Buzz
Cologne and perfume can set the perfect romantic mood, as long as they don't end up on your shirt sleeve. These practical tips for removing stains and scents will help keep things fresh.
How to Remove Cologne and Perfume Stains From:
Cologne, Acetate, Fiberglass, Rayon,
Silk, Triacetate
Rinse the stain with water to loosen the staining substances and residues from stain removers, then apply a few drops of glycerine. Rinse again thoroughly. If any stain remains, carefully try a diluted solution of white vinegar. Be sure to work the stain outward from the center to prevent a ring from forming. Rinse with water to remove the vinegar and let it dry.
Remove Cologne and Perfume Stains From:
Acrylic Fabric, Burlap, Carpet/Synthetic, Carpet/Wool, Cotton, Linen,
Modacrylic, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Rope, Spandex, Wool
Gently sponge the stain with water using light strokes, working outward from the center. Apply a wet spotter and cover with an absorbent pad moistened with the wet spotter. Let it sit as long as the stain is still being lifted. Change the pad as it absorbs the stain. Keep the area moist with the wet spotter. Rinse with water, repeating until the stain is no longer lifting. If some stain remains, use rubbing alcohol (avoid on acrylic or modacrylic) and cover with a pad dampened with alcohol. Let it sit until the stain is lifted. Change the pad and keep it moist with alcohol. Rinse with water and allow to dry.
How to Remove Cologne and Perfume Stains From:
Acrylic Plastic, Alabaster, Asphalt, Ceramic Glass/Tile, Cork,
Glass, Gold, Ivory, Jade, Linoleum, Marble, Paint/Flat,
Paint/Gloss, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Stainless Steel,
Vinyl Clothing, Vinyl Tile, Vinyl Wallcovering
Clean the spill with a solution of warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
How to Remove Cologne and Perfume Stains From:
Bluestone, Brick, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite,
Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone,
Slate, Terrazzo
Clean the stained area with a solution of washing soda or detergent mixed with water. Use a cloth or soft brush to scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly and let it air dry.
How to Remove Cologne and Perfume Stains From:
Leather, Suede
Gently blot away any excess. Prepare a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water. Swish to create a large amount of suds. Apply only the foam with a sponge and wipe with a clean dry cloth. If any oily stain remains, sprinkle with an absorbent powder, like cornmeal. Allow it to work for some time. Gently brush out (using a stiff-bristled brush to remove dried stains). Repeat if needed. For leather, follow up with Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebings Saddle Soap to condition the material.
How to Remove Cologne and Perfume Stains From:
Wallpaper
Cologne can often leave permanent marks on paper, so it's important to address the stain right away. Gently wipe the area with a sponge soaked in clean, warm water and wrung out until it's just damp. Overlap your strokes to avoid streaking. Dab it dry with a clean cloth.
How to Remove Cologne and Perfume Stains From:
Wood
Rub the affected area with a small amount of denatured alcohol, preferably right after the spill. Follow up by applying a generous amount of boiled linseed oil. If the stain persists, leave the oil on for 24 hours, then wipe it away with a soft, clean cloth. Finish by polishing or waxing as usual.
The enjoyment of perfume and cologne comes from their fragrance, not their appearance. These tips will help you avoid making a mess when cologne or perfume spills occur.
Publications International, Ltd.
Dry Spotter:
To create a dry spotter, mix 1 part coconut oil (available at pharmacies and health food stores) with 8 parts liquid dry-cleaning solvent. This solution can be stored in a tightly sealed container to prevent evaporation. You may use mineral oil instead of coconut oil, though it’s not as effective.
Caution: Dry-cleaning solvents are toxic and can be flammable.
Wet Spotter:
To prepare a wet spotter, mix 1 part glycerine, 1 part white dishwashing detergent, and 8 parts water. Shake well before each use and store in a plastic squeeze bottle.
