how to get perfume smell out of clothes

Perfume can leave a lasting impression, but sometimes that impression lingers a little too long, especially on clothes. Whether you’ve applied too much perfume, received a hand-me-down item, or simply want to refresh a garment before wearing it again, the strong scent of perfume can be overwhelming. Removing the smell from clothing requires the right techniques to ensure that your clothes not only smell fresh but remain undamaged. In this article, we’ll explore various methods, tips, and tricks on how to effectively remove perfume smells from clothes.

Table of Contents

Quick Overview: Steps to Remove Perfume Smell from Clothes

Air Out the Garment
Use White Vinegar
Baking Soda Method
Activated Charcoal for Natural Absorption
Vodka Spray
Laundry Detergent Soak
Enzyme-Based Cleaners
Machine Wash with Scent-Free Products

Now, let’s explore each method in detail to help you find the best solution for getting rid of that persistent perfume smell.

Step 1: Air Out the Garment

The first step is often the simplest: airing out your clothing. This method works well for mild perfume smells or when you need a quick, chemical-free fix.

Hang the garment outside in a well-ventilated area, preferably in direct sunlight. Fresh air and sunlight can naturally neutralize odors.
Leave it out for a few hours or, if necessary, for a full day. Make sure it’s hung somewhere where it won’t pick up other unwanted odors, such as near smoke or food.

This method may not be as effective for strong or deeply embedded perfume smells but can work well for lightly scented garments.

Step 2: Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is a versatile household item and one of the best natural deodorizers. It works wonders for neutralizing strong scents, including perfume.

Prepare a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water.
Soak the clothing in this mixture for about 30 minutes. For especially strong smells, you can soak it for up to an hour.
After soaking, rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water.
Wash the clothing in the washing machine with regular laundry detergent after the vinegar soak to fully remove any residual vinegar scent.

Vinegar is safe for most fabrics, but it’s a good idea to test it on an inconspicuous area first if you’re unsure.

Step 3: Baking Soda Method

Baking soda is a well-known odor neutralizer and can be highly effective at removing perfume smells from clothes.

Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the garment, focusing on areas where the smell is strongest, such as the underarms or collar.
Let the baking soda sit on the fabric for 12-24 hours to absorb the odor.
Shake off the excess baking soda, then wash the clothing in your washing machine with a scent-free detergent.

Alternatively, you can add half a cup of baking soda to the washing machine directly when laundering the garment. This works especially well for larger items or garments with lingering perfume smells after air drying or airing out.

Step 4: Activated Charcoal for Natural Absorption

Activated charcoal is another effective method for absorbing odors naturally. It’s particularly useful for delicate fabrics that can’t be washed or for clothes with more persistent smells.

Place the clothing in an airtight bag along with several pieces of activated charcoal.
Seal the bag and let it sit for 24-48 hours. The charcoal will naturally absorb the perfume scent without damaging the fabric.
Remove the garment from the bag and air it out for a few hours to allow any residual odor to dissipate.

Activated charcoal is odorless and won’t leave any marks on your clothing. You can find it in pet stores, hardware stores, or online.

Step 5: Vodka Spray

Vodka may sound like an unconventional choice, but it’s a well-kept secret for deodorizing clothes, including getting rid of perfume smells.

Fill a spray bottle with plain, unflavored vodka.
Lightly spray the garment until it’s damp, but not soaked.
Allow the vodka to evaporate completely, either by hanging the garment in a well-ventilated area or placing it in a sunny spot.

Vodka acts as a disinfectant and neutralizer, and as it evaporates, it takes odors with it. This method is great for dry-clean-only fabrics or for items that can’t be washed immediately.

Step 6: Laundry Detergent Soak

Sometimes, simply washing your clothes isn’t enough to remove a strong perfume smell. In this case, a detergent soak can help break down the perfume oils embedded in the fabric.

Fill a basin with cold or warm water (depending on the fabric care label) and add a generous amount of scent-free laundry detergent.
Submerge the garment and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. For stronger odors, you may want to soak it for up to an hour.
After soaking, gently wring out the excess water and wash the garment as usual in your washing machine.

For tougher smells, you can also add a cup of baking soda or white vinegar to the soak for extra odor-fighting power.

Step 7: Enzyme-Based Cleaners

Enzyme-based cleaners are effective at breaking down organic compounds, including the oils in perfume, which can cling to fabric fibers. These products are typically marketed as stain removers, but they work well on odors too.

Apply the enzyme cleaner to the affected areas following the product’s instructions.
Let the enzyme cleaner sit on the fabric for 15-30 minutes, depending on the strength of the scent.
Rinse the garment thoroughly, then wash it in the washing machine with regular detergent.

Enzyme-based cleaners are particularly helpful if the perfume smell is accompanied by other organic odors, like sweat.

Step 8: Machine Wash with Scent-Free Products

After using any of the above methods, it’s a good idea to wash your garment in the washing machine to ensure all traces of the perfume and any deodorizing agents are fully removed.

Use a scent-free laundry detergent to avoid adding any new fragrances to the garment.
Add half a cup of white vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle to help neutralize any lingering perfume smells.
Wash on a normal cycle using the fabric’s recommended water temperature.

If you’re concerned about residual smells after the wash, you can air-dry the garment outside or near a fan to ensure all odors are fully removed.

What Not to Do When Removing Perfume Smells

Avoid using fabric softeners: While they may seem like a quick fix, fabric softeners can mask the perfume smell temporarily without removing it.
Don’t overuse bleach: While bleach can be effective for cleaning, it’s not the best option for removing perfume smells and can damage delicate fabrics.
Avoid high heat: Perfume oils can set into fabric when exposed to high heat, so avoid using hot water or a hot dryer until the smell is fully removed.

Table: Methods for Removing Perfume Smell from Clothes

Method	Best For	Time Required	Caution
Airing Out	Light perfume smells	12-24 hours	May not work for stronger odors
White Vinegar Soak	Strong perfume smells	30 minutes to 1 hour	Rinse well to avoid vinegar odor
Baking Soda	Persistent, deeply set smells	12-24 hours	Avoid over-application
Activated Charcoal	Delicate fabrics, natural fibers	24-48 hours	Safe for all fabrics
Vodka Spray	Dry-clean-only garments	1-2 hours	Use unflavored vodka
Laundry Detergent Soak	Machine washable clothes	30 minutes to 1 hour	Use scent-free detergent
Enzyme-Based Cleaners	Organic odors combined with perfume	15-30 minutes	Test on colored fabrics first
Machine Wash with Scent-Free Detergent	Final step in all processes	1 wash cycle	Avoid fabric softeners

Perfume smells can linger on clothes far longer than we’d like, but with the right approach, you can remove even the strongest scents without damaging your garments. Whether you opt for natural solutions like white vinegar and baking soda, or more advanced methods like enzyme-based cleaners and activated charcoal, the key is to act quickly and choose the method that best suits your fabric type. Following the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get the perfume smell out of clothes and keep your wardrobe fresh.

how to get perfume smell out of clothes