Katrina Rosales
Removing perfume odours from clothes can be a difficult task, especially if the scent is particularly strong or concentrated. However, there are several effective methods to get rid of the smell, including some natural, homemade remedies that predate expensive, commercial scent-busting products. For example, vinegar, lemon juice, alcohol, and baking soda are all known for their odour-neutralizing properties and can help break down perfume molecules that have penetrated fabric fibres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural remedies | Lemon juice and water, alcohol or vodka spritz, vinegar, sunlight, coffee grounds, baking soda |
| Commercial products | Enzyme-based cleaners, laundry boosters, scented laundry detergents, fabric refreshers, activated charcoal odor absorbers |
| Other methods | Traditional washing, air drying, dry cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
Soak in vinegar and water
Soaking your clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water is an effective way to neutralize perfume odors. This method works because vinegar is a powerful scent fighter that can cut through perfume residue in the fibers of your clothing.
To start, make sure that the garment you plan to wash is free of moisture, as this can disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied. Next, fill a sink or tub with warm water and add vinegar. The amount of vinegar you use will depend on the size of your load and the strength of the perfume odor. For a particularly strong smell, you may need to use a higher concentration of vinegar. As a general rule, a ratio of one part vinegar to one part water is a good place to start.
Once your vinegar and water solution is ready, submerge the smelly garment completely and let it soak. The length of time you should soak your clothes will depend on the strength of the perfume odor. For milder odors, 30 minutes to an hour may be sufficient. However, for stronger odors, you may need to let your clothes soak overnight or even for several days. During this time, you can manually agitate the solution to help speed up the process.
After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent. If desired, you can add a small amount of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help ensure that all traces of the perfume odor are removed. Finally, dry your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in fresh air and sunlight, which will help to further eliminate any remaining odors.
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Wash with lemon juice
Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer that can be used to neutralize perfume odors from clothes. The natural acidity of lemon juice works to dissolve stains and odors at their source, making it a powerful yet gentle cleaning agent.
To use lemon juice to neutralize perfume odors from clothes, create a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water. This solution can be used to pretreat stains before washing, or you can add it directly to the wash cycle. For general whitening and odor neutralization, it is recommended to mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with water for soaking. You can also add lemon juice to the rinse cycle to remove any remaining detergent remnants and soften your clothes. Lemon juice can be used on most fabrics but should be used with caution on dark or delicate materials as it may cause fading or damage. Always test on a small, hidden area first.
Lemon juice can also be used in combination with other household items to neutralize odors. For stubborn odors, you can soak your clothes in a solution of warm water and baking soda overnight before washing them the next day with unscented laundry detergent. Alternatively, you can place your garment inside a large paper bag with coffee grounds, which are known to absorb unpleasant odors. Leave the garment in the bag overnight, then shake off the grounds.
By using lemon juice and other household items, you can effectively neutralize perfume odors from your clothes without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive commercial products.
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Use baking soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can effectively remove perfume odours from clothes. It works by neutralizing other chemicals and absorbing odours. Here are some methods that utilize baking soda to neutralize perfume odours from clothes:
Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix vinegar and baking soda to create an effective remedy to neutralize odours. First, soak the clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water. Then, wash them with added baking soda. This classic method helps neutralize odours. Alternatively, you can try soaking the clothes in a vinegar solution and then applying a baking soda paste.
Soaking in Baking Soda
Soaking clothes in baking soda is another way to neutralize perfume odours. Put the garment in a plastic garbage bag and pour in half a cup of baking soda. Shake the bag thoroughly and let the garment sit for about 10 minutes. Then, take the garment out and shake off any remaining baking soda.
Baking Soda and Sealed Container
Cover the perfumed clothes with baking soda and place them in a sealed container for a few days before washing. You can also place the item of clothing in a cardboard box or wardrobe and put a box of baking soda at the bottom. Leave your clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours.
Baking Soda as a Laundry Booster
Baking soda can be used as a laundry booster to enhance the effectiveness of your detergent in eliminating odours. Add half a cup of baking soda to your regular detergent during the wash cycle. This helps to soak up residual odours, keeping your clothes free of any smell.
Baking Soda and Water Soak
Dissolve one cup of baking soda in water and soak your clothes for several hours or overnight. Then, wash with white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. If possible, pause the wash cycle for an hour before letting it finish.
By following these methods, you can effectively neutralize perfume odours from your clothes using baking soda.
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Air clothes outside
Airing clothes outside is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to neutralise perfume odours. Hang your clothes outside in a well-ventilated area, preferably somewhere with direct sunlight. The sun's UV rays will help to break down and neutralise the perfume's odour-causing compounds.
If you are unable to hang your clothes outside, hang them near an open window where fresh air can circulate freely around the fabric. If you cannot hang the item in a breezy area, a fan can help to circulate the air.
When hanging your clothes, it is important to ensure that the garment is completely dry before storing it away. Residual dampness can exacerbate odours and potentially lead to mildew. For stronger scents, you may need to hang your clothes outside for longer.
While sunlight is effective at neutralising odours, it can also cause colours to fade. If you are concerned about this, try alternating between hanging the item in sunlight and shade.
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Wash with vodka
Vodka is an effective way to neutralise perfume odours from clothes. Its high alcohol content helps to disinfect and kill the bacteria that cause odours. Vodka also dries odourless, so as it evaporates, the stink goes with it.
To use this method, pour some cheap, high-proof vodka into a spray bottle. For delicate fabrics, use a fine mist spray bottle, whereas for sturdier materials, a regular spray bottle will do. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to the vodka, but be careful not to use too much, as it can affect the garment.
Spray the vodka liberally over any smelly spots on the garment. You can also spritz the armpit, crotch, and foot regions of the clothing to neutralise body odours. If you don't have a spray bottle, you can also submerge the clothes in a mixture of warm water and vodka, and leave them to soak overnight. Then, wash them using unscented laundry detergent the next day.
This method is particularly useful for freshening up clothes in between washes, especially for items that are dry-clean-only or vintage.
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Frequently asked questions
Add 240ml of vinegar to your wash cycle to eliminate odours. Alternatively, soak the article of clothing in a solution of vinegar and water before washing.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected areas of the fabric. Leave the baking soda on the garment for a couple of hours or overnight so that it can effectively absorb the odour.
Create a half-and-half solution of lemon juice and water. Apply this to the garment before washing. Avoid this method if your clothing is brightly coloured, as lemon juice may lighten the garment's colour.
Spray vodka or rubbing alcohol directly on a spot with a heavy perfume odour. This potent, odourless alcohol neutralizes the smell.
Wash your clothes with warm water, as this helps dissolve the detergent and break down perfume molecules.
