Eliminating Laundry Fragrance: A Comprehensive Guide For Fresh Clothes

Removing fragrance from clothes can be a challenge, especially with synthetic fabrics, but it's not impossible. The first step is to air out the clothes, preferably outside in the sun, for a few hours or a few weeks, depending on how strong the scent is. Then, you can try soaking the clothes in a mixture of baking soda and water, followed by a wash with laundry detergent and a cup of distilled white vinegar. If that doesn't work, you can try more intensive methods, such as using vodka or ammonia, or natural products like milk or hydrogen peroxide.

Soak clothes in a solution of baking soda and water

Soaking clothes in a solution of baking soda and water is an effective way to remove unwanted fragrance from clothes.

To start, fill a sink, bucket, or washing machine with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. Make sure the vessel is large enough to fully submerge the item of clothing. For best results, leave the clothes to soak overnight, or for several hours. If the fragrance is particularly strong, you may need to soak the clothes for a few days.

After soaking, wash the clothes as usual, following the care label guidelines. If possible, 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 to cut through any remaining fragrance residue.

Finally, dry the clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in the fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help to remove any lingering odours. If you are unable to dry the clothes outside, use a low-temperature setting on your dryer, such as the permanent press option.

Wash with unscented laundry detergent

Using an unscented laundry detergent is a great way to remove unwanted fragrance from your clothes. This method is particularly useful if you have sensitive skin or are simply looking for a gentle, fragrance-free option for your laundry.

Choosing an Unscented Detergent

When selecting an unscented detergent, look for products that are specifically designed for sensitive skin and free from common skin irritants. These irritants can include fragrances, surfactants, dyes, preservatives, and other harmful chemicals. Some detergents may also be labelled as "hypoallergenic" or "dermatologist-tested," providing further assurance of their gentleness on the skin. Additionally, check the ingredient list to ensure the detergent is free from any added scents or perfumes.

There are various types of unscented detergents available, including liquid, powder, pods, and sheets. Each form has its advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences:

• Liquid detergents tend to be the most effective at stain removal but can be messier and more difficult to pour.
• Powder detergents are customizable and cost-effective but may not be suitable for tough stains.
• Laundry pods and sheets are lightweight, portable, and convenient, making them ideal for lighter loads and busy households.

Using an Unscented Detergent

When using an unscented laundry detergent, follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results. Pay attention to the recommended amount of detergent to use, as using too much can lead to residue or poor rinsing. If you have heavily soiled or stained items, you may need to pre-treat the stains or use a stain remover in conjunction with the unscented detergent.

Keep in mind that unscented detergents may still leave your clothes with a light, clean smell due to their effective cleaning power. This "fresh" scent is simply the result of thoroughly cleaned clothes and does not indicate the presence of added fragrances.

Recommended Unscented Detergents

• All Free Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent: This detergent is highly recommended for sensitive skin and has been dermatologist, allergist, and paediatrician approved. It effectively lifts stains and leaves clothes with a light, fresh scent, despite being fragrance-free.
• Molly's Suds Laundry Detergent Powder: This powder detergent is made with only four ingredients and is free from fragrances, dyes, optical brighteners, and phosphates. It's also septic-safe, which is rare for powder detergents.
• Truly Free Non-Toxic Laundry Wash - Unscented: This liquid detergent is designed for sensitive skin and is safe for babies and children. It effectively removes stains and odours without the use of harmful chemicals, and it's eco-friendly too.

Soak in vinegar

Soaking your clothes in vinegar is an effective way to remove unwanted laundry fragrance. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Prepare a mixture of vinegar and water: Combine one part distilled white vinegar with three or four parts cold water. The amount of liquid you need will depend on the number of clothes you are planning to soak. For example, you can mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 3/4 cup of water, or 1/2 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water.
• Soak your clothes: Fully submerge the fragrant garments in the vinegar-water mixture. Make sure the container you use is large enough to accommodate the clothes. You can do this in your washing machine's soak settings or in a separate container like a washing pale or a sink.
• Let the clothes soak: Allow the clothes to soak for several hours or even overnight. The longer they soak, the more effective it will be in removing strong fragrances.
• Wash as usual: After soaking, proceed to wash the clothes as you normally would, following the care label instructions. Use an unscented laundry detergent.
• Add vinegar to the rinse cycle: During the rinse cycle, add about 1/4 to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. This will help to further neutralise any remaining fragrance and prevent it from lingering in your clothes.
• Complete the wash: Finish the wash cycle and dry your clothes as usual. If possible, air-dry them outside, as the fresh air will help remove any lingering odours.

Repeat this process if necessary. The strength of the fragrance and the fabric type may impact the number of treatments needed to completely remove the scent. Remember to always check the fabric care instructions and perform a small patch test if you're unsure about using vinegar on a particular garment.

Air clothes outside

Airing clothes outside is a great way to remove unwanted smells. The sun and wind can naturally wash away any lingering perfume, and plants can also help absorb the odours.

If you are airing your clothes outside, be mindful of the weather. Avoid hanging your clothes outside if rain or snow is expected, and be aware that the morning dew can leave your clothes wet for a while. If you are hanging your clothes in direct sunlight, be aware that this can cause dyes to fade.

The time your clothes need to air out will depend on how saturated they are with scent. It may take as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of weeks. To speed up the process, hang your clothes in a breezy spot, ideally somewhere with lots of leafy, green plants.

If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can hang your clothes inside in a warm, sunlit room with lots of plants.

Wash with alcohol or vodka

To remove laundry fragrance from clothes using alcohol or vodka, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the alcohol or vodka solution

Mix one part inexpensive, high-proof vodka with two parts water in a spray bottle. If you don't have vodka, you can also use rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

Step 2: Apply the solution to the clothes

Spray the alcohol or vodka solution liberally onto any areas of the clothing that have a strong fragrance. Make sure to fully saturate the affected areas.

Step 3: Let the solution sit

Allow the alcohol or vodka solution to sit on the fabric for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the alcohol will work to neutralise and lift the scent molecules, helping to remove the fragrance.

Step 4: Rinse the clothes with cool water

After the solution has had time to work, thoroughly rinse the treated areas of the clothing with cool water. This will help remove any remaining alcohol and fragrance residue.

Step 5: Repeat if necessary

If the fragrance persists after the first treatment, you may need to repeat the process. Try to identify the areas where the scent is strongest and focus your application there.

Additional Tips:

• For particularly stubborn fragrances, you can try soaking the clothing in the alcohol or vodka solution before rinsing and washing as normal.
• Alternatively, you can spritz the alcohol or vodka solution directly onto the affected areas and allow the clothes to air-dry.
• If you're concerned about discolouration or damage, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first.
• Remember to always exercise caution when handling and storing alcohol. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets, and ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Frequently asked questions