Mason Delacroix
Removing the smell of alcohol from clothing can be a tricky task. While there are various methods to tackle odours, such as using baking soda, vinegar, or specialised detergents, these approaches may not always be effective for removing alcohol odours or preventing stains. A popular solution is to use vodka or isopropyl alcohol, which are colourless and odourless, and have sanitising and antibacterial properties. These can be sprayed directly onto the fabric or used as a soaking solution. However, it is important to exercise caution when using alcohol-based products on certain fabrics, as they may cause damage or discolouration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol-based solutions | Vodka, Everclear, Spiritos, rubbing alcohol, grain alcohol, isopropyl alcohol |
| Other solutions | Baking soda, vinegar, bleach, pine oil, phenolic disinfectant (Lysol), Febreze |
| Soaking | Soak clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water |
| Washing | Use regular detergent and a color-safe bleach, or pine oil or a phenolic disinfectant |
| Drying | Hang clothes in direct sunlight for a couple of days |
| Prevention | Wear light cotton t-shirts under clothes to prevent sweat from penetrating outer garments |
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What You'll Learn
Vodka spray
Vodka, being odourless and colourless, is a perfect natural deodorizer and odour remover. The alcohol in the vodka acts as a disinfectant, breaking down and neutralizing unpleasant smells. When sprayed onto clothing, the vodka mixture penetrates the fabric, eliminates odour-causing bacteria, and absorbs the smell. As the alcohol evaporates, it takes the odours away with it. Vodka spray dries quickly without leaving any residue or stains.
To make a vodka spray, pour vodka into a spray bottle and spritz it onto the clothing. It is important to note that vodka spray is not a stain remover and should be used solely for odour removal. While it can be used on most fabrics, it should be used with caution on silk clothing. If using 100% vodka, keep the spray bottle at a distance and use a sweeping motion to avoid saturating the fabric. For extremely delicate items, consult a professional before using a vodka spray.
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Baking soda
Step 1: Soak the Clothes in a Vinegar and Water Solution
Before applying baking soda to your clothes, it is recommended to soak them in a vinegar and water solution. White vinegar is made from acetic acid, which is a natural deodorizer and bacteria killer. To do this, fill a tub with water and add a cup of vinegar. You can also add lemon juice to this solution for extra strength. Soak your clothes in this solution before rinsing or washing them as directed.
Step 2: Apply Baking Soda
After rinsing your clothes of any vinegar residue, it's time to apply the baking soda. You can do this in two ways. The first is to simply add the recommended amount of detergent and around half a cup of baking soda to your washing machine along with the clothes. If the odour persists, you can create a paste using water and baking soda and work it directly into the garment.
Step 3: Wash as Usual
After applying the baking soda, simply wash the clothes as you normally would, following the care instructions on the clothing label.
Step 4: Air Dry
Instead of using a dryer, it is recommended to air-dry your clothes after washing them. Hang your clothes outside in the wind and sunshine to get the last of the odours out.
Additional Tips:
- If you are dealing with a particularly strong odour, you can combine baking soda with vinegar to create an alkaline-and-acid combo that should remove most smells over time.
- If you are unable to wash the garment, you can place it in a plastic bag with baking soda for a week. Much of the odour will be absorbed.
- Always refer to clothing care labels for specific cleaning instructions.
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Rubbing alcohol
To use this method, fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and spray the affected areas of the clothing. It is important to note that rubbing alcohol has a higher concentration of alcohol (around 70-91%) than other alcohols like vodka, so it is more effective at killing bacteria and breaking down odours. However, it may not be as gentle on fabrics and may cause discolouration or damage.
Some people prefer to alternate between using rubbing alcohol and other substances like apple cider vinegar (ACV) with essential oils as a deodorant. This is because different bacteria grow in different conditions, and alternating substances can prevent the development of particular odours.
For those who want to use rubbing alcohol but are concerned about potential damage to their fabrics, it is recommended to test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that it can withstand the treatment.
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$23.49
Cheap vodka
Vodka is an effective and inexpensive way to remove the smell of alcohol from clothing. Vodka is a natural odour absorber that dries quickly without leaving any residue or stains. It is also colourless and odourless, making it a perfect odour remover.
To remove the smell of alcohol from clothing, simply pour vodka into a spray bottle and spritz the affected areas. Vodka kills bacteria by dissolving the cell membranes of bacterial cells. As the vodka evaporates, so does the odour. It is recommended to use a fine mist spray bottle for delicate fabrics and a regular spray bottle for sturdier materials like wool.
When choosing vodka for this purpose, opt for the cheapest option with a high proof. Ensure that the vodka does not contain any added flavouring. While vodka is generally gentle on fabrics, it is advised to be cautious when spraying silk clothing. Avoid saturating any part of the garment and maintain a good distance while spraying.
In addition to removing odours, vodka can also be used to freshen up clothes, kill bacteria, and extend the life of costumes or vintage clothing. It is a handy alternative to washing or dry cleaning delicate garments.
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Airing clothes
Airing out your clothes is a great way to prevent the build-up of moisture, which can cause unpleasant smells. Hang your clothes up instead of leaving them in a pile on the floor.
If you want to remove the smell of alcohol from clothing, try hanging the clothes outside in the wind and sunshine for one to five days. The sunshine acts as a natural deodorizer and can help remove stains from light-coloured clothing.
If you don't want to wait that long, you could try a quicker method. Hang your clothes outside to air-dry after soaking them in vinegar or lemon juice. The dryer's heat can revive and spread the smell molecules if they are not completely gone, but sunshine and wind should get rid of any remaining odours.
Airing out your clothes is also a good way to prevent smells from developing in the first place.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few methods to remove the smell of alcohol from clothing. One method is to create a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or a baking soda paste, and apply this to the affected area. Another method is to soak the garment in a vinegar and water solution before washing. You can also try using a specialised detergent or laundry booster to neutralise the smell.
Vodka is a natural odour absorber and can be used to remove unwanted smells from clothing. Simply mix vodka with water and spray the solution onto the clothing item. Vodka dries quickly and does not leave any residue or stains.
Yes, rubbing alcohol can also be used to remove odours from clothing. However, it may not be suitable for light-coloured clothing as it can cause discolouration.
To prevent alcohol odours from seeping into clothing, it is recommended to wear a light cotton t-shirt underneath your clothing. This will prevent the alcohol from coming into direct contact with your clothing.
