Many people are unaware that even transparent perfumes can stain and leave residues on clothing. Since many fragrances are alcohol based, when sprayed directly onto a fabric they tend to leave stains with an oily appearance and texture. This is why it is always better to apply perfumes and colognes before getting dressed. However, don't despair if your favorite shirt gets stained - there are several ways to remove the stain entirely and make the garment look like new.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove Cotton and Other Washable Fabrics
Step 1. Try treating the stain with water
If you are trying to remove a perfume stain from fabrics such as cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, spandex, or wool, blot it with a damp sponge or cloth first. Make sure you don't rub. Blot the affected area gently from the center of the stain outwards.
This method is particularly suitable for fresh stains, as moistening them prevents them from spreading and setting into the fabric. If the stain is recent, dabbing it should be enough to absorb and remove it
Step 2. Make a solution using dish soap
If the perfume stain you need to remove is not recent, dabbing it with a damp cloth may not be enough. To combat it more effectively, prepare a solution consisting of 1 part glycerin, 1 part dish soap and 8 parts water.
- If the stain is small, use 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon of glycerin, 1 teaspoon or 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 8 teaspoons or tablespoons of water.
- Shake the solution to mix it well.
Step 3. Apply the soapy water to the stain
Once the solution has been prepared, pour a small amount onto the stain. Make sure you apply it only to the affected area and avoid the surrounding area.
Step 4. Place a paper towel over the solution
After applying the soapy water, fold a paper towel and place it on the stain. Leave the solution on the fabric for about 10 minutes.
As the solution dissolves the stain, the napkin will absorb it from the fabric
Step 5. Change the napkin during the procedure
After about 10 minutes, check the napkin. If you see that the oily residue from the stain has been partially absorbed by the napkin, replace it with a clean one, folding it before placing it on the affected area. Repeat this process until the stain is completely removed.
- If you find that the fabric is drying, add more soapy water.
- If the stain doesn't go away, leave the first napkin you used and keep checking it until it has at least partially absorbed it.
Step 6. Apply isopropyl alcohol to the stain
If after trying to remove the stain with soapy water you find that it has not gone completely, take a cotton ball, soak it in alcohol and dab it on the affected area. Then pour about a teaspoon of alcohol onto a folded paper towel and place it on the stain.
Alcohol acts in a similar way to soapy water, only it is slightly more effective
Step 7. Replace the paper
After about 10 minutes, check the napkin. Change it if it has at least partially absorbed the stain. If it hasn't absorbed anything, put it back on the affected area and keep checking it until it has soaked the stain.
- Add more alcohol if you notice the stain is drying.
- Repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.
- If the stain has been removed completely, rinse the garment with plain tap water to remove any solution or alcohol residue, then hang it up to dry.
Step 8. Soak the garment in a water and baking soda solution before washing
If the previous methods didn't work, soak the garment in a solution of one part water and one part baking soda for 10-15 minutes. Then wash and dry it as usual.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Silk or Triacetate Stain
Step 1. Soak the stain with water
Run water over the area affected by the stain. Although silk and triacetate are not particularly absorbent fabrics, try to impregnate the garment well. The water prevents fresh stains from setting, and also allows the older ones to be separated from the fabric, so that they can be eliminated.
Step 2. Add a couple of drops of glycerin to the stain
After soaking it with water, pour a few drops of glycerin and dab it gently with your finger until it covers the stain.
Glycerin helps soften even older stains so that they can be eliminated
Step 3. Rinse the affected area
After pouring the glycerin on the stain, rinse the garment well under the jet of water, gently massaging the affected area with a finger. After rinsing, you should be able to completely (or partially) get rid of the perfume stain.
Step 4. Blot the affected area with a vinegar solution
If the glycerin hasn't allowed you to completely get rid of the stain, make a solution using 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar. Pour a small amount onto a cloth or sponge and blot the stain from the center to the outside.
Step 5. Blot the stain with denatured alcohol
If you don't get good results with either glycerin or vinegar, pour a few drops of denatured alcohol onto a gauze cloth or sponge. Use it to dab the stain.
Denatured alcohol is poisonous, so use it with caution and keep it out of the reach of children
Step 6. Rinse and dry the garment
After removing the silk or triacetate, rinse the garment with plain water to remove all product residues. Hang it up to dry.
Method 3 of 3: Remove the stain from the leather or suede
Step 1. Dab excess perfume
Roll up a dry paper towel or gauze cloth and gently pat the leather or suede. This method is particularly effective on fresh stains, while it may not be effective on older ones, which have now dried.
Water should never be used on leather or suede
Step 2. Prepare a solution
Pour lukewarm water into a large bowl, filling it halfway, then add a few drops of mild liquid detergent. Mix the ingredients by twisting the bowl or swirling the water with one hand to get a thick foam.
Step 3. Pick up the foam and apply it to the stain
Collect the foam you made with your hands and pour it onto a clean sponge. Gently dab it on the affected area.
Step 4. Dry the fabric
After applying the soapy water, remove it with a paper towel or dry cloth. You should notice that the solution has completely or partially removed the stain.
Step 5. Pour the cornstarch onto the stain
If it hasn't gone away, sprinkle a handful of cornstarch on the affected area until it is lightly coated. Leave it on for about half an hour.
Corn starch works by absorbing the stain
Step 6. Brush off the cornstarch
After letting it sit for about half an hour, gently brush it off the leather or suede with a dry, stiff-bristled brush. Add more if you find that the stain hasn't completely gone away. Repeat this process until the stain is completely absorbed and removed.
Advice
- Remember that perfume should always be applied first to dress to avoid staining your clothes!
- Not all fabrics are the same. If you don't know which methods to use for the garment you have stained, find out which products are safest for the fabric in question.
