Seamus Hammond
Dry cleaning is a popular method for removing tough stains and odours from clothing. However, it often leaves behind a distinct chemical odour that can be unpleasant and bothersome. This smell is caused by a chemical called perchloroethylene, or perc, which is a common dry-cleaning solvent. While effective at cleaning, perc is classified as a potential carcinogen and can cause adverse health effects such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. This article will explore various methods to remove the dry cleaning smell from clothing, including natural remedies and alternative cleaning methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness of dry cleaning in removing perfume smell | Dry cleaning is effective in removing perfume smell from clothes. However, it may leave a distinct unpleasant odour due to the use of perchloroethylene ("perc"), a potentially harmful chemical. |
| Alternative methods to remove perfume smell | Airing clothes in the sun and wind, using baking soda, vinegar, vodka or rubbing alcohol, and switching to wet cleaning are effective alternatives to remove perfume smell without the use of dry cleaning. |
| Factors influencing the removal of perfume smell | The concentration of the perfume, the fabric type, and the storage conditions of the clothes impact the ease of removing perfume smell. |
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What You'll Learn
Airing out clothes
If you cannot hang your clothes outside, you can still air them out indoors. Hang your clothes in a well-ventilated area to help eliminate trapped odours. You can also try laying your clothes out in direct sunlight for a few hours to take advantage of the sun's antibacterial properties.
In addition to fresh air and sunlight, there are other natural ways to help eliminate odours when airing out clothes. White vinegar is a powerful odour remover that can neutralise even the most stubborn smells. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle and lightly mist your clothes. Allow them to air dry, and the vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the unwanted odours with it. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, to your vinegar mixture to customise the scent.
Another natural odour absorber is activated charcoal. Placing a small bag of activated charcoal in your closet or with your smelly clothes can help remove unwanted odours over time. This method is especially useful for items that aren't washed regularly, such as jackets or shoes.
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Using baking soda
Baking soda is a well-known natural deodorizer and can be used to effectively minimize odors in your home. It is particularly good at killing acidic odors because it is an alkaline substance. When it comes into contact with acidic odors, it reacts to neutralize them and produces a less odorous compound.
To use baking soda to remove perfume smells from 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. After soaking, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines.
Sealed Container
Place the fragrant garments in a sealed plastic tub or heavy-duty plastic bag with a box of baking soda. The baking soda will absorb the odors. Leave the clothes in the sealed container for a few days before washing.
Airing
Hang the perfumed clothes outside in direct sunlight for a couple of days. The sun's UV rays can help break down odors. Then, follow the next step.
Washing
After soaking or airing, wash the clothing as usual, following the care label guidelines, either in a washing machine or by hand with unscented laundry detergent. Add at least 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle and stop the cycle. Let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle. The vinegar will help cut through perfume residue in the fibers. Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is rinsed from your clothing.
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Vodka spray
Dry cleaning is a great way to remove unwanted perfume smells from clothes, especially those that are dry clean only. The process is gentle and won't leave your clothes saturated with moisture. However, if you're looking for a quick fix to remove perfume smells from your clothes, a vodka spray could be the answer.
To make your own vodka spray, simply pour vodka into a spray bottle. You can dilute the vodka with water, or use pure vodka, depending on the fabric and your preference. Spray the vodka mixture onto the affected areas of the garment. As the vodka evaporates, it will remove the unwanted odours from the fabric. You can also use vodka spray as a preventative measure, applying it daily to remove body odours from garments before they have a chance to build up.
It's important to note that vodka spray is not a stain remover and may not be suitable for all fabrics. For example, when using vodka spray on silk, it's recommended to keep the spray bottle at a distance to avoid saturating the fabric. Always test on a small area first, and if in doubt, consult a professional before treating delicate fabrics.
While vodka spray can be a useful tool for removing unwanted perfume smells, it may not work for deeply ingrained odours. In these cases, traditional washing methods or other odour removal techniques may be more effective.
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Wet cleaning
The process begins with professionals inspecting the garments to identify fabric types and stains, ensuring the correct treatment. They then pre-treat any spots or areas requiring special attention using biodegradable cleaning products. The clothing is then placed in advanced cleaning equipment specifically designed for wet cleaning. This machine uses water and environmentally friendly detergents in a gentle cycle that preserves the integrity of the fabrics.
After the wash, professionals use specialised dryers or air-drying techniques suited to each garment type. Post-drying, items are finished with specialised ironing and pressing equipment that adds crispness without causing harm. Throughout this process, operators leverage their proper training in wet cleaning to ensure optimal results safely.
While wet cleaning is an effective method for removing certain types of stains and odours, it may not be suitable for all situations. Some opponents of wet cleaning argue that it can cause damage to clothes, including seam slippage, snagging, felting, or colour fading. Additionally, certain fabrics, especially synthetics like viscose, lyocell, modal, and cupro, may react poorly with water and are better suited for dry cleaning.
To specifically address the issue of removing perfume smells from clothing, a combination of methods may be effective. Hanging the clothes in the sun and wind can help dilute or completely remove the scent. Placing them in an enclosed space with crumpled newspaper or a box of baking soda can also help neutralise the odour. Traditional washing with detergent and baking soda, or using an enzymatic laundry additive, can further help to eliminate the perfume smell.
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Commercial scent eliminators
Dry cleaning may not always be effective in removing strong perfume smells from clothes. This is because perfumes contain essential oils, alcohol, and other chemical compounds that are designed to bind to fabrics and linger.
If you are looking for a sure-shot way to remove stubborn perfume smells from your clothes, consider using commercial scent eliminators. These are designed to neutralize and remove perfume smells from fabrics.
There are several types of commercial scent eliminators available, including:
- Sprays: Fabric-safe sprays such as Febreze can be used to remove odors from clothes without leaving a strong scent. Febreze contains scent-capturing molecules that surround odors and make them less detectable.
- Laundry additives: Miracle Pet enzymatic laundry additive is an example of a laundry additive that can be added to the washing machine to help remove perfume smells.
- Gels: Odor eliminator gels can be placed in enclosed spaces to absorb and neutralize odors.
- Tablets: Odor eliminator tablets can also be used to neutralize odors in enclosed spaces.
When choosing a commercial scent eliminator, it is important to consider the type of fabric and the strength of the perfume smell. Some eliminators may be more effective on certain types of fabrics, and multiple treatments may be necessary for strong smells. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and to test the product on a small area of the fabric first to ensure it does not cause any discoloration or damage.
Additionally, it is worth noting that some commercial scent eliminators may contain harsh chemicals, so it is advisable to choose eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible. Natural cleaning products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be effective in removing odors without harming the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
No, dry cleaning will not remove the perfume smell from clothes. However, there are several other methods to remove the smell, including:
- Airing out the clothing in the sun
- Using baking soda
- Vodka spray
- Washing the clothes with detergent and drying them in the sun
Dry cleaning uses a chemical called perchloroethylene, or "perc", which is good at dissolving grease and oil but does not remove perfume odours.
Airing out the clothes in the sun and wind can help remove the scent. If that doesn't work, you can hang the clothes in an enclosed cardboard box or wardrobe with a scent absorber like baking soda or crumpled newspaper for 72 hours.
Wash the clothes with detergent in warm water and dry them in the sun. You can also use a laundry additive or vodka spray to help neutralise the odour.
Avoid storing clothes with a strong perfume odour. If you don't have time to clean them, place the clothes in a sealed plastic container with a box of baking soda to absorb the odour.
