Washing Off Cologne: Tips For Quick And Easy Removal

Whether you've sprayed on too much cologne before an important event, or you simply dislike the fragrance, there are several methods to remove cologne from your skin and clothing. On the skin, cologne can be removed by using rubbing alcohol, hand sanitiser, vinegar, vodka, olive oil, or baking soda. For clothing, lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda are all effective methods to remove cologne.

Using rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is an effective way to remove cologne from your skin and other surfaces. It is a good option for those who are on the go and cannot shower. It is also useful for removing cologne from fabrics, although it should not be used on acrylic or modacrylic fabrics.

To use this method, dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer. Squeeze out any excess moisture and swipe the perfumed skin with the damp cotton ball. Repeat this process until the smell is gone. You can also apply a diluted solution of rubbing alcohol to the skin using a sponge, and then rinse it off with water.

If you are using rubbing alcohol to remove cologne stains from fabrics, apply it to the stain and cover it with an absorbent pad that has also been dampened with alcohol. Let it sit until the stain is removed, keeping the pad moist with alcohol. Once the stain is gone, rinse the fabric with water and let it dry.

It is important to note that while rubbing alcohol is effective at removing cologne, it can be drying to the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to moisturize the skin after using this method. Additionally, always test any cleaning agent on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any damage or discolouration.

Applying hand sanitiser

Hand sanitiser is an effective way to remove cologne from your skin. It is a convenient option, as it is easy to carry a small bottle with you wherever you go.

To start, you will need to dampen a cotton ball with hand sanitiser. Squeeze out any excess moisture so that the cotton ball is not dripping. You can also use alcohol wipes, which are a great on-the-go option.

Next, swipe the perfumed area of skin with the damp cotton ball. If the cologne smell persists, apply more hand sanitiser to the cotton ball and swipe again.

If you are using an alcohol wipe, simply wipe down the perfumed area and then clean it off with a cloth or paper towel before the hand sanitiser dries.

Finally, let the skin dry. If the cologne smell is still noticeable, you can repeat the process.

Using lemon juice

Lemon juice is an excellent natural deodorizer and stain remover. It can be used to eliminate perfume or cologne odours from clothing and fabrics. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which helps break down and neutralise odours.

To remove cologne odours from clothing, start by squeezing fresh lemon juice onto the affected areas. You can also rub a fresh lemon slice directly onto the stained fabric. Leave the garment in direct sunlight for a few hours. The combination of lemon juice and sunlight will help eliminate the cologne odour and brighten the fabric.

For more stubborn stains or stronger cologne scents, you can soak the clothing in a solution of equal parts warm water and lemon juice for several hours before washing as usual. This will help to break down the cologne molecules and neutralise the odour. After soaking, wash the clothes in warm water with a strong detergent. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda or vinegar to the wash cycle for additional odour-neutralising power.

Lemon juice can also be used as a natural fabric freshener. Create a DIY spray by mixing two tablespoons of lemon juice with one cup of hot water in a spray bottle. You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar to enhance its odour-fighting properties. Spray the solution directly onto fabrics or into the air to freshen up your space.

While lemon juice is a great natural cleaner, it is important to note that it is not a disinfectant. Therefore, when dealing with surfaces that require sanitisation, such as cooking surfaces, it is recommended to use proper cleaning supplies to eliminate harmful germs. Additionally, avoid using lemon juice on natural stone, brass-plated items, and certain delicate fabrics like silk, as it may cause corrosion or discolouration. Always do a patch test on a small area before applying lemon juice to any surface or fabric.

Washing with soap and water

Choose the Right Soap:

Start by selecting a mild soap that is free from strong fragrances. Opt for a gentle, unscented soap to avoid introducing new scents to your skin.

Wash the Area with Soap and Water:

Dampen the area where you applied the cologne with warm water. Lather a small amount of mild soap onto your hands and gently massage it onto the skin. Focus on the areas where you applied the cologne, such as your wrists, neck, or chest.

Rinse and Dry:

Rinse the soap off your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water. Make sure to remove all traces of soap to avoid any skin irritation. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel or washcloth.

Repeat if Necessary:

If the cologne scent is still noticeable, repeat the washing process. You may need to wash the area multiple times to completely remove the cologne, especially if it is a strong or long-lasting fragrance.

Use a Loofah or Sponge:

To enhance the effectiveness of soap and water, consider using a loofah or a soft sponge. Gently exfoliating the skin can help lift the cologne oils and facilitate their removal.

Combine with Other Methods:

For particularly stubborn cologne scents, you can combine the soap and water method with other removal techniques. For example, you can apply a small amount of unscented hand cream or oil to the area before washing it off with soap and water. This can help lift the cologne oils and make them easier to remove.

Avoid Rubbing or Scrubbing:

While it may be tempting to scrub the skin vigorously to remove the cologne, avoid doing so. Rubbing or scrubbing too harshly can irritate your skin and may even spread the cologne to other areas. Instead, opt for gentle circular motions when washing with soap and water.

Test on a Small Area First:

If you are concerned about removing a strong cologne, consider testing the soap and water method on a small area first. Apply a small amount of soap to a damp washcloth and gently pat it onto a small section of the scented area. Rinse and dry as usual, then assess the results before proceeding with a full wash.

Choose Alternative Soap Options:

In addition to mild soap, there are other soap-based options that can help remove cologne. For example, you can use a small amount of dishwashing liquid, such as Dawn, which is known to be effective at cutting through oils and grease. You can also try laundry detergent, although it is important to opt for an unscented variety to avoid introducing new fragrances.

Be Gentle on Sensitive Skin:

If you have sensitive skin, take extra care when using soap and water to remove cologne. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can irritate your skin. You may also want to moisturize the area after washing to prevent dryness or irritation.

Using baking soda

Baking soda is an effective way to remove cologne from clothes, mattresses, carpets, and upholstery. It is a natural deodorizer and neutralizes odours by counteracting the acids that cause bad smells.

To use baking soda to remove cologne from clothes, add half a cup of it to your laundry load. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to boost the scent. If you are dealing with a stubborn stain, create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it dry and then vacuum it off.

To remove cologne odours from your mattress, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on it and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, vacuum the mattress thoroughly.

Similarly, to get rid of cologne smells from carpets and upholstery, sprinkle some baking soda on the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before vacuuming it up.

Baking soda can also be used to remove cologne stains from plastic food storage containers. Simply fill the container with water and baking soda and let it sit overnight. In the morning, rinse the container and the stain should be gone.

Frequently asked questions