Removing Stubborn Cologne Stains From Your Sweater

Removing cologne from a sweater can be a tricky task, as the fragrance is designed to linger. However, there are several methods to try. Firstly, it is recommended to wash the garment as soon as possible after it has been stained, as this will prevent the cologne from setting. Then, you could try simply hanging the sweater outdoors for a few hours, allowing the scent to dissipate. If the stain is fresh, rinsing it with cold water may be enough to remove it. For more stubborn stains, a mixture of vinegar and water can be applied before washing the garment again. For extra deodorizing power, baking soda or vinegar can be added to the wash.

Wash with vinegar

To remove cologne from a sweater, vinegar is a highly effective method. According to Harvard's School of Public Health, vinegar is a fantastic everyday cleaner due to its chemical composition, and it's also a great eco-friendly option.

Step 1: Ensure the Sweater is Dry

Before attempting to wash the sweater, make sure it is completely dry. Any moisture, such as sweat, can interfere with the reaction between the vinegar and the cologne molecules.

Step 2: Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine

Place the sweater into the washing machine and instead of adding soap, pour in approximately 240 mL of vinegar. There is no need to separate the sweater from the rest of the load; you can wash the entire load with vinegar.

Step 3: Wash Normally

After adding the vinegar, simply set the wash cycle as you normally would if you were using detergent. The vinegar will act as a cleaning agent, and its chemical composition will help remove the cologne from the sweater.

Step 4: Dry the Sweater

Once the wash cycle is complete, dry the sweater in the dryer with scented or unscented dryer sheets. It is important to ensure that the sweater is completely dry. If left damp and crumpled in the dryer, the sweater may develop more musty smells.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

Depending on how strong the cologne smell is, you may need to repeat the above steps several times. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and will help cut through the cologne residue in the fibres of the sweater.

Additionally, you can also try hanging the sweater outdoors in a breezy, sunlit area to allow the cologne scent to dissipate before washing. However, keep in mind that sunlight can cause dyes to fade, so it is best to hang dark-coloured sweaters in the shade.

Hang clothes outside

Hanging your clothes outside is a great way to neutralise any unwanted scents. The fresh air, wind and sunlight will naturally wash away any lingering cologne.

If you're going to try this method, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your garment is completely dry before hanging it outside. This is important because moisture molecules can disrupt the process.

Secondly, be mindful of the morning dew. It can leave your clothes wet for a while, so try to hang them out after the dew has evaporated.

Thirdly, it's best to hang your clothes outside in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight.

Finally, leave your garment outside for at least 24 hours to ensure it's completely dry.

If the scent still lingers after hanging your sweater outside, you can try washing it with vinegar or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.

Wash with lemon juice and water

Lemon juice is a great natural solution for removing cologne from a sweater. The acid in the lemon juice helps to break up scent molecules, leaving your garment smelling fresh and clean.

Step 1: Make a Solution of Lemon Juice and Water

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. For example, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Make sure to mix the solution thoroughly, but do not overdo it as this can break the chemical bonds and render the scent remover ineffective.

Step 2: Spray the Lemon Water Solution onto the Sweater

Spray the lemon water solution onto the areas of the sweater where the cologne is concentrated. You can also spray the entire sweater if you want to give it a fresh lemon scent.

Step 3: Scrub the Sweater with a Soft Brush

Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas where you applied the lemon water solution. This helps to ensure that the solution penetrates the fabric's core and effectively removes the cologne scent. It also helps to distribute the lemon scent evenly throughout the garment.

Step 4: Let the Sweater Dry Outside

Hang the sweater outside to dry. This step is important for two reasons. Firstly, the sun and wind will help to eliminate any remaining cologne scent. Secondly, it ensures that the lemon scent is absorbed into the garment. Note that this method is recommended for dark or old sweaters, as lemon juice may lighten the colour of brighter fabrics.

Additional Tips:

• If the cologne stain is old, try hanging the sweater outdoors in the sun for a few hours before applying the lemon juice solution. This will help to dissipate the scent.
• For dry-clean-only sweaters, try using a fabric refresher spray, such as Febreze, before taking the item to a professional cleaner.
• Always check the care label on your sweater and follow the instructions when washing.

Use laundry detergent and booster

If the previous methods don't work, you can try washing your sweater with laundry detergent and a booster. This tried-and-true method will not only remove the cologne but also introduce new artificial scents that can neutralise the fragrance you're trying to get rid of.

Firstly, add 1/2 cup of your chosen laundry detergent and booster and/or baking soda. Follow the same steps as you would for any regular load of laundry, adding your usual amount of detergent or cleaning aid. Although it may seem unorthodox, baking soda can be a secret weapon in adding extra scent-erasing strength.

Secondly, wash your sweater in warm water. By using warm water instead of cold, you'll be helping to release the detergent's full power, giving you the best chance of removing even the most potent cologne scents from your sweater.

Finally, dry your sweater outside in the sun. The combination of heat and sunlight will react with the chemical composition of the cologne, helping to lock out the scent after washing.

If the odour persists, you can try repeating the process, or try hanging your sweater outside for a few hours (out of direct sunlight) to let the scent dissipate.

Soak clothes before washing

Soaking clothes before washing is an effective way to remove cologne from a sweater. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the sweater is dry before soaking. Any moisture on the garment, such as sweat, can disrupt the removal process.

Next, prepare the soaking solution. Fill a sink or washing machine with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. You can also use vinegar instead of baking soda. Ensure that the vessel is large enough to completely submerge the sweater.

Then, place the sweater in the soaking solution and ensure it is fully submerged. Let the sweater soak for a sufficient amount of time. While some sources recommend leaving it overnight, others suggest a few days for more stubborn odours. However, it is probably more effective to repeat the soaking, washing, and drying cycle several times if needed.

After soaking, proceed to wash the sweater as usual, following the care label instructions. If washing in a machine, add a quarter of a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the cycle. The vinegar will help cut through any remaining cologne residue in the fibres.

Finally, dry the sweater. It is recommended to air-dry the sweater in the fresh air and sunlight, as this will help remove any lingering odours. However, bright sunlight can cause dyes to fade, so it is best to hang dark-coloured garments in the shade. If using a clothes dryer, opt for a low-temperature setting like the permanent press option to avoid odour molecules adhering more deeply to the fabric.

Frequently asked questions