Lance Carson
Fragrances are designed to be long-lasting, but there are times when you may want to remove a fragrance from your skin or clothing. Whether it's because you've applied too much, you're allergic to a particular scent, or you simply want to change fragrances, there are several methods you can use to eliminate unwanted scents. Some common household items can effectively neutralise strong smells, such as lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and even coffee grounds. For more intense fragrances, rubbing alcohol or vodka can be used to neutralise the smell. So, whether you're looking to remove a fragrance from your skin or clothing, there are a variety of simple and effective methods to try.
Characteristics and methods to remove fragrance
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| From skin | Baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, vodka, witch hazel, unscented deodorant, makeup remover, coffee grounds, hand sanitiser, tomato paste, soap and water |
| From clothing | Lemon juice, alcohol, vodka, baking soda, essential oils, fabric refresher, detergent, airing out, laundry stripping |
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What You'll Learn
Removing fragrance from skin
There are several methods to remove fragrance from the skin. One of the simplest methods is to wash the skin with soap and water, although this may not always be effective. Using soap and water with a mildly scented oil such as almond, jojoba, or grape seed oil can be more effective. Other oils such as olive, safflower, or sesame oil can also be used, followed by soap and water.
Another method is to use a deodorant on the scented area, wait a few minutes, and then wash it off with an unscented detergent. Baking soda can also be used to remove fragrances. A paste can be made by mixing baking soda and water, which can then be applied to the skin and rinsed off with water. A detox bath with Epsom salt or baking soda can also help draw out fragrances from the skin.
Other methods include using vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or lemon juice. These can be applied to the skin with a cotton ball and then rinsed off with water. Hand sanitiser gels can also be used, followed by a soapy wash.
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Removing fragrance from clothes
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural scent absorber and can be used in a few different ways to remove fragrance from clothes. One way is to mix it with warm water and soak the garment in this solution before washing. Be sure to use enough baking soda and water to completely submerge the item. Leaving the clothing to soak overnight or for a few days is usually sufficient. After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines. You can also add baking soda to your laundry detergent when washing scented clothes; use one cup of baking soda per load, along with your regular detergent.
Another method is to place the scented clothing in a sealed container with an open box or bowl of baking soda. Leave the clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours so that the baking soda can absorb the scent. Crumpled-up newspaper can also be used in place of baking soda, as it is another household item that naturally attracts and neutralizes scents.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another effective remedy for neutralizing odors. After adding your scented clothing to the washing machine, pour in around 240ml of vinegar instead of soap. Then, simply wash the load as normal. You can also add vinegar to the rinse cycle after washing with detergent. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar and let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural solution for removing scents from clothing. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle and shake well. Be careful not to overdo the mixing, as this can break the solution's chemical bonds. Spray the solution onto the scented areas of the fabric. This method is best for dark and old clothes, as lemon juice has the potential to wash out lighter fabrics.
Other Methods
- Essential oils: Cover up an artificial smell with a natural fragrance using essential oils.
- Fabric refresher: Use a product like Febreze, which traps odor molecules until the garment can be cleaned.
- Vodka or rubbing alcohol: Neutralize heavy perfume scents by spraying directly onto the fabric.
- Tea bags: Place the garment in a large ziplock bag with tea bags and let it sit for a few days.
- Castile soap: Wash laundry without adding extra chemicals or perfumes.
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Using household products to remove fragrance
Household products can be used to remove unwanted fragrances from the skin, hair, and clothes.
One method to remove fragrances from the skin is to rub scent-free deodorant on the area, wait 10 minutes, and then wash it off. Another method is to use a base oil, such as olive oil, and rub it on the spot before washing it off with soap and water. Rubbing alcohol on the skin can also help to remove fragrances. For an easy solution, simply washing the area with soap and water may be enough to remove the scent.
To remove unwanted fragrances from hair, a vinegar rinse can be used. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cider or wine vinegar into a cup of water and rinse shampooed and conditioned hair with this solution. There is no need to rinse with plain water afterward, and this method will also give your hair a shiny finish.
To remove fragrances from clothes, place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in the freezer for 24 hours. Seal the bag to prevent moisture from getting in. For particularly strong fragrances, a pre-wash soak with vinegar, followed by a normal wash cycle, can help to neutralize the scent. Alternatively, an overnight soak using a product such as Oxiclean can be effective, replacing the water and powder after 8 hours.
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Neutralising strong fragrances
If your clothes are heavily perfumed, it can be challenging to remove the scent. However, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, try to air out the item. Hang the clothing outside in the fresh air and sunlight, which will help to remove the odour. If you cannot hang the item outside, hang it in a breezy, warm, and sunlit room.
Another method is to use baking soda, which is known for its odour-neutralising properties. Place the item in a sealed container with an open box or bowl full of baking soda. Leave the clothing enclosed for at least 72 hours. Alternatively, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to any smelly spots. Let it dry, then brush it off. You can also try this method with a plastic bag—place the garment in the bag, pour in baking soda, shake, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
You can also try washing the clothes with a laundry booster or additive such as baking soda, vinegar, or laundry detergent. Use warm water and a scented detergent to help cover up the smell. If you are sensitive to chemicals, this may not be the best option.
To remove strong fragrances from your skin, you can try a few different methods. Firstly, a simple shower with your usual soap may be enough to remove mild perfume scents. You can also try rinsing with water to help remove stubborn fragrances.
Another popular method is to use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or witch hazel, which will dilute the scent. You can also try using oils like coconut or olive oil, which can be effective in breaking down perfume molecules. Apply the oil generously, massage it into your skin, then rinse with soap and water.
Other methods include using unscented deodorant, a Dead Sea Mud Mask, or taking a detox bath with Epsom salt or baking soda.
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Removing lingering perfume smells
One of the simplest ways to remove perfume from your skin is to use a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover or a mixture of water and white wine vinegar or lemon juice. The acid in these kitchen essentials breaks up perfume molecules, quickly neutralising the scent. You can also use a paste made from baking soda and water to rub the fragrance off your skin. If you don't have any of these products to hand, you can simply wash the fragranced area with soap and water, although this may not be as effective.
To remove perfume from your clothes, you can try soaking them in a solution of warm water and baking soda before washing them as usual. Alternatively, you can add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine and let your clothes soak for an hour before completing the cycle. If you don't have time to wash your clothes, you can place them in a sealed container with an opened box or bowl of baking soda, which will absorb the odours.
For a quick fix, you can mask perfume smells with unscented deodorant or essential oils like witch hazel or cover up an artificial smell with a natural fragrance using essential oils. You can also try commercial scent eliminators like Febreze, which traps odour molecules.
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