Antonio Mcgowan
ModernMom is an online community for mothers, offering practical tips and advice on parenting, pregnancy, family, career, health, beauty, cooking, crafts, and more. One such tip is how to remove perfume smells from clothing. Perfume contains preservatives and additives like alcohol and petroleum chemicals, which can stain and discolour clothing fibres. To remove the smell, ModernMom suggests hanging the garment outside in the sun and fresh air. Other sources recommend using baking soda, lemon juice, or leaving the clothes outside overnight. For dry-clean-only clothing, a gentler scent-removal method is required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of content | Informational |
| Publication date | 3 September 2014 |
| Publication name | ModernMom |
| Topic | Removing perfume smell from clothing |
| Methods suggested | Hanging garments outside in the sun; sealing clothes in a plastic bag with baking soda; using lemon juice mixed with water; using odor-neutralizing sprays |
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What You'll Learn
Air out clothes outside
Airing out clothes outside is a great way to remove unwanted perfume smells. Sunshine and fresh air can effectively neutralise heavy perfume scents.
To air out clothes outside, start by checking the weather forecast. Ensure there is no rain in the forecast, as you do not want your clothes to get caught in a downpour. A gentle breeze is ideal when air-drying clothes outside, as it helps whisk away moisture and creates good airflow. However, direct and intense sunlight should be avoided when drying dark or bright garments, as it can break down dyes and lead to fading. Instead, opt for a shaded but warm spot for these types of clothes. For white clothing and linens, as well as socks and underwear, place them in a full-sun, slightly breezy location. The sun's UV rays will help kill bacteria and effectively remove odours.
Before hanging your clothes outside, give each piece a good shake to fluff up its fibres, prevent stiffness, and keep it from clinging to itself. Be sure to fully stretch out your clothing to avoid wrinkles. When hanging pants, line up the inner seams and pin them to the clothesline or drying rack by the hems, not the waistband.
Depending on the fabric type, air temperature, and wind conditions, it can take 2 to 4 hours for clothes to air-dry on a pleasantly warm day with a light breeze. Remember to never put away clothes that are still damp, as this can lead to the development of mould and mildew. Instead, fold your clothes and put them away immediately after they are dry to keep them crisp and clean.
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Use baking soda
Baking soda is a well-known and effective way to remove unwanted smells. It is a natural cleaner that can be used to eliminate stains and remove soap scum, and it is generally safe for most fabrics and surfaces.
To use baking soda to remove perfume smells from clothing, create a mixture by adding one cup of baking soda to a sink or washing machine filled with warm water. Submerge the item of clothing completely in the mixture and leave it to soak overnight or for a few days if the smell is very strong. After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines.
For very stubborn smells, baking soda may not work on its own. In this case, you can leave the baking soda to absorb the smell and then bring in an enzyme cleaner to fully break it up. You can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to boost the scent of the baking soda without causing damage.
To use baking soda to remove perfume smells from carpets, upholstery, and other fabric surfaces, sprinkle the baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
If you do not have time to wash your clothes, you can place fragrant garments in a sealed plastic tub or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the odors, just like it does in your refrigerator.
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Wash with lemon juice
Lemon juice is an excellent natural deodorizer and stain remover. It can be used to remove perfume smells from clothing without causing discolouration.
To use lemon juice to remove a perfume smell from clothing, squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the affected areas of the clothing. Leave the clothing in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight will help to eliminate the perfume smell and brighten your clothes.
Lemon juice can also be added to the rinse cycle of your washing machine to remove any detergent remnants that may be stuck to the fibres. The citric acid in the lemon juice will help to remove detergent residue, leaving your clothes cleaner, softer, and with a fresh lemon scent.
If you are dealing with dry clean only clothing, normal water-based methods may be too harsh and could leave the garment saturated with moisture. Instead, try a more gentle scent-removal method, such as activated charcoal, which is highly effective at absorbing odors. Place a small cloth bag filled with activated charcoal near the perfumed clothes and let it sit for a day or two.
It is important to note that while lemon juice is generally safe to use on coloured clothes, it is recommended to do a spot test first to ensure it does not cause any discolouration.
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Dry cleaning
If your clothes are dry clean only, it is best to avoid water-based methods as they can be too harsh and leave your clothes saturated with moisture. Instead, opt for a gentler scent-removal method, such as using a natural neutralizer like vodka or rubbing alcohol, which can be sprayed directly onto the affected area. Alternatively, you can try using vinegar and baking soda, which are also effective remedies for neutralizing odors.
For delicate clothing, hand washing with Castile soap is recommended. Simply pour a few drops of the soap onto the smelly area and rinse it out with warm water. If needed, gently scrub the spot with a soft-bristled brush.
Another option is to use a laundry booster, which is a washing additive that helps remove bacteria and smells from clothing. You can also try pre-soaking your clothes in warm water and baking soda overnight before washing them the next day with an unscented laundry detergent.
While dry cleaning is an effective way to remove perfume smells, it is always a good idea to prevent fragrances from overpowering your clothes in the first place. Proper drying techniques and quick fixes can help when you don't have time for a full wash.
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Use air purifiers
If you're looking to remove perfume smells from a room, an air purifier can be a great option. However, not all air purifiers are created equal when it comes to odour removal. Here are some things to consider when using an air purifier to get rid of unwanted scents:
Choose a Purifier with a Carbon Filter:
Carbon filters are highly effective at eliminating VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and odours. The highly porous structure of activated carbon allows it to absorb and trap the chemical compounds that contribute to strong smells, including perfume. Look for a purifier with deep carbon filtration to ensure it can handle heavy odours.
Consider the Room Size:
The effectiveness of an air purifier can depend on the size of the room. Make sure to choose a model that is designed for the square footage of the space you want to treat. For smaller rooms, you may see results in as little as 15 minutes, while larger rooms may take longer.
Understand the Limitations:
While air purifiers can help reduce odours, they cannot completely remove the source of the smell. They are designed to filter and purify the air, removing odour molecules from the air you breathe. However, if the source of the perfume smell is still present, its effects may be limited.
Seal the Space:
To maximize the effectiveness of your air purifier, consider sealing the room as much as possible. Close windows and doors to prevent the entry of outside scents and to ensure that all air passes through the purifier. This can help create a controlled environment for the purifier to work optimally.
Combine with Other Methods:
For particularly strong or persistent odours, you may need to combine the use of an air purifier with other odour-removal techniques. This could include temporarily removing the source of the smell, using natural odour absorbers, or increasing ventilation by opening windows when possible.
By following these guidelines and choosing the right type of air purifier, you can effectively reduce and manage perfume smells in your space, creating a more pleasant and comfortable environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Try hanging the garment outside in the sun, as sunshine and fresh air may be able to remove heavy perfume smells. Alternatively, wash the clothing with a combination of heat and sun rays, or with lemon juice mixed with water, as the juice's acidity will help to erase scents. If you don't have time to clean them, place the fragrant garments in a sealed plastic tub with a box of baking soda.
Water-based methods will be too harsh for dry-clean-only clothing and will leave them saturated in moisture. Instead, try a gentle scent-removal method, such as hanging the clothing outside in the sun.
Try using odor-neutralizing sprays or natural remedies, such as opening windows and using fans to help circulate air and eliminate lingering odors. You could also use air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters, as they effectively trap dust, allergens, and VOCs.
Avoid spraying perfume directly onto clothing, as it can damage the fibers by staining and discoloring them.
