How to Get Perfume Smell Out of Clothes (Without Ruining the Fabric)
We’ve all been there. You sprayed a little too much perfume, or maybe hugged someone wearing a scent that really sticks—and now your clothes smell like that perfume days later. Sometimes it’s nice, but sometimes… not so much.
Getting perfume out of fabric can be tricky because fragrance oils are designed to last. But the good news? You don’t need fancy products or dry cleaning every time. Here are a few tried-and-true ways to get that perfume scent out of your clothes:
1. Air It Out First
Before you reach for anything, hang the clothing in a well-ventilated spot—preferably outside if the weather’s nice. Fresh air and time can do a lot to fade lingering smells. Leave it out for a full day if you can.
2. Use White Vinegar (Don’t Worry, the Smell Goes Away)
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and works wonders on perfume smells.
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Fill a sink or bucket with cool water.
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Add 1 cup of white vinegar.
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Soak the item for 30–60 minutes.
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Rinse and wash as usual (cold cycle is safest).
Pro tip: Don’t mix vinegar with bleach or harsh detergents—just use it solo.
3. Baking Soda Boost
For washable clothes, toss half a cup of baking soda into the washing machine with your usual detergent. It helps absorb odors without messing with your fabric, and learn how to get perfume smell out of clothes.
You can also do a pre-wash soak:
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Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda into a basin of warm water.
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Soak the clothing for an hour.
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Rinse and wash normally.
4. Try Vodka (Great way on How to get perfume smell out of clothes.)
Vodka is a secret weapon for fashion stylists and theater people. It’s scentless once it dries and kills odor-causing bacteria.
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Mix 1 part vodka with 1 part water in a spray bottle.
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Lightly mist the garment (don’t soak it).
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Let it air dry completely.
This works best on dry-clean-only items or things you can’t just throw in the wash.
5. Don’t Use Fabric Spray to Cover It Up(Also a good way on how to get perfume smell out of clothes.)
It might seem like a good idea to spray Febreze or more perfume on top, but that just layers the scent. You want to remove the smell, not mask it. Stick to neutralizers, not cover-ups, this will help learn how to get perfume smell out of clothes.
When to Go to the Pros
If you’ve tried everything and the smell still won’t budge—especially on delicate fabrics like silk or wool—it might be time for the dry cleaner. Let them know you’re trying to remove a strong perfume smell so they know what to focus on.
Final Thought
Perfume smells can be lovely… until they overstay their welcome. Whether you’re switching scents, returning a borrowed jacket, or just tired of smelling yesterday’s spritz, these simple tricks can help get your clothes back to neutral.
Want more perfume tips:
how to make your perfume last longer.
what are the 10 most popular perfumes for women?:
Who Sells Lancôme Perfume? A Look at One of the Best Selling Women’s Perfume Brands.