Many people are not aware that even transparent perfume can stain and leave residue on clothes. Since most of them are alcohol based, perfumes usually leave oily spots or stains when sprayed directly on fabrics. Therefore, it's a good idea to always use perfume or cologne before getting dressed. However, if your favorite clothes are stained with perfume, don't despair. There are several methods you can follow to completely remove the stain and make your clothes look like new again.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Remove Perfume Stains from Washable Cotton or Other Fabrics
Step 1. Remove the stain using water
If you want to remove perfume stains from cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, spandex, or wool fabrics, dab a damp sponge or washcloth on the stain first. Make sure you don't rub the sponge or rag into the stain. Carefully blot the sponge or rag with light pressure on the stain, starting from the center outwards.
This method is especially effective for new stains, because by moisturizing the stain, it won't spread and will stick to the fibers of the fabric more tightly. If the stain is fresh, this method is usually sufficient to absorb and lift the stain
Step 2. Make a dish soap mixture
If the perfume stain is old, dabbing on a damp sponge or cloth may not be enough. To treat stains more aggressively, make a mixture of glycerol, dish soap, and water in a 1:1:8 ratio.
- If the stain is small, use 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon of glycerol and dish soap, and 8 teaspoons or tablespoons of water.
- Stir all ingredients to mix evenly.
Step 3. Apply the dish soap mixture on the stain
After mixing all the ingredients, pour a small amount of the mixture on the stain. Make sure you only apply the mixture to the stain, and not the area around it.
Step 4. Place a folded paper towel on top of the dish soap mixture
After pouring in the soap mixture, fold a piece of paper towel and place it over the stain. After that, let the soap work to remove the stain on the fabric for about 10 minutes.
While the soap is working to remove the stain, the paper towels will absorb the stain that has been lifted from the fabric
Step 5. Change the towel when it absorbs the stain
After about 10 minutes, check the towels. If you see oil stains being lifted by the towel, replace the towel with a new, folded towel. Keep repeating this process until no more stains are lifted.
- If you see the stain area drying, add more detergent solution.
- If the stain doesn't seem to be lifting at all, keep the first paper towel over the stain and check until the stain lifts.
Step 6. Apply rubbing alcohol on the stain
If the stain remains after you've cleaned the cloth with dish soap, dip a cotton swab in the cotton swab and dab on the stain. After that, pour about a teaspoon of alcohol on a folded paper towel, then apply the towel to the stain.
The alcohol and paper towels work like a dish soap mixture. However, alcohol works more powerfully as a cleaning agent
Step 7. Change the used paper towels
Observe the towel after about 10 minutes. If there are raised stains, change towels. If the stain doesn't seem to have picked up, place the towel back on the alcohol-coated stain and check periodically until the stain is lifted.
- Add alcohol if the stain starts to dry.
- Repeat this process until no more stains are lifted.
- If the stain is completely removed, rinse the cloth with water to remove any soap or alcohol residue, then hang in the sun to dry.
Step 8. Soak the cloth in water and baking soda, then wash
If manual stain removal doesn't work, soak the cloth in a 1:1 mixture of water and baking soda for 10-15 minutes. After that, wash the fabric as usual using the washer and dryer.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Stains from Silk or Triacetate Kain
Step 1. Rinse the stain with water
Run the water over the perfume stain on the silk or triacetate fabric. Although silk and triacetate fabrics are not highly absorbent, try dampening the stained area with running water. Water prevents stains from sticking more firmly, and helps separate old stains from the fabric for easy removal.
Step 2. Add a few drops of glycerol to the stain
After the cloth is rinsed, add a few drops of glycerol and use your fingers to spread it over the stained area.
Glycerol helps smooth out old stains so they can be removed easily
Step 3. Rinse the stain
After applying glycerol to the stain, dampen a cloth under running water and rinse thoroughly. Gently wipe the stained area with your finger. After the cloth is rinsed, some or all of the perfume stain will be removed.
Step 4. Remove the stain with the vinegar mixture
If the glycerol doesn't completely remove the stain, make a vinegar mixture using water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. After that, pour a small amount of the mixture onto a washcloth or sponge, and dab on the stain, starting from the center and working your way out.
Step 5. Remove the stain using spirit
If glycerol and vinegar don't lift the stain, try pouring a few drops of spirit on a cheesecloth or sponge. After that, dab the spirit on the stain.
Spiritus is dangerous if swallowed so be careful when using it and store it in a place out of reach of children
Step 6. Rinse the silk cloth with water and dry it
Once the stain is removed, rinse the cloth with water to remove any residue from the cleaning agent used. After that, dry the cloth to dry it.
Method 3 of 3: Removing Stains from Leather or Suede (Soft Leather) Clothing
Step 1. Absorb the remaining perfume on the cloth
Use a paper towel or a dry cheese strainer and press it against the leather or suede garment to absorb any excess perfume. This method is suitable for new stains, but may be less effective for old, drying stains.
Never use water to clean leather or suede clothing
Step 2. Make a soap and water mixture
Fill a large bowl with warm water halfway full, then add a small amount of mild liquid soap. Shake the water by shaking the bowl or stirring your hands in the water until foam appears.
Step 3. Take a small amount of can and apply it on the stain
Use your hands to pick up the foam and bubbles it creates, then pour it onto a clean sponge. Apply the foam to the stain and pat it gently and carefully.
Step 4. Wipe the stained area to dry it
Once the foam has been applied to the stain, use a paper towel or dry cloth to wipe the foam off the fabric. At this stage, the soap foam is usually able to remove some or all of the perfume stain.
Step 5. Pour cornmeal on the stain
If the stain is still visible on the leather or suede, sprinkle enough cornstarch to cover the stain (just a little). After that, let it rest for about half an hour.
Corn flour works to lift and absorb stains
Step 6. Clean the cloth from flour
After the flour has been allowed to sit for about half an hour, use a dry, stiff-toothed brush to remove any excess flour from the leather or suede. If there are still stains left, pour in the flour again. Repeat this process until the entire stain is absorbed and lifted.
Tips
- Don't forget to always apply perfume before getting dressed so your clothes don't get stained!
- Each fabric has its own differences. If you're not sure which method to follow to clean the fabric, find out the safest way to remove the stain from your existing fabric.
