How to Get Perfume Smell Out of Clothing

If you've ever had the unfortunate experience of spilling perfume on your clothes, you know that the odor can be difficult to get rid of in the normal everyday laundry. As one of the strongest-smelling substances out there, it can be tough to get rid of all traces of it from your clothes. But don't worry - there are a few things you can do to get rid of that pesky odor. With a little effort, you can get the odor out and have your clothes looking and smelling their best.

Identify the Fabric

The first step is to identify what type of fabric you’re dealing with. Different fabrics respond differently to different methods of laundry and cleaning. For example, if it is made of cotton, you can usually just wash it in hot water and detergent. If it is made of wool, on the other hand, you'll need to use a wool-specific detergent and wash as directed. Once you know what type of fabric you’re dealing with, you can choose the appropriate method for removal.

Solutions

If you're not sure which type of fabric, or if you want to use a general method that will work for most fabrics, there are a few things you can do.

Vinegar

One option is to try soaking the clothes in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts of water in a bowl. Then, submerge the clothing in the mixture and let it soak for about an hour, then rinse thoroughly. You can then wash as you normally would.

Another option is to make a spray using the same ratio as the soaking method in a spray bottle. You can then spray the clothing with the mixture and let it air dry.

If you're dealing with a strong odor, you may need to repeat either of these steps several times before the scent is completely gone.

Vinegar works because it is an acidic substance. Perfume is alkaline, so the acid helps to neutralize it.

Lemon Juice

This is one of the most effective natural ingredients that you can use for the task because its acidic nature helps to break down the molecules. Simply soak a cloth in lemon juice and then rub it onto the affected areas. Let the lemon juice sit for a few minutes before rinsing it. You may need to repeat this process a few times.

Baking Soda

Baking soda has absorbent properties that can help to draw out odors from fabrics. Simply add a cup or two of baking soda to your washing machine along with your regular detergent and run a normal washing machine cycle.

You can also sprinkle it directly onto offending areas and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your normal laundry. This method is especially effective for removing strong odors like fragrance and also works on cigarette smoke.

Steam Cleaner

If you have a steam cleaner, you can simply steam for a few minutes, and the odor should dissipate. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to help mask the scent. If you don't have a steam cleaner, you can hold it over a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. Be sure to keep the garment away from the actual flame. Holding it over steam will also help remove any wrinkles.

Steam cleaners work by using the power of steam to remove dirt, stains and odors from garments. The high temperature of the steam breaks down the fragrance molecules, making them less likely to stick to fabric. Additionally, steam cleaners often come with special attachments that can help to reach hard-to-clean areas, like under the collar or in between buttons where fragrance tends to lurk.

Freezer

You could also try placing the garment in the freezer for a few hours. The cold temperature will help because it will cause the molecules to contract. This method is most effective if you can place in a sealable bag so that the odor does not transfer to other items in the freezer. You may need to repeat this process a few times to completely remove the scent.

Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners are specifically designed to break down organic material. Simply soak in the enzyme cleaner for a few hours, and then wash it as usual. The enzymes will break down the molecules that are causing the odor, and therefore fixing the issue.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to test it on a small area first to make sure that it doesn't cause any damage. It's also important to make sure that you are washing and rinsing the clothes thoroughly after applying any cleaning solution, as any residue could cause issues down the line.