How to Remove Perfume Odor from Clothes: Easy & Proven Methods

You know when someone gives you a hug, and suddenly their entire perfume collection is on your shirt? Yeah, not fun. Perfume might smell great when it’s first sprayed, but some fragrances can stick around a little too long on fabric, much like the friend who “is ready to leave,” but then lingers in your living room after your dinner party.

The good news: You can get the smell of perfume out of your clothes without destroying them. Indeed, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on fancy cleaners or complex techniques. Household pantry items, including vinegar, baking soda, and even vodka, can save the day.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove perfume odor from clothes, regardless of whether or not they are washable, delicate, or dry-clean only. And I’ll even offer pro tips you can use to keep the problem from happening at all.

 

Why Perfume Smell Lingers on Fabric

Perfume isn’t a few drops of flowers in a fancy bottle. That’s a mixture of alcohol, oils, and preservatives. Alcohol evaporates rapidly, but the oils and other chemicals hold on to fabric fibers as though they were obstinate party guests.

Here’s the kicker:

  • Eau de parfum has a higher concentration, so it lingers longer.
  • Eau de toilette fades faster.
  • Body sprays are the easiest to remove.

So if your sweater reeks as if it just

walked through a duty-free perfume counter, don’t panic. The right method can break down those molecules and set your clothes free.


Quick Fixes Before Washing

Air It Out

Sometimes, the simplest solution works best. Hang your clothes outdoors or in a breezy room. Sunlight and fresh air can naturally reduce lingering perfume odors.

Pro Tip: If you’ve got indoor plants, hang the clothing nearby. Plants help absorb airborne particles (and hey, they look great too).

 

Baking Soda Shake-Up

Consider baking soda the deodorizer MVP. Scatter generously across the garment or dissolve 1 cup of salt in warm water for a soak. Let it sit overnight, then launder as usual.

It’s like giving your shirt a detox spa day.

 

Vinegar Rinse

Pour in to rinse Cycle 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. Vinegar breaks down the odor molecules in fabric while also helping soft fabrics. No, your clothes will not smell like a salad. The vinegar odor goes away when it dries.

How to Remove Perfume Odor from Clothes (Step-by-Step)

This is the most reliable option if your clothes smell like they’ve been soaked in perfume:

Soak the Clothes

  • Fill a sink or tub with warm water.
  • Add one cup of baking soda.
  • Submerge the clothing fully.
  • Soak overnight.

Wash with Unscented Detergent

  • Use a fragrance-free detergent (otherwise you’re just layering smells).
  • Add vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Air Dry in Fresh Air

  • Skip the dryer if possible. Heat can lock in odors.
  • Hang clothes outdoors or near a sunny window.

Repeat if Needed

  • Strong perfumes may take 2–3 cycles to fully disappear.


Special Cases

Dry-Clean-Only Clothes

If your garment says “dry-clean only,” don’t toss it into the washer out of frustration. Instead:

  • Air it outdoors.
  • Spray lightly with unscented Fabreze for fabrics.
  • If it still smells, have it cleaned professionally.

Quick Fix for Last-Minute Emergencies

Got a dinner in 20 minutes, and your shirt smells like a last night testing spree from the perfumery? Here’s the hack:

  • Mix vodka with water (50/50).
  • Lightly spritz the garment.
  • Hang for a few minutes.
  • The alcohol is deadly to the odor molecules without leaving its own scent.

Yes, vodka isn’t just for cocktails.

Natural Alternatives to Try

  • Lemon Juice Formula: Put half lemon juice, half water → spray down and rinse.
  • Castile Soap: It’s mild, efficient, and non-scented.
  • Activated Charcoal Bags: Put clothes inside a sealed container along with a charcoal pouch for a day or two.

 

Preventing Perfume Odors in Clothes

Sometimes the best solution is avoiding the problem:

Spray perfume on skin, not clothes. Perfume is meant for pulse points, not fabric. For more tips, check out How To Use Perfume Oil Correctly For Long Lasting Scent.

Keep clothes aired out. Don’t shove worn-but-not-dirty clothes back into the closet.

Choose wisely. Some scents stick around longer than others. If you’re curious, read Perfume vs Cologne: Which One Should You Actually Be Wearing?.

Don’t confuse with deodorant. Deodorant odors are a little different; see Cologne vs Deo: Which One Should You Use and Why?.

Discover Perfume the Right Way with Lunar & Co.

At Lunar & Co., we think cologne should be something that makes you feel confident, not overpower your garments. Which is why our carefully curated selection of long-wearing, skin-friendly colognes is formulated to linger subtly and sophisticatedly on the skin rather than stubbornly cling to fabric.

Whether for daily wear or special occasions, we can help you discover the ideal cologne for men. And if you’re sick of overpowering sprays, our expert tips and guides help ensure that there is a right way to wear fragrance so it lingers where it should: on you, not your laundry.

Discover our current range and select a fragrance that you will come to know as your own at Lunar & Co.

Perfume can be heavenly on skin but stubborn on clothes. Luckily, removing it doesn’t require fancy products. With a little baking soda, vinegar, and patience, you can refresh your wardrobe without hassle.

So next time you have to deal with perfume odor in clothes, you already know what to do. And if you want to continue exploring the world of fragrance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the type of fabric affect how perfume smells cling?

Yes! Natural fibers like cotton and wool tend to absorb perfume more, while synthetic fabrics like polyester hold scent longer but may be easier to rinse.

Can perfume stains be removed along with the odor?

Some perfumes can leave colored stains due to oils or dyes. Treat the stain with a mild detergent or a vinegar-water solution before attempting odor removal.

Is there a difference between removing perfume smell and deodorant odor?

Yes. The oils that make up deodorant odors, for example, often include aluminum compounds, which adhere to cloth in a different manner than perfume oils; thus, requiring somewhat different treatment to completely eliminate.

Can using too much perfume damage clothes over time?

Over time, heavy applications may result in deterioration of more delicate fibers and colors (particularly silks and wools). Apps of moderation protect your wardrobe.

Do scented detergents make perfume smell worse?

Sometimes, yes. Strongly scented detergents can combine with perfume, creating a heavier, mixed smell. Using unscented laundry detergent is recommended for odor removal.

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