Neutralizing Cologne Odor On Clothes: Effective Methods

Getting rid of cologne or perfume smells from clothes can be a difficult task, but there are several methods and tips that can help eliminate the scent. One of the most popular methods is to wash the clothes with vinegar instead of soap. Adding approximately 240ml of vinegar to the washing machine and then washing on a normal cycle can help to neutralise the scent. Another method is to soak the clothes in a solution of baking soda and water before washing them as usual. This can help to break down the cologne molecules and remove the scent. For more stubborn smells, a stronger detergent or a solution of baking soda, vinegar and water may be necessary.

Additionally, hanging clothes outside in the fresh air and sunlight for several hours or even a few days can help to naturally dissipate the scent. For a quicker fix, applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the affected area and letting it evaporate can help to neutralise the scent and remove any residue.

Preventing cologne smells on clothes is much easier than trying to remove them. One of the most effective ways to do this is to apply cologne directly to the skin instead of spraying it on clothes. This will help to prevent the scent from transferring to your clothes while still allowing you to enjoy the fragrance.

Air clothes outside

Airing clothes outside is an effective way to remove cologne and other unwanted scents from your garments.

Hanging your clothes outside in the fresh air allows the wind and sunlight to wash away lingering cologne or perfume from the previous day. The morning dew can leave your clothes wet, so be sure to hang them outside for a sufficient amount of time.

If you are unable to hang your clothes outside, you can hang them in a breezy, warm, sunlit room filled with leafy plants. The plants will also help absorb the odours.

The time needed to air out your clothes will depend on how saturated they are with scent. It may take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks.

You can also try combining this method with others. For example, you could try spraying your cologne-scented clothes with a mixture of vinegar and water, and then hanging them outside to dry.

If you are dealing with dry-clean-only clothing, be sure to air them outside as you would with washable clothes. You may find that a fabric refresher spray can help remove odours. Take the clothing to an outside area, spray it lightly, and let it air out.

Soak in vinegar

Vinegar is an effective way to get cologne out of clothes. According to Harvard's School of Public Health, vinegar is a fantastic everyday cleaner due to its chemical composition, and it's also a great eco-friendly option.

Step 1: Ensure the Clothes Are Dry

Before attempting to wash the garment, make sure it is free from any moisture, such as sweat. This is important because the presence of moisture can disrupt the reaction between the vinegar and the cologne molecules.

Step 2: Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine

Once the garment is loaded into the washing machine, add approximately 240 mL of vinegar instead of soap or detergent. There is no need to keep the piece of clothing separate from the rest of the load; you can wash the whole load with vinegar.

Step 3: Wash as Normal

After adding the vinegar, simply set the wash cycle as you would normally, allowing the vinegar to act as the cleaning agent.

Step 4: Dry with Dryer Sheets

After the wash cycle is complete, put the clothes in the dryer with scented or unscented dryer sheets. It is important to ensure that the clothes are completely dry. If the garments are left damp and crumpled in the dryer, more musty smells can develop.

Additional Tips:

• For particularly strong or stubborn cologne smells, you can try soaking the garment in vinegar before washing. Fill a sink or washing machine with warm water and add about a cup of vinegar. Soak the clothes for a few hours or even overnight, then proceed with the washing steps outlined above.
• Repeat the cycle: Rather than a long soak, you may find it more effective to repeat the airing, soaking, washing, and drying cycle several times if necessary.
• For dry-clean-only items, try airing them out in the sun for 24 hours first. If that doesn't work, place the clothes in an enclosed box or wardrobe with a "scent sucker," such as crumpled newspaper or a box of baking soda, for at least 72 hours.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively remove cologne smells from your clothes using vinegar.

Wash with lemon juice and water

Lemon juice is an effective natural deodorizer and stain remover. To remove cologne smells from your clothes using lemon juice and water, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make a Solution of 1:1 Lemon Juice and Water

Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. For example, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Make sure to mix thoroughly, but don't overdo it—overmixing can break the solution's chemical bonds and render it useless.

Step 2: Spray the Garment with the Solution

Spray the lemon water solution onto the piece of clothing where the scent is concentrated. You can also spray the entire piece of clothing to give it a fresh, clean lemon scent.

Step 3: Use a Soft Brush to Scrub Areas of Application

By brushing the piece of clothing with a soft-bristled brush, you ensure that the solution penetrates the fabric's core and effectively removes the scent. This step also helps distribute the light lemon scent evenly throughout the garment.

Step 4: Let Dry Outside

Note: This method is only recommended for dark and old clothes, as lemon juice can wash out lighter fabrics. While sunlight is important for effectiveness, this step is crucial for ensuring the lemon scent is absorbed into the garment. Machine drying will negate the lemon scent.

Additional Tips:

• Test on a small area first: While lemon juice is generally safe to use on coloured clothes, it is always a good idea to do a spot test first to ensure it doesn't cause any discoloration.
• Air out your clothes: Before attempting any removal methods, hang your clothes outdoors or in a well-ventilated area to allow fresh air to circulate and help dissipate the cologne scent.
• Baking soda: Before or after attempting the lemon juice method, you can also try sprinkling baking soda on the affected areas of the clothing. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then shake off the excess powder. Baking soda is a fantastic natural odour absorber and will help eliminate any remaining cologne particles.
• Vinegar: White vinegar is another powerful odour neutralizer. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then dab this solution onto the areas with a cologne smell using a clean cloth. The vinegar will help break down the fragrance compounds, making it easier to remove them during washing.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively remove cologne smells from your clothes and restore their freshness.

Soak in baking soda

Soaking your clothes in baking soda is an effective way to remove cologne smells. Baking soda is alkaline, which means it can neutralise the acids that produce odours. It can also absorb oils, which is useful as colognes are made up of essential oils, alcohol, and other chemical compounds that bind to fabrics.

To remove cologne smells from your clothes, start by filling a sink, basin, or bucket with warm water. Then, add half a cup of baking soda and stir the mixture. Submerge the smelly clothes completely in the solution and let them soak for several hours or overnight. If the smell is particularly strong or persistent, you can also try making a paste from baking soda and water and applying it directly to the affected areas before soaking.

After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent. You can also add a quarter of a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help cut through any remaining cologne residue. If needed, add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is washed from your clothing.

Finally, dry the freshly washed clothes on a clothesline or drying rack in the fresh air and sunlight. Sunlight will help remove any lingering odours, but bright sunlight can cause dyes to fade, so hang dark-coloured clothing in the shade.

Use laundry detergent and booster

If the previous two methods don't work, it doesn't hurt to try washing your clothes the traditional way. The clothes will be primed from the two previous attempts, and you'll be introducing artificial scents that could neutralize the cologne fragrance.

Step 1: Add 1/2 cup of detergent, booster and/or baking soda

Add your desired amount of detergent or go-to cleaning aid, just like you would with any other load of laundry. Baking soda is a little unorthodox but can help add extra scent-erasing strength.

Step 2: Wash clothes in warm water

By doing this instead of using cold water, you're helping to release the detergent's full power, meaning you have the greatest chance of getting even the most potent and pure cologne scents out of a garment.

Step 3: Dry outside in the sun

The combination of heat and sun rays reacts with the chemical composition of the undesired scent and helps to lock it out after washing.

Frequently asked questions