Concealing Alcohol Smells: Cologne Choices And Combinations

Many colognes contain a lot of alcohol, which is the major component that keeps all the notes and ingredients together. The alcohol evaporates once it is out of the bottle, leaving only the notes on the skin. The alcohol in colognes can smell like rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or like a cheap fragrance. This smell usually lasts only a few minutes. To cancel out the alcohol smell in cologne, you can try diluting the formula with alcohol, using makeup remover, or covering it with unscented deodorant or essential oils.

Store cologne in a cool, dry, dark place

Storing cologne in a cool, dry, dark place is essential for preserving its quality and scent. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your cologne remains in optimal condition:

Choose the Right Storage Space:

• Select a storage area away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as windowsills or shelves near heaters. Sunlight can damage the cologne and its bottle.
• Find a place with a consistent, cool temperature. Avoid areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
• Avoid humid environments. Humidity can negatively impact the quality of your cologne. If possible, store it in a room with a dehumidifier.

Select Suitable Storage Containers:

• Keep the cologne in its original bottle and box. These are designed to protect the fragrance and maintain its freshness.
• Store the cologne in a dark box or container to shield it from light.
• Place the cologne on a low shelf or in a drawer to prevent accidental spills or breakage.
• Ensure the cap is securely tightened after each use to minimise oxygen exposure and evaporation.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid shaking the cologne bottle, as this can introduce unwanted oxidation and disrupt the delicate chemical bonds in the fragrance.
• Do not store the cologne in the bathroom, as the temperature and humidity changes can deteriorate the scent.
• If you live in a hot and humid climate, consider storing the cologne in the refrigerator. However, ensure the refrigerator is not too cold to avoid damaging the cologne.

Avoid exposing cologne to humidity and temperature changes

Humidity and temperature changes can negatively impact cologne. To avoid exposing your cologne to these changes, do not store it in the bathroom. The bathroom is subject to extreme humidity and temperature fluctuations, which can alter the chemical makeup of the cologne. Instead, store your cologne in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or cupboard outside of the bathroom. A hallway closet is a good option.

If you live in a humid environment, consider storing your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier. This will help to regulate the humidity levels and keep your cologne from evaporating. Additionally, avoid storing your cologne in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can also affect the quality of the fragrance.

It is also important to keep the bottle sealed when not in use. Exposing the cologne to oxygen can cause the scent to dilute and become oxidized, altering the fragrance.

Use fragrance oils instead of cologne

Colognes and perfumes are fragrance oils and other additives distilled inside alcohol. The alcohol acts as a carrier, which "carries" the scent. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving only the scent of the fragrance.

However, if you want to avoid the smell of alcohol, you can skip the middleman and apply fragrance oils directly to your skin. The scent from perfume oils will stick closer to your body and increase with your body heat. Unlike alcohol-based perfumes, oil-based perfumes are moisturising and won't dry out your skin.

While there are many fragrance oils available, not all of them are meant to be applied directly to the skin. When choosing a fragrance oil, look for one that is meant for topical use and be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil to ensure that it is safe for your skin.

You can also look for alcohol-soluble fragrance oils, which are formulated to blend well with alcohol-based products like perfumes and colognes. These can be added to your cologne to enhance the scent without the alcohol smell. However, keep in mind that these oils should also be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied to the skin.

• A little bit of fragrance oil goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more if needed.
• Store your fragrance oils in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, to ensure optimal potency.
• Look for fragrance oils made with premium organic and natural ingredients derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid oils that contain synthetic additives or harsh chemicals.

Some popular options for fragrance oils include:

• Anise
• Bulgarian Rose
• Coffee
• Black Raspberry Vanilla
• Almond Biscotti
• Mango
• Caribbean Coconut
• Baby Powder
• Hibiscus
• Lemon Verbena

Use unscented laundry detergent and distilled white vinegar to wash clothes that smell like cologne

To remove cologne or perfume smells from clothes, you can use a combination of unscented laundry detergent and distilled white vinegar. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Soak the Clothes

Before washing, it's recommended to soak the clothes in a solution that will help neutralise the cologne smell. Fill a sink or washing machine with warm water and add one cup of baking soda. Completely submerge the clothes and let them soak overnight or for a few days. You can also repeat a shorter soaking cycle along with the air-drying, washing, and drying cycle if necessary.

Step 2: Wash with Unscented Detergent and Vinegar

After soaking, wash the clothes as usual, following the care label guidelines. Use an unscented laundry detergent to avoid adding more scent to the clothes. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle. The vinegar will help cut through any remaining perfume residue in the fibres.

Step 3: Air-Dry or Machine Dry

Dry the freshly washed clothes by hanging them on a clothesline or drying rack in fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help remove any lingering odours. However, bright sunlight can cause dyes to fade, so hang dark-coloured clothes in the shade. If you must 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.

Additional Tips:

• If you don't have time to wash the clothes immediately, hang them in a breezy, warm, and sunlit room filled with leafy green plants. Plants can help absorb the cologne odours.
• Repeat the above process as needed until the cologne smell is completely gone.
• Always check the garment's care label and follow any specific instructions for washing and drying.
• For delicate clothing, you can try hand-washing with Castile soap.
• If you're sensitive to chemicals, avoid using scented detergents or boosters, as these may irritate your skin.

Use natural neutralizers like coffee grounds, baking soda, lemon juice, or vodka to remove cologne smell from skin

Coffee grounds are a natural neutralizer and can be used to remove cologne or perfume smells from the skin. They are often found near perfume stations for this reason. To use this method, rub fresh coffee grounds on the skin where the cologne was applied, then wash the area with soap and water.

Baking soda is another effective natural neutralizer. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water, then apply it to the scented area. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off. This method works for both skin and fabrics. Baking soda is effective because it is an alkaline substance that neutralizes acidic odors.

Lemon juice is a natural deodorizer and can be used to neutralize cologne smells. Apply fresh lemon juice to the skin and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water. The acidity of the lemon helps to neutralize the scent.

Vodka can also be used to neutralize cologne smells. Simply dab some vodka onto a cotton pad and gently wipe the skin where the cologne was applied. The alcohol in the vodka will help to dilute and lift the cologne from your skin.

Frequently asked questions