How to remove perfume stains from clothing

Fragrances have always been an essential component of a stand-out wardrobe. Remember that clothes and the right scent go hand in hand, but there are instances in which they do not mix. Certain fabrics respond negatively to the oil or alcohol present in perfumes.

Get perfume stains our of t-shirts and similar clothes, by using a white paper towel, and blot as much of the stain that you can. Then use a half/half mixture of liquid dishwashing detergent and white vinegar. Sponge the perfume stain with the detergent/vinegar solution.

It might produce a slight discoloration or if you utilize an oily scent, it can result in an unappealing yellow blotch. As long as you deal with perfume stains early, it can save your clothes from damage. Read further to learn more about the techniques on how to remove perfume stains from clothing. 

Techniques on how to remove perfume stains from clothing

If you want to effectively get rid of perfume stains on your clothes, let us take a look at some of the techniques that can remove any unwanted perfume stains.

  • Soak a sponge in lukewarm to slightly warm water and carefully dab on the site of the stain. The warm water should loosen the stains on the fabric for easier removal.
  • If the perfume stains linger, soak the garment in a solution of lukewarm water and detergent. Allow the garment to soak for 15-20 minutes and hang to dry.
  • For silky and other slippery fabrics, pour water on the site of the perfume stain and add a few drops of glycerin. This should slacken the stain without being too hard on the fabric. Allow the solution to work into the fabric for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing it away. 
  • If glycerin is not available, an alternative is to dilute some white vinegar with water. Dab this solution onto the stain. Rub circularly to work the solution into the fabric. 
  • For leather jackets, the initial task is to blot the site with a highly absorbent cloth or tissue paper. The objective is to get rid of any excess perfume that might still be present on the garment. Combine lukewarm water and a foamy soap. Utilize the suds to clean the leather. Simply apply the foam using a soft sponge and pat dry with a clean cloth. 
  • If you are faced with greasy perfume stains on leather, blot off the excess and cover the site with an absorbent powder. Leave in place for a while and brush off with a soft-bristled brush. You can repeat this a few times as needed if the stain is a stubborn one.
  • Soak the stained fabric in a solution of lukewarm water and baking soda. Allow soaking for a few minutes before washing thoroughly with a detergent. If the stain lingers, soak the garment in the solution overnight. 
  • If the garment exudes strongly of perfume, you can deal with this by laundering in a washing machine right after wearing it. If possible, allow the garment to dry under the sun.
  • Prepare a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply this paste on the garment and leave it in place for 10-15 minutes and wash normally. In case the stain is a stubborn one, prepare the paste with diluted vinegar instead of water. 
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Feel free to try out any of these techniques on how to remove perfume stains from clothing. In case none of these techniques work, it is recommended to bring your garment to a dry cleaner. 

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Will perfume stains come out of clothes?

Perfumes do not typically cause any stains but some contain ingredients that can discolor clothing. In most cases, you will not notice any marks immediately but they are likely to darken over time.

If you have old perfume stains on washable fabrics, the initial task is to lubricate the stain with a solution that includes equal parts glycerin and water. Leave in place for up to an hour and wash normally. 

It is important to note that the oil present in EDP or “parfum” can damage the clothing by leaving behind stubborn stains. 

Do you spray perfume on clothes?

There are a variety of sources online that can provide conflicting views on whether to apply perfume directly on clothes. 

In one source, you can spray perfume all over the body, not just over your clothes. The clothing fibers might be able to hold in the scent for a long time. Nevertheless, in another source, it is recommended to apply perfume on the body before wearing clothes. The reason for this is that the fragrance can absorb into the skin. If the perfume is spritz on cashmere or wool clothes, it can achieve a longer-lasting scent. 

Does rubbing alcohol stain clothes?

Although rubbing alcohol is highly effective in eliminating certain types of stains such as tree sap, ink or paint, it can produce stains of its own. 

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Remember that there are two reasons why rubbing alcohol might produce stains. First, rubbing alcohol is not purely isopropyl alcohol since it includes other ingredients including dye that can leave behind a stain on clothes. Second, rubbing alcohol can leave stains since it also functions as a mild bleach as well as other forms of alcohol.

Final thoughts

Perfumes have always been a necessity in completing your look for the day. Depending on how you apply your perfume, whether spritz directly all over your body or on your clothes, they can leave behind stains. With the methods on how to remove perfume stains from clothing, you can get rid of these perfume stains in no time. 

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