How to Get Perfume Stains & Smells Out of Clothing, Carpeting, & More

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The complete guide to whether or not cologne will stain your clothing
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Many people don’t realize that even clear perfumes can stain fabric, as many fragrances are alcohol-based. However, if one of your favorite shirts gets stained, don’t despair. We interviewed cleaning specialist Elias Weston to teach you how to remove perfume and cologne stains from all kinds of fabrics, including clothing, carpeting, and upholstery. Plus, find out how to prevent perfume stains and why perfume may stain in the first place.

Removing Stains from Perfume & Cologne

To remove fragrance stains from washable fabrics, dab them with cold water, then wash the garment as usual. For stubborn stains, try soaking the item in water and baking soda or applying a mix of water, gentle detergent, and vinegar before laundering.

Section 1 of 6:

Removing Perfume & Cologne Stains from Clothes

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  1. In many cases, if the perfume or cologne stain is still fresh, you may be able to lift all or most of it with cold water. Simply dip a clean cloth into the water and gently dab the stain, starting from the center and working your way out. It may help to add a bit of laundry detergent or vinegar to the stain, as well. [1]
    • If this step removes the stain, go ahead and launder the garment as usual. If not, continue to the next step.
    • This method works best on fabrics like cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, spandex, or wool.
    • It’s important to use cold water, as warm water may set the stain further.
    • Not all fabrics can get wet. Weston reminds us to “check the manufacturer’s label for specific care instructions because some materials can be treated with water, while others may require special cleaning products.” [2]
  2. If the stain is set-in, it may require a stronger stain removal method. Mix a solution of 1 quart (0.9 L) water, 1/2 tsp (2.46 ml) of gentle detergent (laundry detergent or dish soap usually works well), and 1 tbsp (14 ml) of white vinegar. Soak the garment in the solution for about 15 minutes, then rinse. [3]
    • If the stain remains, sponge on a bit of rubbing alcohol, rinse the garment thoroughly, and then launder.
    • Another option is to treat stubborn stains with water and baking soda. Mix 1 part water with 1 part baking soda and allow the fabric to soak for 10-15 minutes. Then, launder as usual.
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  3. After pretreating the stain, go ahead and wash your clothes, following the instructions on their care label. If it’s safe for the fabric, add some chlorine bleach to add in the stain removal. [4] Allow your clothes to air dry unless you’re 100% certain the stain is gone.
    • Heat can set stains and make them permanent, which is why it’s best to avoid using the dryer.
    • If the stain remains after you wash it, apply some laundry detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for 5 minutes before washing it again.
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Section 2 of 6:

Removing Perfume Stains from Silk, Leather, and Suede

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  1. Flush the fabric as best you can with cold water. Then, add a few drops of glycerin to the stain, making sure to cover it completely. This will help soften stains so they can be removed. Run the fabric under water and rinse well, gently wiping the stain with your finger. After rinsing, most or all of the staining should be removed. Flush the garment one more time to remove any cleaning agents, then hang it to dry. [5]
    • Silk and triacetate are not very absorbent materials, so it may be difficult to soak the fabric completely.
    • If the glycerin doesn’t fully remove the stain, blot it with a 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar.
    • Alternatively, add a couple drops of denatured alcohol to a cheesecloth pad or sponge and dab the stain. Denatured alcohol is poisonous when ingested, so be extremely careful when using it. Store it out of reach of children. [6]
  2. Fill a large bowl halfway with lukewarm water, then mix in a squirt of mild liquid soap (like dish soap), agitating the water so it foams. Blot up any excess perfume with a clean paper towel, then scoop the foam onto a sponge and pat the suds onto the stain. Wipe the soap away with a dry paper towel and check to see if the stain is gone. If any remains, rub it with a soft, dry cloth. Remember to apply a leather conditioner once the stain is gone. [7]
    • Never use water on leather or suede—be very careful to apply the soap suds only.
    • If the stain is still visible after applying the suds, another option is to sprinkle some cornmeal onto the stain. Let it sit for about half an hour, then use a dry, stiff-bristled brush to remove it. Repeat the process as needed until the stain has been completely absorbed and removed.
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Section 3 of 6:

Removing Perfume Stains from Carpet & Upholstery

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  1. This works on blended fibers, fiberglass, natural and synthetic fibers, and wool. Blot up any excess perfume with an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Spray the stain with a commercial fabric spot cleaner, then mix a solution of 1 part glycerin, 1 part dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Apply the solution to the stain sparingly, then dampen an absorbent pad with the solution and press it on the stain. Then, sponge the carpet or upholstery clean with water and allow it to air dry. This also works for other grease and oil stains. [8]
    • Be sure to test any cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area to make sure they won’t damage your carpet.
    • If the stain persists, try using a general household cleaner like 409 or Fantastik , or sponge the stain with some rubbing alcohol. Flush the carpet with water and allow it to dry.
    • If you want to make your own multi-purpose cleaner, Weston says, “An easy and very effective multi-purpose cleaner can be made with just 3 ingredients—water, vinegar, and Dawn dishwashing liquid. Simply mix 2 cups (473 ml) of warm water with ¼ cup (59 ml) of vinegar and 1 tsp (5 ml) Dawn dish soap, and add it to a spray bottle.” [9]
  2. If you’re worried about damaging your carpet with harsh chemicals, steam cleaning is a safe and effective alternative. Weston says, “To properly steam clean your home, begin by vacuuming all of the surfaces you will be steam cleaning. Once you’ve vacuumed, pretreat any heavy stains with a cleaning solution. Most stains can be removed during the steam cleaning process, but if there [are] heavy stains, it’s a good idea to pretreat them to make them easier to remove.” [10] Follow your steam cleaner’s guidelines to use it properly.
    EXPERT TIP

    Elias Weston

    Cleaning Specialist
    Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist

    Use a steam cleaner with a fabric attachment to clean upholstery. Floor steam cleaners can be large and bulky and aren't designed to clean smaller pieces of furniture and upholstery. Prepare the steam cleaner according to the model’s instructions by pouring water and soap into the machine, and begin steam cleaning.

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Section 4 of 6:

How to Get Perfume Smell Out of Clothing & Fabric

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  1. If possible, hang the clothing or fabric outside in the fresh air. Otherwise, hang it in a warm, sunlit room and turn on a fan. Depending on how saturated it is with the scent, it may take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to completely air out. [11]
    • Plants can help absorb odor, so try hanging the garment around some houseplants if you have them!
  2. After airing out the clothes to the best of your ability, fill a sink (or your washing machine) with warm water and 1/2 to 1 cup (125-250 g) of baking soda. Submerge the garment completely and allow it to soak overnight (or up to a few days) to remove the scent . [12]
  3. Follow the instructions on the care label and wash your clothes as you normally would, either in the washing machine or by hand. Add at least 1/4 cup (59 ml) of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle, then stop the cycle. Let the laundry soak for an hour before completing the rinse cycle. [13]
    • The vinegar will help remove the perfume residue from the item’s fibers.
    • If you want, add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed from your clothing.
  4. Rather than tossing your clothes in the dryer, hang them on a clothesline or use a drying rack in the fresh air. Allow them to dry completely, and check to make sure the smell is gone. If it isn’t, repeat the process as many times as needed. [14]
    • While sunlight can help remove odors, it can sometimes fade fabrics, so hang dark colors in the shade.
    • If you must use a dryer, use a low-temperature setting, as heat may cause the odor to set more deeply into the fabric.
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Section 5 of 6:

Preventing Perfume Stains

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  1. Not all fragrances stain, but there’s not really a way to tell until you try them out. If possible, find a piece of scrap fabric made from the same material as the garments you intend to wear and spray them with the perfume. Wait a while to see if a stain sets in, as they aren’t always visible right away. [15]
    • If you don’t have scrap fabric, try spraying the fragrance on an old T-shirt or something you don’t mind staining.
    • Alternatively, test the fragrance on the garment you intend to wear by spraying it in an inconspicuous area, like under the arm.
    • Note that perfume stains are more noticeable on white shirts and other light fabrics.
  2. Try applying your perfume or cologne directly onto your skin so it doesn’t get on your clothes. One of the best ways to prevent perfume stains is to spray the fragrance on your neck or wrists and then let it dry completely before getting dressed. This helps prevent the oils in the perfume from soaking into the fabric and staining it. [16]
    • Fragrances typically last longer if applied to the skin rather than clothes, too!
  3. If you’re already dressed, try to spray your perfume or cologne farther away from your body (about 5 inches or 12 cm from the skin) rather than right by your clothes. This way, the fragrance mist will be more spread out, so the oils won’t saturate your clothes in just one spot, potentially creating stains. [17]
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Section 6 of 6:

Do perfumes and colognes stain clothes?

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  1. Not all fragrances stain clothes, but some can, depending on the ingredients (like alcohol, oils, and dyes) they contain. [18] These ingredients may interact with the fibers of your clothes and leave behind a stain. These stains may not be visible right away, as they often darken over time. Fragrances are more likely to stain white clothes than other colors.
    • Perfumes and colognes usually stain fabrics because they contain oils. Fragrances have many ingredients, like alcohol, fragrance oils, and even dyes. [19]
    • These ingredients may react with different fabrics and leave oily stains behind. A perfume that might stain one type of fabric may not stain another, depending on its composition.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Do cologne stains come out?
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    It can be challenging and you may need to try a few different cleaning solutions to find one that works, and even then you may need to perform multiple cleanings to get the stain out. But it's certainly possible!
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  • Question
    What should I do if the perfume is still a little damp?
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.
    Elias Weston
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Do as much cleaning as you can possibly do while the surface is still damp! it's much easier to get a tough stain out if the material is still wet. Soak up as much as you can, then combine 1/2 cup of baking soda, 1/4 cup of dish soap, and 4 cups of water. Gently blot the area with your solution and then scrub it with a clean toothbrush.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
  • Question
    I just realized that i got the stain after reaching work for a couple of hours, is it still possible to be removed?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is possible to remove older stains. Flush your garment with immediately if it is a washable fabric, then use one or two methods to remove the stain.
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      • Not all fabrics are the same. If you’re not sure what methods to use for your stained garment, research safe ways to remove stains from that particular fabric.
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      • Remember to always apply perfume before getting dressed so that you don’t stain your clothes!
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      • Denatured alcohol is poisonous to ingest, so use extreme care when using and storing it.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656969/remove-perfume-stains/
      2. ↑ Elias Weston. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.
      3. ↑ https://dev.web.extension.illinois.edu/stain/staindetail.cfm?ID=38
      4. ↑ https://dev.web.extension.illinois.edu/stain/staindetail.cfm?ID=38
      5. ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1414318/glycerin-ingredient-remove-stains-clothes-clean-laundry/
      6. ↑ http://cleaning.tips.net/T004250_Removing_Stains_from_Silk.html
      7. ↑ https://isitleather.com/blog/how-to-get-oil-grease-stains-out-of-leather-furniture/
      8. ↑ https://site.extension.uga.edu/textiles/care/stain-removal/remove-stains-from-grease-automotive-cooling-vaseline/
      9. ↑ Elias Weston. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.
      1. ↑ Elias Weston. Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-get-perfume-smell-out-clothes
      3. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-get-perfume-smell-out-clothes
      4. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-get-perfume-smell-out-clothes
      5. ↑ https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/cleaning/how-get-perfume-smell-out-clothes
      6. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656969/remove-perfume-stains/
      7. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a656969/remove-perfume-stains/
      8. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-buy-wear-store-perfume-best-fragrance-application-tips
      9. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/fragrances-overview
      10. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/fragrances-overview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can remove perfume stains from cotton or other washable fabrics with simple household ingredients. Try dabbing the stain with a damp sponge or cloth. For tougher stains, try soaking a paper towel in rubbing alcohol or a mixture of glycerin, detergent, and water. Then, cover the stain with the paper towel and leave it for 10 minutes. If that doesn’t work, soak the material in equal parts water and baking soda for 15 minutes, then wash it in your washing machine. To get perfume stains out of leather or suede, wipe it with warm, soapy water. If the stain’s still there, sprinkle cornmeal on top, leave it to sit for half an hour, then brush it off. For more tips, including how to remove perfume stains from silk or triacetate fabrics, read on!

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