Antonio Mcgowan
Whether you've accidentally drenched yourself in perfume or are simply tired of a scent, there are several ways to neutralise it. The best method depends on whether you want to remove the scent from your skin or from clothing. To remove perfume from your skin, you can use rubbing alcohol, vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, coconut or olive oil, or even vodka. To remove perfume from clothing, you can soak the item in a mixture of water and vinegar, or baking soda, before washing it as usual.
Characteristics and Values Table for Neutralizing Perfume
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Coffee grounds | Rub on problem spots and wash with soap and water |
| Water and white wine vinegar or lemon juice | Wipe the perfume off your skin with a soaked cotton pad |
| Baking soda | Make a paste with water and rub on the skin or add to water and soak clothes in the solution |
| Makeup remover | Sweep a soaked cotton pad over the perfumed area |
| Unscented deodorant | Apply to the scented area and wash off with an unscented detergent |
| Essential oils | Cover up an artificial smell on your clothes with a natural fragrance |
| Lemon juice and water | Use a half-and-half solution to eliminate odors |
| Alcohol or vodka | Spray directly on a spot with a heavy perfume odor or apply with a cotton ball |
| Vinegar | Add to the rinse cycle when washing clothes or dab on the fragranced area of the skin |
| Detox bath with Epsom salt or baking soda | Draw out fragrances from your skin and rinse well after soaking |
| Full-fat milk | Neutralize and remove perfume from the skin, but be cautious as the milk scent might linger |
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What You'll Learn
Neutralizing perfume on skin
There are several methods to neutralise perfume on the skin. One of the most popular methods is to use rubbing alcohol, which can be applied by dipping a cotton ball or pad in it and then dabbing or sweeping it over the perfumed area. Vodka can also be used in the same way as a substitute for rubbing alcohol.
Another option is to use vinegar, which can be mixed with oil (such as olive or coconut) and then dabbed onto the skin before being washed off with soap and water. Alternatively, a solution of equal parts baking soda and water can be made into a paste and rubbed onto the skin, which is then rinsed off after a few minutes.
For a more natural approach, coffee grounds can be rubbed onto the skin, particularly the wrists, and then washed off with soap and water. This method also acts as an exfoliating hand treatment.
Other methods to neutralise perfume on the skin include using witch hazel, makeup remover, or unscented deodorant.
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Neutralizing perfume on clothes
For washable clothes, a simple yet effective method is to soak the garment in a mixture of lukewarm water and a mild detergent, then rinse thoroughly with cold water. This can be repeated if necessary. Adding baking soda to the wash cycle can also help neutralize odors. Alternatively, a mixture of vinegar and water can be used instead of detergent. This can be done either by soaking the garment in the solution or by adding vinegar to the rinse cycle of the washing machine.
For more stubborn odors, a stronger approach is required. One option is to create a solution of equal parts water and either vodka or rubbing alcohol, which acts as a solvent to dissolve the components causing the smell. This solution can be sprayed directly onto the affected areas and left to dry. Another option is to use a laundry booster or additive, such as baking soda or borax, which can help remove bacteria and strong smells.
For dry-clean-only items, a fabric refresher spray can be used to trap odor molecules and prevent them from lingering. Placing the garment in an enclosed cardboard box or wardrobe with a box of baking soda or crumpled newspaper can also help neutralize scents over time.
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Using household items to neutralize perfume
Neutralizing perfume on your skin or clothes can be done using a variety of household items. Here are some methods to try:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a well-known household item that can effectively neutralize scents. For clothes, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected areas, leave it for a couple of hours or overnight, and then shake or brush off the powder. For smaller items, place them in a sealed container with an opened box or bowl of baking soda. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to your skin, letting it dry before rinsing it off with water.
Vinegar
White vinegar is another common household item that can help remove perfume scents. Combine one cup of vinegar with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle and spritz onto the affected areas of your clothes. Leave it for 20 minutes, and then rinse or wash the garment. For your skin, mix vinegar with olive or coconut oil, dab the solution onto the area, wait a few minutes, and then wash it off with soap and water.
Alcohol
Vodka or rubbing alcohol can be used to neutralize perfume scents. Simply spray or spritz the alcohol directly onto the affected area of your clothes. For your skin, you can use vodka in the same way you would use soap and water to wash off the scent.
Airing Out
Airing out your clothes and skin is another simple and effective method to neutralize perfume scents. Hang your clothes outdoors or in a well-ventilated, warm, and sunlit room. You can also place them in direct sunlight, as the UV rays help break down and neutralize odor-causing compounds. To speed up the process, you can use fans to increase airflow or increase the temperature and humidity in the room.
Other Methods
Other household items that can be used to neutralize perfume include unscented deodorant, coffee grounds, and essential oils. For your skin, coconut or olive oil can be effective in breaking down perfume molecules. Additionally, a Dead Sea Mud Mask can help draw out impurities and scents.
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Neutralizing perfume with alcohol
If you're looking to neutralise perfume with alcohol, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, you can use rubbing alcohol or vodka as a natural neutraliser for heavy perfume scents. Simply spray or spritz it directly onto the affected area of your skin or clothing, and the potent, odourless alcohol will neutralise the smell. This method is similar to using vinegar, which also works to break down perfume molecules.
Another way to use alcohol to neutralise perfume is to mix it with vinegar. Create a solution of equal parts vinegar and alcohol, and spritz it onto the affected area. Let it dry naturally, and the vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the perfume scent with it.
If you're looking to neutralise perfume on your skin, there are a few other methods that don't involve alcohol. You could try using natural oils like coconut or olive oil, which can break down perfume molecules. Apply the oil generously to the affected area, massage it into your skin, and then rinse off with soap and water. Alternatively, you could use baking soda, which has odour-neutralising properties. Mix it with water to form a paste, apply it to your skin, and let it dry before rinsing off with water. You could also try using an unscented deodorant, applying it to the scented area and waiting a few minutes before washing it off with an unscented detergent.
For neutralising perfume on clothing, there are additional methods to try. One option is to use baking soda, by adding a few teaspoons to water and letting your clothes soak in the solution. You can also try airing out your clothes, as fresh air and sunlight naturally deodorise fabrics. Hang your clothes outside in direct sunlight, or in a warm, breezy room if you can't hang them outside.
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Neutralizing perfume with natural remedies
Natural remedies can be very effective at neutralizing strong perfume scents. Many of these remedies are likely to be found in your kitchen cupboards, such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and coffee grounds.
Baking soda is a well-known odor neutralizer. It can be used on both the skin and fabrics. To use it on your skin, make a paste by mixing it with a little water and applying it to the scented area. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off. For fabrics, simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected areas and leave it for a couple of hours or overnight. Then, shake or brush off the powder.
Vinegar is another powerful odor neutralizer. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz onto the affected skin or fabric area. Leave it to dry naturally, and the vinegar smell will dissipate along with the perfume scent. Alternatively, you can pour up to half an ounce of white vinegar into the washing machine during the rinse cycle when washing perfume-scented clothes.
Lemon juice is another natural deodorizer. Apply it to your skin or fabric, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse with water. The acidity of the lemon helps to neutralize the scent.
Coffee grounds are great at absorbing and masking odors. You can rub fresh coffee grounds on your wrists or other areas where perfume has been applied, then wash with soap and water. Alternatively, place dry coffee grounds in a bowl and leave it near the perfume-scented item. The coffee grounds will absorb the scent within a few hours.
Other natural remedies for neutralizing perfume include coconut or olive oil, milk, and witch hazel.
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Frequently asked questions
Glen Anderson, executive director of innovation at Avon, recommends using alcohol. Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and dab it on the area with excess perfume. You can also use vodka, which has a similar effect.
There are several household items that can be used to neutralize perfume on the skin, including:
- Lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Coconut or olive oil
- Coffee grounds
- Vinegar
To neutralize perfume odors on clothing, try using vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or alcohol. Soak the clothing in a mixture of water and vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice, then wash the clothing as usual. You can also try spraying alcohol directly on the affected area.
Yes, there are several commercial "scent eliminator" products available. You can also try using a fabric refresher like Febreze, which comes in both scented and unscented formulas.
