Removing Cologne: Tips For Subtle Fragrance

Whether you've spritzed on too much cologne or you're simply not a fan of the scent, there are several ways to remove unwanted perfume from your skin. One popular method is to use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or witch hazel to neutralise the fragrance. Another unconventional tip is to apply unscented deodorant to the affected area, wait a few minutes, and then wash with an unscented heavy-duty laundry detergent. Alternatively, you can create a paste with equal parts baking soda and warm water, rub it onto your skin, and rinse it off after a few minutes. If you want to avoid using strong chemicals, you can try using unbrewed coffee grounds as an exfoliant and then washing your skin with soap and water. For a gentler approach, apply a mildly scented oil such as almond, jojoba, or grape seed to the affected area and massage it into your skin before rinsing with a shower gel.

Use makeup remover

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

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Makeup Remover

Select a makeup remover designed for waterproof cosmetics, or opt for a dual-phase eye makeup remover that combines an oil-based remover with cleansing water. If you have sensitive skin, consider a cleansing water or micellar water, which is gentle yet effective at removing lighter makeup. Alternatively, coconut oil can be a good natural alternative.

Step 2: Prepare the Cotton Pads

Saturate several cotton pads with the chosen makeup remover. Ensure you have enough pads to avoid having to reuse any, as this can spread the cologne to other parts of your skin.

Step 3: Apply the Makeup Remover to the Skin

Hold the saturated cotton pad against your closed eye or the area where the cologne was applied for about 20 seconds. This allows the makeup remover to dissolve the cologne, making it easier to wipe off.

Step 4: Wipe Off the Cologne

Use a gentle downward motion to wipe off the cologne, followed by an upward stroke to clean underneath your lashes or in the area where the cologne was applied. Repeat this process as needed, using a clean side of the cotton pad or a fresh pad. Be careful not to rub or scrub your skin, as this can cause irritation.

Step 5: Rinse and Moisturize (Optional)

After removing the cologne, you may wish to rinse your skin with water and a mild cleanser to remove any residue from the makeup remover. Follow this with a light moisturizer to nourish and soothe your skin.

Using a good quality makeup remover is an effective way to remove cologne from your skin without being too harsh. Remember to be gentle and avoid scrubbing or rubbing, especially around the delicate eye area.

Try rubbing alcohol

If you've applied too much cologne, don't worry—it's a simple fix! One of the best ways to neutralise cologne is with rubbing alcohol. This method is simple, effective, and cheap.

First, soak a cotton ball or cotton pad with a little bit of rubbing alcohol. You can find this at your local drugstore or chemist—sometimes it's kept behind the counter, so you may need to ask for it. Next, apply or wipe the dampened cotton to the area of skin that you want to remove the cologne from. You can also use this method on clothes, fabrics, or linens—just be sure to test the alcohol on an 'invisible' area first, like the inside of the fabric, to make sure it won't damage or stain the material.

If you don't have any rubbing alcohol to hand, you can also use hand sanitiser, which often contains a high amount of alcohol. Alternatively, you could use clear vodka or another clear spirit—just make sure it doesn't have any colour or 'botanical' ingredients, as these might stain your skin or clothes.

Although using pure alcohol is an effective way to remove cologne, it can be very harsh on the skin and may irritate sensitive skin types. If you have sensitive skin, try one of the following methods instead:

• Apply an unscented deodorant to the affected area, leave for a few minutes, and then wash with an unscented heavy-duty laundry detergent.
• Make a paste with equal parts of baking soda and warm water. Apply the mixture to your skin, leave for a few minutes, and then wash off.
• Apply a simple mix of white vinegar and oil to the skin, let it set in, and then wash off with soap and water.

Apply unscented deodorant

Applying unscented deodorant is an effective way to remove cologne. It is a more unconventional method, but it works. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Apply unscented deodorant to the affected area.
• Let it sit for a few minutes.
• Wash the area with an unscented heavy-duty laundry detergent. You can use a product like Tide Free.

This method is a good alternative to using pure alcohol, which can be too harsh on the skin. The alcohol in the deodorant will help to remove the cologne, while the detergents will wash away any remaining scent molecules.

If you don't have unscented deodorant on hand, there are a few other methods you can try to remove cologne:

• Use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. This is a widely recommended and inexpensive method.
• Create a paste with equal parts baking soda and warm water. Rub it into the skin, let it sit for several minutes, then rinse.
• Soak a cotton ball in unflavoured vodka and apply it to the skin before wiping the cologne away.
• Mix white vinegar and oil, dab the mixture onto the skin, let it set in, and then wash it off with soap and water.

Wash with unscented laundry detergent

If you want to get cologne out of your clothes, it's best to wash them as soon as possible after they've been saturated with the scent. You should also avoid using scented detergents, as these can simply replace one scent with another. Instead, opt for an unscented laundry detergent.

• Make sure your clothes are dry. Moisture, such as sweat, can disrupt the reaction that will take place when detergent is applied.
• Soak your clothes in a mixture of warm water and baking soda overnight, or for a few hours. This will help to remove any lingering scents. You can also add a cup of white vinegar for extra deodorizing power.
• After soaking, wash your clothes as usual, following the care label guidelines. Use an unscented laundry detergent and add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle.
• Dry your clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in the fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help remove odours, but it can also cause dyes to fade, so hang dark colours in the shade.
• If you need to use a clothes dryer, use a low-temperature setting like the permanent press option. High temperatures can cause odour molecules to adhere more deeply to the fabric.
• If you don't have time to wash your clothes right away, place them in a sealed plastic tub or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box of baking soda. Baking soda will absorb odours, just like it does in your refrigerator.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively remove cologne odours and irritants from your clothes.

Make a baking soda paste

To make a baking soda paste to remove cologne, you'll need to mix baking soda with water. The exact quantities aren't too important, but the ratio should be around 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. For example, you could use 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of water. Mix the ingredients in a metal bowl until you have a thick paste that can be smeared on your skin.

You can also add a small amount of vinegar to the paste for extra cleaning power. This combination can be effective at removing stains. However, be aware that mixing vinegar and baking soda creates a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, so proceed with caution.

Once you have your paste, smooth it over the skin that has been spritzed with cologne. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Finally, wash your skin with mild soap and water, then pat it dry with a clean washcloth or towel.

Frequently asked questions