Katrina Rosales
Getting rid of perfume smells from clothes can be challenging, especially if they have been sprayed directly onto the fabric. The time it takes for the perfume smell to leave clothing depends on the amount sprayed and its concentration. Several methods can be used to eliminate perfume smells from clothing, including soaking in laundry boosters, baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar. Other methods include using commercial odour eliminators, such as Febreze, or natural alternatives like essential oils and sunlight. For dry-clean-only items, it is best to take them to a professional cleaner to avoid damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Neutralizers | Vodka, alcohol, lemon juice, baking soda, coffee grounds, vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide, laundry boosters, laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, Febreze, essential oils, castile soap, water |
| Other methods | Airing out, sunlight, laundry stripping, washing machine, hand washing, soaking |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking in water and laundry booster
Soaking your clothes in water and a laundry booster is an effective way to remove perfume smells. This method is particularly useful for stubborn smells that have not responded to other treatments.
Laundry boosters are washing additives that help to remove bacteria and odours from clothing. You can use store-bought brands or organic homemade soaps, such as Borax or baking soda. If using a store-bought laundry booster, follow the instructions on the packaging. If using baking soda, fill a bucket or your sink with warm water and add half a cup of baking soda. Stir the mixture until the baking soda has dissolved, then add your clothes and leave them to soak for at least 30 minutes.
For an even more intensive treatment, try soaking your clothes in a mixture of borax, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar. This method is particularly effective for strong perfume smells. Fill a bucket or your sink with warm water and add equal parts of each ingredient. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients have dissolved, then add your clothes and leave them to soak for at least 30 minutes.
After soaking, run your clothes through the washing machine with an unscented detergent. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as this can cause musty smells to develop if clothes are left damp. Instead, hang your clothes outside to dry. The sunlight will help to remove any residual odours.
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Baking soda
To use baking soda to remove perfume smells from your clothes, you can try the following methods:
Soaking
Soak your clothing in a sink or washing machine filled with warm water and one cup of baking soda before washing. Leave the clothes to soak overnight or for a few days. Then, wash the clothing as usual with unscented laundry detergent.
Sealed Container
Place the item of clothing in a sealed container with an opened box or bowl full of baking soda. Leave the clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours, or until the smell is gone.
Plastic Bag
Put your garment in a plastic bag and pour in about half a cup of baking soda. Shake the bag thoroughly and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, take the garment out of the bag and shake off any remaining baking soda.
Laundry Booster
If you have tried other methods and your clothes still smell like perfume, you can use baking soda as a laundry booster. Mix half a cup of baking soda with your detergent and wash your clothes in warm water.
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Lemon juice
To use lemon juice to remove perfume smells from your clothes, you can try the following steps:
First, prepare a soaking solution by mixing a 1:1 solution of lemon juice and water. For example, if you have 100ml of lemon juice, add 100ml of water. Make sure to mix it thoroughly. You can also adjust the ratio depending on how strong the perfume smell is. For weaker solutions, you can add more water, and for stronger solutions, you can add more lemon juice.
Next, submerge the smelly clothes in this solution and let them soak. The soaking time can vary depending on the strength of the perfume smell. For milder smells, about 20-30 minutes should be sufficient. For stronger smells, you may want to let the clothes soak for a few hours or even overnight.
After soaking, proceed to wash the clothes as you normally would. If the perfume smell is particularly strong, you may want to add a cup of baking soda to the washing machine or a sink full of warm water before washing. This will help to further neutralize any lingering odors.
Before using lemon juice on your clothes, it is important to perform a patch test to ensure that it won't cause any unwanted damage or discoloration, especially on colored fabrics. Apply a small amount of the lemon juice solution to an inconspicuous area of the fabric, such as an inside seam or hem, and allow it to dry. If there is no discoloration or damage, it should be safe to use on the rest of the garment.
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Airing clothes outside
When hanging your clothes outside, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, timing is important. Aim to hang your clothes out in the morning, when the sun is at its peak intensity, which is usually between 10 am and 2 pm. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and look for breaks in the weather. Even if there's only a short window of opportunity, it's worth popping your laundry outside for a quick air dry.
Second, consider the position of your clothes. Hang them in a way that maximises the surface area exposed to the wind and sun, with the thickest parts at the top. If you're using a drying rack, move it around your garden to follow the sunshine or make the most of the wind. Hang dark-coloured clothes in the shade, as direct sunlight can cause colours to fade. If you're concerned about wrinkles, smooth out your garments as you hang them and peg them at the seams. Leave an inch between garments to allow for faster drying and better air circulation.
Third, be mindful of the weather conditions. Clothes will dry faster on a cold and dry day than on a warm and humid day, especially if they're in direct sunlight. Bring your clothes in overnight to avoid morning dew, which can leave your clothes wet. If you suffer from hay fever or other pollen allergies, avoid drying clothes outside when pollen counts are high, as damp clothes can attract allergens.
Finally, be aware of the potential for overdrying. Removing certain items, such as cotton shirts, from the line while they're still damp and letting them finish air-drying on a rack can help prevent shrinkage and stiffness.
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Commercial scent eliminators
There are several commercial scent eliminators available on the market that can help remove perfume smells from clothes. These products typically work by neutralizing or absorbing odour molecules, rather than simply masking them with a fragrance. Here are some examples:
Odour Absorbers
One popular type of scent eliminator uses natural ingredients like activated carbon or charcoal to absorb odours. For example, the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag contains bamboo-activated carbon, which absorbs unpleasant smells and freshens the air. It can be used in various spaces, including closets and laundry rooms, and is effective for up to two years. Another similar product is the Ellis Harper Fridge Ninja Bamboo Deodorizer, which contains charcoal to absorb scents and manage humidity in your fridge.
Laundry Sanitizers
Lysol's Laundry Sanitizer is a laundry odor remover that deodorizes and sanitizes laundry, leaving behind a fresh linen scent. It can be used in combination with your regular detergent in the washing machine and is effective in removing odours from smelly gym clothes. However, it is important to note that this product is not hypoallergenic and may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Spray Eliminators
There are also scent eliminator sprays available that can be used on clothes and other surfaces. For example, Clorox's Disinfecting Mist can freshen the air, kill bacteria, and disinfect surfaces. It leaves a subtle, fresh scent and is suitable for use on upholstery, mattresses, and countertops. Another option is the OdoBan Odor Eliminator and Disinfectant, which comes in a spray format and has received positive reviews for its effectiveness.
Hunting Scent Eliminators
For those who engage in hunting, there are specific scent eliminator products designed to neutralize human scents that may spook prey. These include scent-free detergents, body washes, deodorants, and sprays. While some hunters believe in the effectiveness of these products, others consider them a gimmick, emphasizing the importance of playing the wind instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Dry-clean-only clothes should be handled differently. Normal water-based methods will leave them saturated in moisture. Try hanging the clothes outside first, as the wind and sunlight may completely remove the scent. If this doesn't work, hang the clothes in an enclosed cardboard box or wardrobe. Place a box of baking soda at the bottom of the box or wardrobe, leave your clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours, and the baking soda will naturally attract and neutralise scents.
Wash your clothes with warm water and laundry detergent. You can also add laundry boosters, such as baking soda, to the wash to help remove bacteria and smells. Alternatively, you can try soaking your clothes in a mixture of warm water and laundry enhancer for at least 30 minutes before running them in the washing machine.
Lemon juice mixed with water can be sprayed onto the piece of clothing to help erase scents due to its acidity. Alternatively, you can place your garment inside a large brown paper bag with ground-up coffee beans and leave it overnight. The coffee beans will absorb the perfume smell.
To prevent perfume smells from lingering on your clothes, avoid spraying perfume directly onto your clothes. Instead, spray the perfume on your skin and let it dry before getting dressed.
