Heidi Norton
Whether you've been a little too enthusiastic with the perfume bottle, or you've changed your mind about your scent of the day, removing perfume stains and scents can be a challenge. Perfume is oil-based, so it's important to use an alcohol-based product to break down the stain-causing oil. There are a variety of methods to remove perfume stains and scents from clothing, upholstery, skin, and rooms.
How to get rid of perfume spots
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stain prevention | Spray perfume before getting dressed and let it dry |
| Stain prevention | Spray perfume from a distance of 5 inches or 12 cm from the skin |
| Stain removal | Blot excess perfume with an absorbent cloth or paper towel |
| Stain removal | Rinse stain with cold water |
| Stain removal | Pretreat fresh stains with a mixture of vinegar and water |
| Stain removal | Wash with laundry detergent |
| Stain removal | Soak clothing in a mixture of warm water and baking soda |
| Stain removal | Wash clothing with unscented laundry detergent and distilled white vinegar |
| Stain removal | Dry clothes in the fresh air and sunlight |
| Stain removal | Use a mixture of glycerin, dishwashing detergent, and water |
| Stain removal | Use a mixture of denatured alcohol and boiled linseed oil |
| Stain removal | Use a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water |
| Stain removal | Use a mixture of lemon juice and water |
| Stain removal | Use a mixture of alcohol or vodka and water |
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What You'll Learn
Removing perfume stains from clothes
To remove perfume stains from clothes, start by gently blotting any excess perfume with a clean cloth or paper towel. Then, if the stain is fresh, you can try to lift it with cold water by gently dabbing the stain until it disappears.
If the stain is older, make a mixture of vinegar and water and gently sponge the stain until the entire area is covered. You can also try a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, applying only the foam with a sponge and then wiping it with a clean, dry cloth. If the stain is on leather or suede, be sure to use this mild soap and water solution and avoid using water directly on the fabric.
For more stubborn stains, you can try one of the following methods:
- Soak the item in water and baking soda overnight or for a few days, then wash the clothing as usual.
- Apply a mix of water, gentle detergent, and vinegar before laundering.
- Use a commercial fabric spot cleaner or a general household cleaner.
- Mix a solution of 1 part glycerin, 1 part dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water, apply it to the stain, and then sponge the area with water and allow it to air dry.
- Use a natural, homemade remedy like lemon juice and water or vodka, which can be sprayed directly on the stain.
After treating the stain, run the clothes through the washer and dry them in a well-ventilated area or outside on a clothesline. Be sure to avoid applying heat or putting the item in the dryer until you are sure the stain is gone, as heat will set the stain.
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Neutralising perfume odours with alcohol
For leather, it is recommended to gently rub the stain with denatured alcohol and then follow up with boiled linseed oil. If the stain persists, leave some oil on the surface for 24 hours and then wipe it off.
When using alcohol on the skin, it is important to be cautious and watch for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, itching, or swelling. To neutralise perfume odours on the skin with alcohol, you can use either rubbing alcohol or vodka. Simply apply a small amount to a cotton pad and gently wipe the affected area. Then, follow up with a rinse using soap and water.
Hand sanitisers, which often contain a high percentage of alcohol, can also be used to break down the oils in perfumes. Apply a small amount to the affected area, rub it in, and then wash with soap and water.
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Using natural remedies like lemon juice and vinegar
Lemon juice is an effective natural remedy for removing perfume spots and odours from clothes. Its natural acidity and mild acid can break down and dissolve stains and odours at their source. To use lemon juice to remove perfume spots, create a half-and-half solution of lemon juice and water, and apply it to the stained area. Alternatively, you can soak the garment in a bathtub with water and lemon juice for around 30 minutes.
Another natural remedy is vinegar, which can help cut through perfume residue in the fibres of your clothes. To use vinegar to remove perfume spots, create a mixture of vinegar and water, and gently sponge the stain so that the entire area is covered. Then, run the clothes through the washer. You can also add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the cycle.
Both lemon juice and vinegar are powerful, yet gentle, stain removers that can effectively remove perfume spots and odours from clothes. They are natural, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical cleaners and can be easily incorporated into your laundry routine.
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Soaking clothes in baking soda
To remove perfume stains and odours from clothing, create a baking soda and water solution. Use half a cup of baking soda for a regular load, increasing the amount for larger or more heavily soiled loads. Dissolve the baking soda in water before adding your clothes to the solution. Allow the clothes to soak for several hours or overnight. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to soak the clothing for a few days. You can also try applying a baking soda and water paste directly to the affected areas before soaking.
After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines. If desired, add at least a quarter of a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and let the clothing soak for an hour before completing the cycle. The vinegar will help to cut through any remaining perfume residue in the fibres. Finally, add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed from your clothing.
If you don't have time to wash your clothes, you can place them in a sealed plastic tub or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the odours.
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Preventing perfume stains
Firstly, always spray your perfume directly onto your skin, rather than your clothes. This is because the oils in perfumes can soak into and stain fabrics, especially light-coloured fabrics. Spray your wrists and neck, and then let the fragrance dry completely before getting dressed. This will also make the scent last longer.
If you are already dressed, spray your perfume about 5 inches (12 cm) away from your body. This will ensure the fragrance mist is more spread out, and less likely to saturate your clothes in one spot, reducing the chance of stains.
You can also test new perfumes on scrap fabric, especially if it is made from the same material as your clothes. This way, you can see if the perfume will stain before you wear it. Perfume stains are not always immediate and can develop over time, so be sure to wait a while after spraying to check for stains.
Finally, be mindful of spraying perfume on white or light-coloured clothes, as these are more prone to staining.
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