onto the stain. After applying the alcohol, sponge the stain with clear water, blot thoroughly, and allow it to dry.
Using a Cheesecloth Pad or Sponge
Add a few drops of denatured alcohol to a cheesecloth pad or sponge and gently dab the stain. Denatured alcohol is poisonous when ingested, so exercise extreme caution and keep it out of the reach of children.
Always test any cleaning agents on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure they won't damage or discolour the fabric. Additionally, when using flammable or toxic cleaning solutions, ensure proper ventilation and keep away from open flames.
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Frequently asked questions
Never use water on leather or suede clothing. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution, and apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe with a dry paper towel and check if the stain is gone. If it isn't, rub it with a soft, dry cloth.
Blot up any excess perfume with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Spray the stain with a commercial fabric spot cleaner, then mix a solution of 1 part glycerin, 1 part dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Apply the solution to the stain sparingly, then dampen an absorbent pad with the solution and press it onto the stain. Sponge the carpet with water and allow it to air dry.
Dab the stain with cold water, then wash the garment as usual.
