Written by: Anindita Thakur

How to get perfume smell out of clothes: High 5 methods to banish unwanted fragrance

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Sometimes those lingering fragrances can be quite stubborn. While it is not a fashion crisis, it’s definitely frustrating enough to send you searching for methods of how to get perfume smell out of clothes? Guess what! Your search ends right here! From now on, you can wave those stubborn aromas goodbye forever; and get your favorite outfit refreshed and ready for a new fragrance. Yes, there are great options available, and we’ve got our hands on some of the best, which can become your secret weapons. The best part? You might already have them in your pantry!

Perfume being sprayed from perfume bottle on clothes "How to get perfume smell out of clothes?"
Perfume being sprayed on clothes

How to get perfume smell out of clothes?

Method 1: The Vinegar Power Wash!

Yep, you read that right! Plain old vinegar isn’t just for your salad dressing. According to the brilliant minds at Harvard’s School of Public Health, its unique chemical structure makes it a fantastic natural cleaner. Plus, it’s a win for the planet too!

Ready to see the magic happen? Here’s how to use vinegar to bid farewell to that perfume:

  • First things first: Keep it dry! Make sure the garment you’re working with is dry as a bone – no sneaky sweat or dampness allowed! If there’s moisture, it could mess with the awesome cleaning power of the vinegar.
  • Vinegar to the rescue: Pop your perfume-infused garment into the washing machine. Now, instead of your usual detergent, pour in about 240 milliliters (that’s roughly 1 cup) of vinegar. And guess what? You don’t need to isolate your scented item! Feel free to toss in the whole load – the vinegar will work its magic on everything.
  • Wash as usual: Just set your washing machine to its regular cycle, just like you would if you’d used detergent. The vinegar will act as your cleaning superhero! If you’re missing that fresh laundry smell, don’t fret – we’ll get to that in the next step.
  • Dry it out completely: Once the wash cycle is done, transfer your clothes to the dryer. Now’s the time to bring back a lovely scent! Toss in a scented or unscented dryer sheet, whichever you prefer. The key here is to make sure everything is completely dry. Leaving clothes damp can lead to unwanted musty smells – and we definitely don’t want to trade one scent for another!

So, what do you think? Ready to give this vinegar trick a try? It’s a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to refresh your favorite clothes. Let me know how it goes! 

Method 2: Hang Clothes Outside

Sometimes, the easiest solutions are the best! Have you thought about simply hanging your clothes outside for a night? It sounds almost too simple, right? But think about it – the gentle breeze and the power of sunlight might just be enough to naturally whisk away those perfume molecules from your favorite garments. It’s like giving your clothes a breath of fresh air!

Just a little tip though: keep an eye on the morning dew! While the night air can be great for banishing scents, you don’t want your clothes to end up damp. If dew is a possibility, you might want to bring them in before sunrise.

So, what do you think of this natural approach? It’s definitely worth a try, especially on a nice, breezy evening! Have you ever used the power of fresh air to refresh your clothes? I’d love to hear about your experiences! And if you’re looking for more scent-busting secrets, just let me know!

Also Read: What ingredient makes perfume last longer?

Method 3: Use Castile Soap and Wash by Hand

Castile soap
Castile soap as perfume smell remover

Ever heard of a cleaning superstar that’s kind to the planet and tough on unwanted scents? Let me introduce you to Castile soap!

 This amazing soap has roots all the way in the Mediterranean? Traditionally made from vegetable or fruit oils like coconut, olive, or hemp, Castile soap isn’t just an eco-friendly choice, it’s incredibly versatile! From soothing minor scrapes to banishing stubborn smells, a bottle of this liquid gold can be a true household hero – especially when it comes to rescuing your clothes from lingering perfume. It’s a fantastic solution to keep in your cleaning arsenal for all sorts of tasks!

Ready to give your garments a little hand-washing love? Here’s how:

  • Keep it dry, just like before! Just like our vinegar method, make sure those perfume-kissed clothes are nice and dry before we get started. This helps the Castile soap work its magic most effectively.
  • A few drops go a long way! Grab a bucket and fill it with water. Now, for the star of the show: add just 4 to 5 drops of Castile soap. Remember, this soap is concentrated, so a little goes a long way! Gently swish the water to make sure the soap disperses evenly. We don’t want any concentrated spots!
  • Hand wash with warmth and patience! To really activate the natural cleaning power of the Castile soap, use warm water to gently hand wash your clothes. Let them soak in the soapy water for about an hour. After their little spa treatment, give them a good swish and another gentle wash.
  • Sunshine and fresh air finale! Once you’ve lovingly washed your garment, hang it outside to dry in the sun. The combination of the sun’s warmth and rays will actually boost the effectiveness of the Castile soap even further! Aim to leave your clothes out for at least 24 hours to ensure they are completely dry and wonderfully refreshed.

Isn’t it amazing how such a gentle soap can be so effective? I’d be curious to know your thoughts! 

Method 4: Use Laundry Detergent and Booster

If our previous natural methods haven’t quite done the trick, it’s time to bring in the big guns – your regular laundry routine, but with a little enhancement! Think of it as giving your clothes a second chance, now primed from our earlier attempts, and introducing some fresh, clean scents to potentially neutralize what we’re trying to banish.

Ready to power up your wash cycle? Here’s the plan:

  • Load up with your usual suspects (and maybe a secret weapon)! You know the drill here! Just like you’re tackling any other load of laundry, add your go-to amount of laundry detergent. Now, for that extra kick – consider adding a laundry booster or even half a cup of baking soda. Baking soda might sound a little unconventional, but it’s a fantastic natural deodorizer that can really help absorb and eliminate stubborn scents.
  • Warm it up for maximum power! Instead of opting for cold water, choose a warm water cycle. This helps to fully unleash the cleaning power of your detergent, giving you the best possible chance of tackling even the most persistent and potent perfume fragrances clinging to your garment.
  • Soak up the sun’s cleansing rays! Just like with our previous methods, once the wash is complete, hang your clothes outside to dry in the sun. The combination of the sun’s heat and its rays interacts with the chemical compounds of those unwanted scent molecules, helping to lock them out for good after washing.

Method 5: Wash with Lemon Juice and Water

Our final secret weapon is the power of a zesty citrus superhero, lemon!

The bright and tangy juice of a lemon can do more than just flavor your drinks. Mixed with water, this natural solution help whisk away those unwanted scents from your clothes. Thanks to its natural acidity, lemon juice works to neutralize odors while leaving behind a lovely, fresh, and clean aroma. It’s like a mini spa treatment for your garments!

Ready to give your clothes a citrusy refresh? Here’s how to use this zingy method:

  • Mix up your magic potion! Grab any spray bottle you have handy and create a 1:1 solution of lemon juice and water. So, if you’re using 100 milliliters of lemon juice, simply add 100 milliliters of water. Give it a good, gentle mix – just enough to combine the liquids. Overmixing can actually disrupt the solution’s chemical balance, making it less effective.
  • Spritz it on! Now, spray your lemon water solution directly onto the areas of your clothing where the perfume scent is strongest. If you want to give the entire garment a fresh, light lemon scent, feel free to give it an all-over spritz!
  • Gentle scrub for extra power! Take a soft-bristled brush and gently scrub the areas where you’ve applied the lemon solution. This helps the mixture penetrate the fabric fibers and really get to work on removing those scent molecules. Plus, this step helps to evenly distribute that lovely hint of lemon throughout the garment.
  • Let it air dry in the sun (with a word of caution)! Important note: This method is best suited for darker and older clothes. Lemon juice has the potential to lighten or discolor lighter fabrics, so be mindful of what you’re treating! While the sun’s rays are helpful for effectiveness, the main goal here is to allow the lemon scent to naturally infuse into the fabric. Harsh machine drying can actually diminish that fresh lemon aroma, so letting it air dry is key to enjoying the full benefit of this method.

Isn’t it amazing how many natural solutions we have right at our fingertips? Have you ever used lemon juice for cleaning or freshening things up? I’d be curious to hear if you have! And there you have it – five fantastic methods to help you say goodbye to unwanted perfume scents and keep your favorite clothes feeling fresh and ready for whatever fragrance you choose next! Which method are you most excited to try?

How to remove perfume from dry clean only clothes?

Sun drying of clothes, newspaper and baking soda with spoon on a table
Perfume smell removal without washing

Ah, “dry clean only” – those three little words can sometimes make dealing with spills and scents a bit more… delicate! But don’t worry, even your most cherished, dry-clean-only garments can be rescued from a perfume overload without a trip to the cleaners just yet!

Because these fabrics are often more sensitive, we need to take a gentler approach than our water-based methods. So, if your precious “dry clean only” item has been a little too enthusiastically embraced by your favorite fragrance, here’s a kinder, scent-removal strategy:

  • First Stop: A Sunbath and Fresh Air! Just like with regular clothes, our first step is to harness the natural deodorizing power of the sun and wind. Place your garment in a spot where it can soak up some sunlight and feel a gentle breeze for about 24 hours. You might be surprised at how much of the scent simply dissipates! Even if it doesn’t vanish completely, this step will definitely help to dilute it before we move on.
  • Next Up: The Enclosed Sanctuary! If the outdoor treatment doesn’t fully do the trick, it’s time to create a little scent-absorbing haven for your clothes. Hang the garment inside a closed cardboard box or even an empty wardrobe. This enclosure will ensure that the scent-removing agent we introduce next can work its magic on the entire piece.
  • Introduce the “Scent Suckers“!: Now for our secret weapons! Place some crumpled-up pieces of newspaper or an open box of baking soda at the bottom of your enclosed box or wardrobe. Both newspaper and baking soda are fantastic household heroes when it comes to naturally attracting and neutralizing odors. Leave your clothes in this enclosed space for at least 72 hours, but the longer the better for really stubborn scents!

There you have it! A gentle yet effective way to refresh your “dry clean only” items. It’s true, there’s a fine line between just the right amount of perfume and a little too much. But with these methods in your arsenal, you can confidently refresh any garment and get it ready for your signature scent whenever you desire!

FAQs about getting perfume smell out of clothes

How to remove perfume smell from clothes instantly?

For a quick fix, try airing your clothes outdoors in fresh air and sunlight. You can also lightly spritz the affected area with a diluted solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Other immediate options include gently dabbing with a small amount of vodka or rubbing alcohol, or even rubbing a dryer sheet over the fabric. For washable items, a quick soak in water with baking soda can also help before a regular wash.

What neutralizes the smell of perfume?

Alcohol, particularly in the form of vodka or rubbing alcohol, is a natural and effective neutralizer for strong perfume scents. White vinegar and baking soda are also powerful odor absorbers and neutralizers for a variety of smells, including perfume.

How do you remove dried perfume?

For perfume that has already set into the fabric, create a cleaning solution by mixing 1 quart (approximately 0.9 liters) of water with ½ teaspoon (about 2.5 ml) of a mild detergent (laundry or dish soap works well) and 1 tablespoon (around 14 ml) of white vinegar. Soak the garment in this solution for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Can perfume damage clothing?

Yes, spraying perfume directly onto your clothes can potentially cause damage. The chemicals in perfume can sometimes stain or discolor the fabric fibers, especially delicate materials. It’s always best to apply perfume to your skin instead.

How long does it take for the smell of perfume to leave clothing?

The longevity of a perfume scent on clothing varies depending on the amount applied and its concentration. Lightly scented items might lose the fragrance within a few hours to several weeks. Airing out the garment significantly speeds up this process.

What absorbs perfume smell?

Baking soda is a fantastic natural odor absorber. For dry clothes, generously sprinkle baking soda over the fabric and let it sit overnight before shaking it off. For washable items, adding about half a cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent can help neutralize the perfume smell during the wash cycle.

Final Word

So there you have it, a treasure trove of natural scent-busters at your fingertips. Hence, now no more scent clashes or lingering aromas would hold you back from your next signature spritz! Which of these methods are you most excited to try? Have you got any secret perfume-banishing weapons of your own? Share your experiences in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!

Anindita Thakur
Anindita Thakur

Anindita Thakur is a beauty writer covering perfume, cosmetics, hair care, and skin care. She holds a B.A. Hons in English, M.A. in English, M.A. in History, and a Certificate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Calcutta University. With robust credentials in writing and communications, Ms. Thakur provides engaging articles on beauty trends and tips. Her goal is to educate and inspire audiences on the best products and practices for skin, hair, makeup, and fragrance.

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