Eliminating Stubborn Cologne Scents From Your Neck

Whether you've spritzed on too much cologne or are sensitive to certain scents, there may be times when you want to remove cologne from your neck. The good news is that there are several methods you can try, and most use inexpensive, easily accessible household products.

One popular method is to use a cotton ball or pad soaked in rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to wipe the skin. You can also try creating a paste with baking soda and water and applying it to the skin for a few minutes before rinsing. Other options include using unscented deodorant, witch hazel, lemon juice, or vinegar. For more stubborn scents, you may need to repeat the process or try a few different methods.

If you're looking to remove cologne from clothing, similar methods can be applied, such as hanging the clothes outside in the sun and wind, or using vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda in the wash cycle.

Use makeup remover

Using makeup remover is an effective way to remove cologne from your neck. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Makeup Remover

Saturate several cotton pads with a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics. Bioderma is a popular option, but any makeup remover designed for waterproof makeup will work.

Step 2: Apply the Makeup Remover to the Skin

Apply the saturated cotton pads to the areas of your neck where the cologne was applied. Ensure that the cotton pads thoroughly cover the perfumed areas.

Step 3: Let the Makeup Remover Sit

Leave the cotton pads on your skin for at least 3 minutes. If any traces of the cologne scent remain after this time, repeat the process using fresh cotton pads saturated with the makeup remover.

Step 4: Rinse with Water

After removing the cotton pads, rinse the area with water. This will help to remove any remaining traces of the cologne and the makeup remover.

Additional Tips:

• If you have sensitive skin, be cautious when using this method, as some makeup removers may be harsh on the skin.
• You can also try using natural oils, such as almond, jojoba, or grape seed oil, to remove the cologne scent. Apply the oil to your skin and massage it in. Then, use a dry sponge or body brush to gently exfoliate the area before rinsing with water.
• If you want to remove cologne from your clothes, avoid using this method, as oil can stain fabrics. Instead, try hanging your clothes outside to air out or using a scent-absorbing product like baking soda.

Try unscented deodorant and laundry detergent

If you're looking to remove cologne from your neck, you might want to try using unscented deodorant and laundry detergent. This method is recommended by the experts at Now Smell This.

Firstly, apply unscented deodorant to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wash the area with an unscented heavy-duty laundry detergent, such as Tide Free. This method may be particularly useful if you have sensitive skin, as it avoids the use of harsher products like rubbing alcohol.

If you're looking to remove cologne from your clothes, you could try washing them with an unscented laundry detergent. This method can be particularly effective if you've already tried to remove the scent using other methods, such as hanging the clothes outside or soaking them in vinegar, and it can help to introduce artificial scents that could neutralise the fragrance.

When using laundry detergent, it's important to add a booster or baking soda for extra scent-erasing strength. Use warm water to help release the detergent's full power, and dry your clothes outside in the sun to lock out any remaining scent.

Apply a baking soda paste

If you've applied too much cologne to your neck, one way to remove the smell is to apply a baking soda paste.

First, mix together a small amount of water and baking soda. Stir the mixture until a thick paste forms. Smooth the paste over your neck, ensuring that it covers the area where you applied the cologne. Leave the paste on your skin for a few minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Finally, wash your skin with a mild soap and water, then pat dry with a clean washcloth or towel.

Baking soda is a great option for removing cologne smells as it is known for its odour-absorbing properties.

Neutralise with vodka

Vodka is a great way to neutralise cologne smells from your neck. Vodka is a potent potable with cleaning powers, and it can be used to neutralise odours. It can be used in the same way as vinegar to degrease cookware, remove stains, refresh fabrics, and disinfect surfaces, but it has the added benefit of being odourless. This is a great option for people who are sensitive to chemicals and strong smells.

To use vodka to remove cologne from your neck, pour some into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the affected area. As the alcohol evaporates, it will lift the odours away. It is best to use cheap vodka for this purpose, as laundry requires strong vodka to be effective.

If you don't have any vodka, you can also use rubbing alcohol, which is also effective at dissolving fragrances. Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and swipe the perfumed skin. If the smell persists, apply more alcohol to the cotton ball and swipe again.

Another option is to use a mixture of water and baking soda. Mix the two together to form a thick paste, then smooth the paste over the perfumed skin. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Mix vinegar and oil

While vinegar is a great option for removing cologne from clothes, it is not recommended for direct application to the skin. However, you can mix vinegar with a mild carrier oil, like almond, jojoba, or grape seed, and apply it to your neck to help remove the cologne smell.

• Mix one part vinegar with one part carrier oil: Combine equal amounts of vinegar and a mildly scented carrier oil of your choice, such as almond, jojoba, or grape seed oil, in a small bowl or container. Stir or shake the mixture gently to combine the two ingredients thoroughly.
• Patch test: Before applying the mixture to your neck, it is important to perform a patch test to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions. Apply a small amount of the mixture to a discreet area of your skin, such as the inner elbow or wrist. Wait for at least 24 hours to ensure you don't experience any irritation or redness.
• Application: If the patch test is successful, you can proceed to apply the mixture to your neck. Using clean fingers or a cotton ball, gently massage the mixture onto the areas of your neck where the cologne was applied.
• Rinse: Allow the mixture to sit on your skin for a few minutes. Then, rinse it off thoroughly with lukewarm water. You can also use a mild soap to wash the area and then pat it dry with a clean towel.
• Moisturize: After removing the cologne smell, you may want to apply a light, unscented moisturizer to your neck to prevent dryness and keep your skin hydrated.

By following these steps and using a mixture of vinegar and carrier oil, you can effectively and gently remove cologne smells from your neck while also nourishing your skin.

Frequently asked questions