Of course you want your perfume to leave a lasting impression… just not on your clothes. Its ability to linger on fabrics isn’t always welcome, after all.

It could be that the scent is overpowering, or maybe you just want to switch to a different fragrance. Either way, removing perfume from fabric is easier than you might think.

In fact, there are a variety of ways to go about it. You just need a few household items and some practical steps. Before you know it, you’ll be refreshing your wardrobe, and your clothes will smell as clean as they look.

1.Gentle Airing

Sometimes it’s the simplest method that’s most effective. If you’re trying to eliminate perfume smells from your clothes, fresh air can work wonders all on its own. Just hang your clothes outside in a shaded area or in a well-ventilated indoor space with open windows. The natural airflow will help disperse any lingering fragrance molecules.

You can let air circulate around all sides of your fabrics by placing garments on hangers. If the items have been stored in a closet where they absorb smells over time, leave the closet door open or use a fan to improve the ventilation. If you’re airing out your clothes inside, you can add a bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal to help the odors absorb away from your clothes faster.

2. White Vinegar

One of the most versatile tools for tackling odors is white vinegar. It breaks down and neutralizes the chemical compounds in perfumes and other fragrances. Just fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add one cup of white vinegar. Submerge your clothes in the mixture, and let them soak for 30 to 60 minutes.

If you’re washing a full load, you instead can pour a cup of vinegar into your washing machine’s rinse cycle. It’s a particularly effective method for removing perfume smells from cotton, polyester, and other sturdy fabrics. If you’re targeting delicate fabrics like wool or silk, go ahead and dilute the vinegar further, then test it on an inconspicuous area before soaking the clothing.

3. Baking Soda

Another excellent odor neutralizer, baking soda is often a go-to solution for removing perfume smells. Just generously sprinkle baking soda on your dry clothes, then let it sit overnight. While it sits, the baking soda will absorb the scents from the fabric.

If you’re removing perfume smells from washable items, you can add half a cup of baking soda to your regular laundry detergent. It’s an especially useful method when clothes are heavily scented or if items have been in storage. You’ll get even better results if you combine baking soda with white vinegar during the wash cycle.

If your fabrics aren’t washable, you can create a baking soda paste by mixing the powder with water. Then you can apply it to the areas with the strongest perfume smell. After it sits for several hours, you can brush off the baking soda with a soft cloth.

4. Activated Charcoal

Another powerful odor absorber is activated charcoal, which even works for strong perfume scents. Place your clothing in a large, sealable plastic container or bag along with a few pieces of activated charcoal. Just make sure the charcoal doesn’t directly touch the fabric or it could stain. Then leave the sealed container for about 24 to 48 hours.

Activated charcoal works well for removing perfume scents from clothes made of delicate materials, as well as those that can’t be washed frequently, such as suits or jackets. If you’re addressing smaller items, you can use charcoal pouches in closets or drawers. They’ll help prevent perfume smells from settling in.

5. Lemon Juice

Did you know that lemon juice is a natural deodorizer? Not only can you use it to remove perfume smells from your clothing, but it can whiten your brights during the cleaning process. Just mix the juice from two lemons with a gallon of warm water in a sink or basin. Soak your clothes for 30 minutes, then rinse them thoroughly, dry them, and voila!

Be careful, however, that you don’t use lemon juice on dark or delicate fabrics. It can cause fading and discoloration. If you’re unsure how your fabric will react to lemon juice, test a small spot first.

If you want an added boost to your scent removal efforts, combine some lemon juice with baking soda during your soaking process.

6. Vodka

If you didn’t know that vodka is a highly effective way to neutralize perfume orders, you’re not alone. Not many people know of this unconventional method, but it does work. Start by filling a spray bottle with unflavored vodka. Lightly mist your garment and then let it completely air dry.

How does it work? Vodka breaks down scent molecules as it evaporates. That leaves the fabrics odor-free. It’s a great option or last-minute fixes, as well as a solution for clothes that can’t be washed immediately. If you want some added freshness, air dry the garment in a well-ventilated space.

7. Freezing

A rather unique way to neutralize perfume smells from clothing is by freezing it. Place your garment in a sealed plastic bag, then place it in the freezer for 12 to 24 hours. The extreme cold will break down odor-causing molecules, so the perfume’s scent will be less noticeable.

Freezing is a particularly effective method of scent removal for clothes that are difficult to clean – think wool sweaters or delicate dresses. Once you remove your clothes from the freezer, let them thaw and air out before you wear them.

8. Professional Dry Cleaning

If our home remedies don’t get the perfume smell out of your clothes – or if you’re dealing with fabric that’s particularly delicate – you can always turn to professional dry cleaning. Dry cleaners employ specialized solvents and equipment to eliminate stubborn odors all while preserving the fabric’s integrity.

When you drop your clothes off at the cleaners, make sure you let them know about the perfume odor so they can apply the most appropriate treatment for best results.

Prevent and Remove Perfume Smells from Clothes

As with so many facets of life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can prevent perfume smells from clinging to your clothes from the scent’s very application. Always spray perfume directly onto your skin rather than on your clothing. Let your fragrance dry for a few minutes before you get dressed, so you’re less likely to transfer the scent to your outfit.

If you love wearing perfume but you want to avoid it overpowering your wardrobe, you can choose lighter fragrances or even try out some solid perfumes. You can find a curated list of long-lasting and subtle scents with LaBelle Perfume’s compilation of the best perfumes for women.

Sure, perfume can work wonders to enhance your sense of style, but that doesn’t mean it has to dominate your wardrobe. With our practical tips – as well as some gentle, fragrance-free detergents – you can remove unwanted scents with ease all while you keep your clothes smelling fresh.