How to Remove Perfume Stains

As anyone who's ever had to deal with one knows, perfume stains stink. Whether you've tipped your toilet water over onto your shirt, carpet or sofa, there are tried-and-true ways to remove the resulting stains, so long as you act promptly.

Things You'll Need

• Regular household ammonia
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Glycerine
• Clean cloths and sponges
• Carpet or upholstery shampoo (may be needed)
• Specialized laundry stain remover (may be needed)

Instructions

Treat Perfume Stains in Clothing

1. Remove perfume stains from non-washable items of clothing by soaking a clean sponge in warm water and blotting the stain. Do not take any further action. Bring the soiled item to a dry cleaner as soon as possible.

2. Rinse washable items of clothing that you've stained with perfume in lukewarm water.

3. Launder as usual in your washing machine, according to the requirements given on the garment's care label.

4. Dab any perfume stains you cannot remove the first time with a small amount of household ammonia. Then, wash the item of clothing again, using liquid laundry detergent.

5. Head to a department store for a specialized stain remover if the perfume stains remain after ammonia treatment. Apply the specialized product as directed by the label, then run it through the wash again.

Treat Perfume Stains in Carpet or Upholstery

1. Take 1 part glycerine and 1 part water and mix them together.

2. Use a cloth to apply the glycerine-and-water solution directly to the stained area of the carpet or upholstery.

3. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes, soaking into the fibers of the fabric. Do not rub, scrub or agitate the fabric in any way while the solution soaks in.

4. Take a clean cloth and dampen it with warm water. Use it to blot the perfume stains as well as any excess glycerine-and-water solution that may be in the upholstery or carpet.

5. Let the stained area dry. You won't be able to determine if it's gone or not until the spot dries up.

6. Purchase carpet or upholstery shampoo and apply it according to the directions on the label, if the perfume stains are still present after the area has dried.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a dash of white vinegar to your detergent-based cleaning agents to add a little extra cleaning punch.

• If possible, act to remove the perfume stains before they have a chance to dry. It can be a lot tougher to get set-in stains out than fresh ones.