While it’s great to enjoy clothes with a sweet perfume smell, no one wants them to carry a strong, overpowering scent. Maybe you sprayed your favorite perfume a bit too well or thought a little extra perfume wouldn’t hurt your clothes. Whatever the reason, dealing with clothing perfume can be challenging.
But don’t let those challenges ruin your day! You don’t need harsh chemicals to get rid of strong perfume smell. With a few simple tricks, you can easily remove fragrance from clothing and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
Keep reading to learn how to get perfume smell out of clothes and remember—sometimes, less is more!
Why Does Perfume Smell Stay on Clothes?
Perfume smells can stick to clothes because of how perfumes are crafted. Some ingredients, along with preservatives and synthetic compounds help the scent last longer, making removing fragrance residue more challenging.
Some famous perfumes are trickier to remove from clothes than others. For instance, eau de parfum is highly concentrated, making it harder to wash out, while eau de toilette is lighter and easier to remove. Body sprays, being the least concentrated, are usually the simplest to get rid of.
On the other hand, the fragrances from fabric softeners and dryer sheets are often the toughest to eliminate, as these products use a silicone-based formula that coats each fiber, trapping the scent deep within and making it harder to remove fragrance from clothing.
If you're wondering how to get rid of perfume smell from your clothes, it’s important to remember that perfumes are not meant to be sprayed directly onto clothing. The alcohol and petroleum-based chemicals in perfumes also play a role in the lingering odor, making it more difficult to eliminate perfume odor from fabric.
Luckily, there are ways to remove fragrance from clothes and restore their fresh, clean scent. Keep reading to learn simple and effective methods for removing perfume from clothes!
How to Get Perfume Smell Out Of Clothes?
Need to get rid of that strong perfume smell from your clothes? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! These washing tips for scented clothes will help you easily freshen up your garments and leave them smelling clean and crisp.
Air dry
Air-drying clothes for odor elimination is one of the best options. The combination of wind and sunlight can naturally help remove perfume from clothes, airing out any lingering scents.
Just be mindful of the morning dew, as it might leave your garments damp for a while. This natural method can work without much effort.
Detergent powder
To tackle excessive perfume smell on clothes, start by soaking the garment in warm water with baking soda for a few hours. Wash it with unscented detergent powder, adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra power.
Drying in the sun helps neutralize lingering odors naturally. Repeat the process if needed for fresh, scent-free results.
Castile soap
Castile soap, hailing from the Mediterranean, is a natural, eco-friendly cleanser made from oils like coconut, olive, or hemp. Its versatility, from soothing wounds to removing perfume from clothes, makes it a must-have in every home. Here are the steps you can follow:
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To eliminate perfume odor from fabric using Castile soap, start by ensuring your clothes are dry.
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Add 4-5 drops of Castile soap to a bucket of warm water and mix well.
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Soak the clothes in this solution for about an hour, swishing them gently to activate the soap’s properties.
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Rinse and wash the clothes by hand in warm water to remove any lingering scent.
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Finally, dry the clothes outside for at least 24 hours to allow the sun to help eliminate the odor.
Also read: Should You Spray Perfume on a Letter? Tips & Ideas
Scent Eliminator
If baking soda isn’t just for your fridge, then scent absorber is a superstar for clothes too! Place your garment in a sealed container with an open box or bowl of baking soda to draw out unwanted odors.
For tougher cases, consider a commercial scent eliminator for an added boost. It’s a simple, effective way to refresh your wardrobe!
Can Baking Soda Absorb Perfume Scents?
Yes, baking soda for perfume smell removal is a clever and effective way to refresh your clothes. It works by absorbing the perfume molecules that cling to your fabrics, making it perfect for how to get perfume smell out of clothes.
Simply sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before brushing it off. You can also toss it into your laundry to eliminate perfume odor from fabric as you wash.
For extra freshness, create a paste and apply it to stubborn spots. It’s a natural, affordable solution to banish those lingering scents.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Perfume Residue
Let’s explore some effective home remedies to get rid of perfume residue. Using natural methods to freshen up clothes can be a game-changer, especially with these laundry hacks for stubborn scents.
1. Vinegar
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To remove fragrance from clothing, ensure the clothes are dry to prevent moisture from interfering with vinegar as it acts as fabric-safe deodorizing solutions.
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Add 240 mL of vinegar to the wash, using vinegar to remove odors as a natural and effective solution.
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Wash the load as usual, then dry the clothes with scented or unscented dryer sheets for a fresh scent.
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Make sure the clothes are completely dry to avoid musty smells and eliminate any lingering fragrance.
2. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is a natural powerhouse that not only brightens whites but also removes stubborn synthetic fragrances. Simply spray the mixture on the areas of your clothes with the strongest perfume smell and let them air dry.
The acidity in the lemon juice works to break down perfume molecules, helping to pull out excess odor and leave your clothes smelling fresh.
3. Alcohol or vodka
Vodka is also an effective solution for removing strong smells from fabrics. To get rid of perfume smell, fill a spray bottle with plain, unflavored vodka and lightly mist the areas with the strongest odors.
Let the clothes air dry, as the alcohol breaks down the odor-causing molecules and evaporates quickly. This method leaves no scent behind, ensuring your clothes stay fresh.
4. Use Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are great for absorbing unwanted odors from clothing. Simply place the item in a plastic bag or airtight container with a bowl of dry, used coffee grounds, then seal it and let it sit for 24 hours.
Afterward, remove the garment and let it air out to ensure no coffee residue remains. This method is effective, sustainable, and safe for most fabrics.
Tips for Deodorizing Clothes Without Washing
If questions like, “Does washing clothes remove perfume smell completely?” come to your mind, then these are some tips you can follow on how to get scent out of clothes without washing:
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Fabric Freshener Spray: Use a fabric refresher or a DIY spray made with water and essential oils to lightly mist your clothes and eliminate odors.
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Freeze the Clothes: Put the garment in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer overnight. This method helps kill odor-causing bacteria.
If none of the usual methods work, what’s the best way to remove perfume smell from clothes? If you’re dealing with delicate fabrics, don’t worry. Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing perfume from dry-clean-only clothes without causing any damage:
Step 1: Sunbathe Your Garment
Leave the item in direct sunlight for 24 hours to help neutralize the perfume smell.
Step 2: Enclose the Clothing
Hang the garment in a sealed box or wardrobe to create an odor-neutralizing environment.
Step 3: Add a Scent Absorber
Place crumpled newspaper or baking soda at the bottom to absorb odors. Leave for 72+ hours for the best results.
Final thoughts
Removing perfume smell from clothes doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right techniques and a little patience, you can restore your garments to their fresh, clean state. From natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar to sunlight and gentle handwashing, there are various ways to eliminate perfume odor from fabric without damaging your clothes.
And when you’re ready to enjoy a new scent, trust Walk Fragrances for 100% original perfumes and colognes. We guarantee quality and authenticity, ensuring that every fragrance you purchase is pure and long-lasting. Shop now to get the best for you!
FAQs
Q: What neutralizes the smell of perfume?
You can neutralize the smell of perfume by rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball and dabbing it on the area where the scent of the perfume is strong.
Q: How long does it take for the smell of perfume to leave clothing?
Removing perfume from clothes would take several hours to even a few weeks. Because lightly clothes can remove the scent easily with air drying.
Q: How do you neutralize perfume smell on clothes?
For neutralizing odors from clothes, you can use lemon, baking soda, vinegar, or scent-free detergent or simply air dry.
Q: What cancels out perfume smell?
Baking soda, vinegar, and activated charcoal can help cancel out perfume smells.
Q: How to get rid of too much perfume smell?
To get rid of strong perfume smell, wash the affected clothes with a mixture of baking soda and detergent, or soak them in a vinegar solution before washing.
Q: How long does it take for perfume smell to go away?
The perfume smell typically fades within a few hours to a day, depending on the concentration of the fragrance and the fabric it’s on.
