Lance Carson
Getting perfume smells out of clothing can be a challenging task. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to remove unwanted fragrances without resorting to harsh chemicals. For washable fabrics, natural deodorizers like white vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda can be used. For dry-clean-only items, professional cleaning is recommended, but alternatives such as vodka or essential oils can be applied with caution. The key is to act quickly, as perfume can linger for months to years, and its preservatives and additives are designed to make the odour last.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Neutralizers | Baking soda, vodka, lemon juice, coffee grounds, vinegar, laundry booster, Castile soap, newspaper, activated charcoal |
| Commercial products | Febreze, "scent eliminator" products, enzyme cleaners, fabric refreshers |
| Other methods | Airing out, hanging in direct sunlight, washing with warm water, dry cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
Vodka spray
Vodka is a great way to remove perfume smells from clothing. It is a natural neutralizer for heavy perfume scents. Vodka is odorless and colorless, and it has a sanitizing effect. It kills bacteria and removes the perfume smell.
To use vodka to remove perfume smells from clothing, you will need a bottle of inexpensive, high-proof vodka and a spray bottle. First, pour the vodka into the spray bottle, filling it about two-thirds of the way. Then, fill the rest of the spray bottle with water. Spray the vodka and water mixture liberally over any smelly spots on your clothing. Let the vodka sit on the garment for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it with cool water.
If you are dealing with a particularly strong smell, you may need to use undiluted vodka. In this case, simply pour the vodka into a spray bottle and spritz the affected areas of the garment. You can also try spraying vodka on the inside of the clothing, as this is where the smell is likely to be strongest.
If you don't want to use water, you can try using vinegar instead. Simply fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spritz the affected areas of the garment. Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area to allow the vinegar to dry.
Using vodka to remove perfume smells from clothing is an effective and inexpensive method. It is important to remember to rinse the garment with cool water after using vodka, as this will remove any residual vodka and help to prevent staining.
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Baking soda
Sprinkle and Shake
For this method, simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected areas of the fabric. Leave the baking soda on the garment for at least 30 minutes, or a couple of hours, or even overnight. Finally, shake off any excess powder. The baking soda will absorb the perfume smell, and your clothes will start smelling fresh again.
Soak and Wash
Soak your clothing in a sink or washing machine filled with warm water and one cup of baking soda before washing. Leave the clothing to soak overnight, or for a few days. Then, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent.
Laundry Booster
Sealed Container
Place the item of clothing inside a sealed plastic container or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box or bowl full of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the perfume odours from the clothing. Leave the clothing for at least 72 hours, or for a few days, before removing from the container and washing as usual.
Create a baking soda paste and apply this to the affected areas of clothing. Then, soak the clothing in a vinegar solution. This method may not be as effective as the others, but it is still worth trying.
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Lemon juice
To use lemon juice to remove perfume smells from clothing, mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. For example, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Mix the solution thoroughly, but do not overdo it, as this can break the solution's chemical bonds and render it useless. Spray the solution onto the affected areas of the clothing, focusing on areas where the scent is concentrated. Leave the clothing in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight will help to eliminate the perfume smell.
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Coffee grounds
To use coffee grounds to remove perfume smells from clothing, place the scented article of clothing in a plastic bag or airtight container, adding about a cup of ground-up coffee beans. Seal the container and leave it for 24 hours or more if the smell is strong. After the waiting period, take the garment out, shake off any coffee grounds, and hang it to air out. Ensure that no coffee ground residue remains on the clothing.
It is important to note that coffee grounds should not be used on brightly coloured clothing as they may stain the fabric. Additionally, if you are looking for a quick fix, there are other methods such as using fabric refreshers or spritzing the clothing with a mixture of water and essential oils.
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White vinegar
To use vinegar to remove perfume smells, you can add it to your wash cycle. Pour up to half an ounce of white vinegar into the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine during the rinse phase. You can also pour it directly onto your clothes after you put them in the washer, and then rinse them one to three times until the smell is gone. For best results, use distilled white vinegar, as apple cider vinegar may stain your clothes. You can use either hot or cold water, depending on the garment. It may take several washes for the smell to disappear.
Alternatively, you can create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water and soak your clothes in it before washing them. Fill a basin with enough water to cover the clothes and add a cup of white vinegar. Then, immerse the clothes for about half an hour to an hour. This method helps remove residue chemicals from the perfume, making it easier to remove the smell when you do your laundry.
You can also try spraying a vinegar solution onto the affected areas of your clothing. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spritz it over the garment, allowing it to dry.
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Frequently asked questions
Try using baking soda, coffee grounds, lemon juice, white vinegar, or vodka. Place the clothing in an airtight container with one of these substances and leave it for at least 10 minutes, or up to 72 hours. Then, shake off the substance and hang the clothing to air dry.
Wash your delicate clothing by hand using a gentle soap, such as Castile soap, and warm water. If you'd like, you can gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the item with warm water and hang it to dry.
Yes, there are laundry products specifically designed to remove perfume odors from clothing. Look for enzyme cleaners and fabric refreshers, such as Febreze. If your clothing is dry-clean-only, take it to a professional cleaner and mention the issue. They will have specialized methods to remove odors.
