Lance Carson
Getting fragrance smells out of clothes can be a challenge, especially if the scent is heavily concentrated, or if fabric softener has been used. The longer you air out your clothes, the easier they will be to wash. There are a number of household items that can be used to neutralise scents, including vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, vodka, and essential oils. For best results, use white distilled vinegar, as apple cider vinegar may stain clothes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preventative measures | Better drying techniques |
| Quick fixes | Using laundry detergent, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or essential oils |
| Using fabric refreshers like Febreze | |
| Using alcohol, such as vodka or rubbing alcohol | |
| Using stain removers | |
| Using fragrance-free laundry detergents | |
| Using dryer sheets | |
| Airing out the item | |
| Hanging clothes outside to dry | |
| Using steam | |
| Soaking clothes in oxygen boost and concentrate | |
| Using a heavy-duty wash cycle | |
| Using hot water |
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What You'll Learn
Using vinegar
Vinegar is a great natural deodorizer and can be used effectively to remove fragrance smells from clothes. It is also a good option for those who want to avoid adding chemicals to their wash.
Firstly, ensure that the garment you are attempting to wash is free of moisture, such as sweat. If the clothing is damp, the molecules could disrupt the reaction that will take place when vinegar is applied.
For a regular wash cycle, simply add 1 cup (240ml) of vinegar to your wash cycle instead of detergent. You can use either hot or cold water, and the vinegar will act as a cleaning agent. If you wish to add a scent to your clothes, you can use dryer sheets during the drying cycle.
For more stubborn smells, you can presoak your clothing for half an hour in a 1:4 solution of vinegar and water. Alternatively, you can create a mixture of 1/4 vinegar and 3/4 cold water and soak your clothes in the solution overnight.
If the smell still persists, you can replace the detergent with vinegar and add it a second time in the rinse cycle. You can also add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help cut through perfume residue in the fibres.
Vinegar can also be used to clean your washing machine. To do this, add 1 cup of vinegar to an empty washing machine and run it once a month to remove soapy residue. For front-loading washers, you can also spray the rubber gasket with vinegar and wipe it clean, then run the machine on its hottest setting with 2 cups of vinegar.
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Baking soda
To use baking soda to remove fragrance smells from clothes, you can:
- Sprinkle it directly onto the clothes, rather than adding it to the detergent cup or compartment.
- Apply it directly to stains or mix it with water to form a paste for spot cleaning.
- Soak clothes in a baking soda and water solution before washing them in the washing machine, especially if they have smoky or sweaty odours.
- Place smelly clothes in a bag with a baking soda and water mixture and leave the bag sealed for a day or two before washing.
- Keep a vented jar of baking soda in enclosed spaces, like a wardrobe, to absorb and neutralise odours.
- Place a box of baking soda at the bottom of a wardrobe or box to absorb and neutralise odours.
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Lemon juice
To use lemon juice to remove fragrance from clothes, start by mixing equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to the affected areas of the clothing, using a soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas and ensure full coverage. Hang the garment in direct sunlight for a few hours to dry. Check the smell—if the fragrance is gone, rinse out the lemon juice with water. If the garment still smells of perfume, apply more lemon juice and repeat the process.
In addition to lemon juice, there are several other household items that can be used to neutralise unwanted fragrance from clothes. These include vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
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Airing out
To air out your clothes, hang them up in a breezy, warm, and sunlit room. If possible, place the clothes near leafy green plants, as they may help absorb some of the chemicals. If you can hang your clothes outside, this is even better. Drape them over an outdoor banister or hang them from a deck or fence. Leave them outside for a few days to allow the fresh air and sunlight to eliminate the odour.
If you are trying to remove fragrance smells from dry-clean-only items, you should still air them out as you would with washable clothes. However, it is best to take these items to a professional cleaner so as not to damage them. When you take them to the dry cleaner, inform them of any fragrance sensitivities you may have, as some dry cleaning chemicals contain perfumes.
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Vodka
To use vodka to remove smells from clothes, you will need a spray bottle. It is recommended to use a fine mist spray bottle for delicate fabrics, and any spray bottle for sturdier materials such as wool. Simply fill the bottle with cheap, high-proof vodka and spray it onto the affected areas of your clothes. You can also dilute the vodka with water if you prefer. Let the vodka sit on the fabric for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse it with cool water. As the vodka evaporates, it will remove the odors from your clothes.
In addition to its odor-removing properties, vodka can also be used to absorb scents when combined with essential oils. To do this, use a ratio of 4-6 drops of essential oil per 2 ounces of vodka. However, it is important to be cautious when using essential oils on clothing, as they are highly concentrated and may affect some fabrics.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to remove fragrance smells from clothes. You can use vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, or an unscented laundry detergent. For best results, use white distilled vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may stain clothes.
Add 1 cup (240 mL) of vinegar to your wash cycle to eliminate odors. Use the vinegar in place of your laundry detergent to absorb unpleasant odors. You can use either hot or cold water.
Mix about 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a few drops of water until you have a smooth paste. Apply the paste to any smelly spots using a spoon, and let the baking soda dry completely for about 5 minutes. Then, remove the baking soda with a stiff brush.
