Washing Off Excess Cologne: Tips And Tricks

Whether you've been a little too liberal with the cologne application or you're simply looking to switch up your scent, knowing how to effectively wash off cologne can be a useful skill. While a regular shower with soap and water may be enough to remove milder cologne scents, more intense fragrances may require additional methods. One simple trick is to use oils such as coconut or olive oil, which can break down perfume molecules. Other household items such as vinegar, rubbing alcohol, or lemon juice can also be effective. For those willing to try unconventional methods, a full-fat milk bath or a dip in the sea are said to neutralise and remove cologne from the skin.

Wash your skin with soap and water

If you're looking to wash off cologne, it's important to note that simply scrubbing with soap and water may not be enough to get rid of the scent. However, it can help to reduce the intensity of the cologne's smell.

First, identify the areas of your skin where the cologne has been applied. Pay close attention to areas like your neck, wrists, and chest, as these are common places where cologne is applied. If you can't pinpoint the exact areas, err on the side of caution and focus on the areas mentioned above.

Next, rinse the identified areas with warm to hot water. The temperature of the water is important, as hotter water will help to break down the cologne's oils and facilitate their removal. Wet the skin thoroughly to ensure that the soap can work effectively.

Now, it's time to choose your soap. Mild soap or hand soap will do the trick. Avoid using strongly scented soaps, as these may interact with the cologne's fragrance or irritate your skin. Apply the soap generously to the areas you wish to treat. You can use your hands or a washcloth for this step, whichever you find more convenient.

Scrub vigorously. This is the key step in removing the cologne. Work the soap into a lather and scrub in circular motions, ensuring you cover the entire area. Pay close attention to areas where the cologne may have pooled or been applied more heavily, such as pulse points. Rinse the soap off with warm water, ensuring that all residues are removed.

Finally, pat your skin dry with a clean towel or washcloth. If the cologne smell still lingers, you can repeat the process or try using an additional method like rubbing alcohol or vinegar to help neutralize the scent.

While washing with soap and water can help reduce the cologne's intensity, it may not always be completely effective, especially for stronger or more resilient fragrances.

Use hand sanitiser

Using hand sanitiser is an effective way to wash off cologne. Firstly, you'll need to dampen a cotton ball with hand sanitiser. Squeeze out any excess moisture. Then, swipe the perfumed skin with the damp cotton ball. If the smell doesn't go away, apply more hand sanitiser to the cotton ball and swipe again. Let the skin dry.

Hand sanitiser is a good option for removing cologne because it contains alcohol, which dissolves fragrances. Commercial fragrances, such as Eau de Toilettes and Eau de Colognes, generally contain at least 70% alcohol, which is effective against bacteria. However, hand sanitiser is less effective at killing certain bacteria, such as Cryptosporidium, norovirus and Clostridium difficile. It also doesn't work as well if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, and it may not remove harmful chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals.

If you don't have hand sanitiser, you can also use rubbing alcohol, which works in a similar way. However, be aware that hand sanitiser and rubbing alcohol can be dangerous if ingested and are flammable. Keep them out of reach of children and store them away from sources of ignition.

Apply oil, wait, then wash off

If you're looking to remove cologne from your skin, one effective method is to apply oil, wait, and then wash it off.

Firstly, choose an oil such as coconut or olive oil, and apply it generously to the affected area. Massage the oil into your skin as if you were washing with it. Leave the oil on your skin for around 10 minutes. Finally, rinse off the oil with soap and water, washing your skin as you normally would.

You can also try mixing white vinegar and oil to create a potent solution for removing cologne. Dab the mixture onto your skin, wait a few minutes, and then wash it off with soap and water.

Other methods for removing cologne include using hand sanitiser, witch hazel, or a long, hot bath.

Soak clothes in vinegar and water

Soaking your clothes in a vinegar and water solution is an effective way to remove cologne from your clothes. This method works because vinegar is a fantastic everyday cleaner and can also act as a natural fabric softener.

To soak your clothes in vinegar and water, start by making sure that the clothes are completely dry. This is important because the molecules in moisture could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied. Next, prepare the vinegar and water solution. You can dilute half a cup of vinegar in a gallon of water. Then, simply soak your clothes in this solution. You can also add the solution directly to the washing machine and wash your clothes as normal. If you choose to do this, add the vinegar during the rinse cycle.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using vinegar to wash your clothes. Firstly, do not pour vinegar directly onto your fabrics. Secondly, do not mix vinegar with bleach or chlorine bleach products, as this combination is highly toxic and can be dangerous. Finally, while vinegar is great for removing stains and odours, it should not be used regularly as it can damage your washing machine.

Use a commercial fabric spot cleaner

If you've got a stain on your fabric, you can use a commercial fabric spot cleaner to get it out. Here's how:

Blot the excess spill

Use a folded absorbent cloth, paper towels, or sponge to gently blot and remove any excess cologne.

Spray with a commercial fabric spot cleaner

Follow the instructions on the container to spray the stain with the commercial fabric spot cleaner.

Blot thoroughly and allow to dry

After applying the commercial fabric spot cleaner, blot the area thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel and allow it to dry.

If the stain remains, you can try the following method:

Make a detergent-based cleaning solution

Create a solution with 1 part glycerin, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Mix the solution thoroughly.

Apply the solution to the stain

Apply a few drops of the solution to the stain and cover it with an absorbent cloth or pad dampened with the solution.

Allow it to sit

Keep the cloth or pad on the stain until the stain is removed. Keep the stain and pad moist (but not wet) with the solution.

Sponge with clear water and blot thoroughly

Once the stain is gone, sponge the area with clear water and blot it thoroughly to remove any remaining solution.

Allow it to dry

Let the fabric air dry.

Frequently asked questions