What Takes Cologne Smell Out Of Clothes

Cologne smell can be notoriously difficult to remove from clothing, leaving behind a lingering scent that can be overpowering and unpleasant. Whether you've accidentally spilled cologne on your favorite shirt or simply worn it too many times, getting rid of the smell can be a challenge. In this article, we'll explore the various methods for removing cologne smell from clothes, including laundry tips, household remedies, and specialized products.

Laundry Tips to Remove Cologne Smell from Clothes

Before we dive into more advanced methods, let's start with some simple laundry tips to remove cologne smell from clothes. These methods are easy to try and may be effective for mild cases of cologne smell.

Wash Clothes in Hot Water with Baking Soda

Hot water can help to break down and dissolve the oils in cologne, making it easier to remove the smell. Adding baking soda to your wash cycle can also help to neutralize the scent. Simply add 1 cup of baking soda to your washing machine with your regular detergent and wash the clothes in hot water.

Use a Laundry Detergent Specifically Designed to Remove Odors

Some laundry detergents are specifically designed to remove tough odors, including cologne smell. Look for detergents that contain enzymes, which break down protein-based odors like those found in cologne. Follow the instructions on the label and wash the clothes in hot water.

Soak Clothes in White Vinegar

White vinegar is a natural odor remover and can be effective at removing cologne smell from clothes. Soak the clothes in a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar for several hours or overnight. Then, wash the clothes in hot water with a regular detergent.

Household Remedies to Remove Cologne Smell from Clothes

If laundry tips aren't effective, it's time to try some household remedies to remove cologne smell from clothes. These methods are often inexpensive and easy to try.

Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a natural odor absorber and can be effective at removing cologne smell from clothes. Place a small bag of activated charcoal in a sealed container with the smelly clothes and let it sit for several days. The charcoal should absorb the odor, leaving the clothes smelling fresh.

Try Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree oil, have natural deodorizing properties and can help to remove cologne smell from clothes. Add a few drops of the essential oil to a wash cycle or mix with water and spray on the clothes to help remove the smell.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural oxidizing agent and can help to break down and remove cologne smell from clothes. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and apply the solution to the smelly area. Let it sit for several hours or overnight before washing the clothes as usual.

Specialized Products to Remove Cologne Smell from Clothes

If household remedies and laundry tips aren't effective, it may be time to try a specialized product to remove cologne smell from clothes. These products are specifically designed to remove tough odors and can be more effective than household remedies.

Odor-Removing Sprays

Odor-removing sprays, such as Febreze or OxiClean, can be effective at removing cologne smell from clothes. These sprays contain enzymes that break down and remove protein-based odors like those found in cologne. Follow the instructions on the label and spray the product directly on the smelly area.

Laundry Pre-Treaters

Laundry pre-treaters, such as Shout or OxiClean, can be effective at removing cologne smell from clothes. These products contain enzymes that break down and remove protein-based odors like those found in cologne. Apply the product directly to the smelly area and let it sit for several minutes before washing the clothes as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about removing cologne smell from clothes:

Q: How do I remove cologne smell from delicate fabrics?

A: For delicate fabrics, it's best to try gentle methods first, such as soaking the clothes in white vinegar or using a laundry detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using harsh chemicals or hot water, which can damage the fabric.

Q: Can I use bleach to remove cologne smell from clothes?

A: Bleach can be effective at removing cologne smell from clothes, but it can also damage or discolor certain fabrics. Use bleach with caution and only on white or light-colored clothes. Always follow the instructions on the label and test a small area first.

Q: How long does it take to remove cologne smell from clothes?

A: The amount of time it takes to remove cologne smell from clothes can vary depending on the method used and the severity of the smell. Laundry tips and household remedies may take several wash cycles or days to be effective, while specialized products may work faster.

Q: Can I prevent cologne smell from getting on my clothes in the first place?

A: Yes, there are several ways to prevent cologne smell from getting on your clothes. Apply cologne to a small area of skin and let it dry before dressing, avoid spraying cologne directly on clothes, and consider using a cologne with a lighter scent.

Q: Is it possible to completely remove cologne smell from clothes?

A: While it may be possible to remove most of the cologne smell from clothes, it's not always possible to completely remove the smell. This is especially true for clothes that have been heavily perfumed or worn multiple times. However, with persistence and the right methods, you can significantly reduce the smell and make the clothes wearable again.