How to Remove the Scent of Detergent or Fabric Softener from Clothing

Popular laundry detergents and fabric softeners often contain a perfume or scent that remains in the clothing after laundry. Some people are either allergic to the scents or just don't care for them, and scents often persist after multiple washings. Removing these scents also is important for people who buy used clothing or bedding that have been laundered with scented products.

Steps

  1. Image titled StrongSunlight Step 1
    1
    Put the clothing out in strong sunlight for several days. This will break down any residues.
  2. Image titled AddVinegar Step 2
    2
    Add one cup or more of vinegar in a load of wash to help remove some detergent residue.
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  3. Image titled HydrogenPeroxide Step 3
    3
    Use peroxide-based laundry additives - theoretically these should oxidize residues in the fabric.
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    4
    Consider odor-removing products - some do work, but beware, many rely on another "cover" scent to mask the odor.
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About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 12 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 52,851 times.
143 votes - 49%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: February 15, 2022
Views: 52,851
Categories: Laundry
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