How to Get Perfume Out of Clothes: 6 Methods to Try

Removing perfume from clothing can be challenging, but it’s essential to act promptly, especially after a night out or a long day of wearing your favorite fragrance. Here are five effective methods to eliminate perfume scents from your clothes, including dry-clean-only garments.

Method 1: Wash with Vinegar

Vinegar is a versatile and eco-friendly solution for removing various scents from clothing. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure the Clothes Are Dry: Make sure the garment is free of moisture, like sweat, to prevent interference with the vinegar.
2. Add Approximately 240 mL of Vinegar: Instead of using detergent, add about 240 mL of vinegar to the washing machine, even if you’re washing a full load of clothes.
3. Wash Normally: Proceed with a regular washing cycle. Vinegar will act as your cleaning agent. You can use scented or unscented dryer sheets during drying to add a desired fragrance.
4. Dry Completely: After the wash cycle, place the clothes in the dryer with dryer sheets until they are completely dry.

Method 2: Hang Clothes Outside

Try leaving your clothes outdoors overnight. Natural elements like wind and sunlight can help naturally dissipate lingering perfume scents. Be cautious of morning dew, which can leave your clothes damp for an extended period.

Method 3: Use Castile Soap and Wash by Hand

Castile soap, an eco-friendly detergent, is effective for removing scents. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure Clothes Are Dry: As with other methods, ensure the clothes are dry before proceeding.
2. Add 4-5 Drops of Castile Soap to a Bucket of Water: Dilute the soap in a bucket filled with water. Ensure even distribution of the soap throughout the water.
3. Wash/Rinse Clothes by Hand with Warm Water: Soak the clothes in the bucket for about an hour. Swish them around and wash by hand with warm water.
4. Dry Outside: Leave the clothes outside to dry in the sun for at least 24 hours.

Method 4: Use Laundry Detergent and Booster

If the previous methods aren’t effective, wash your clothes traditionally:

1. Add ½ Cup of Detergent, Booster, and/or Baking Soda: Add your preferred amount of detergent or cleaning aid, and consider using baking soda for extra scent-removing power.
2. Wash Clothes in Warm Water: Use warm water instead of cold to enhance the detergent’s effectiveness.
3. Dry Outside in the Sun: Place the clothes in the sun to take advantage of the combination of heat and sunlight for scent removal.

Method 5: Wash with Lemon Juice and Water

Lemon juice, a natural solution, can remove perfume scents while leaving your clothes smelling fresh:

1. Make a Solution of 1:1 Lemon Juice and Water: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a spray bottle. Ensure thorough mixing without overdoing it.
2. Spray Garment With the Solution: Concentrate on areas with strong scents or spray the entire garment for a fresh scent.
3. Use a Soft Brush to Scrub Areas of Application: Brush the garment with a soft-bristled brush to distribute the solution and activate its scent-removing properties.
4. Let Dry Outside: For dark or older clothes, let them dry in the sun to absorb the lemon scent.

How to Remove Perfume from Dry Clean Only Clothes

Dry-clean-only clothes require a gentler approach:

1. Place Garment in the Sun for 24 Hours: First, leave the clothes in the sun and wind to naturally reduce the perfume scent.
2. Put Clothes in an Enclosed Box or Wardrobe: If step one doesn’t work, hang the clothes in an enclosed cardboard box or wardrobe.
3. Add a “Scent Sucker”: Place crumpled newspaper or a box of baking soda at the bottom of the box or wardrobe to attract and neutralize scents. Leave the clothes enclosed for at least 72 hours.

By following these methods, you can effectively remove perfume scents from your clothing and refresh your garments for future use.