Removing Cologne Scents From Your Car: Effective Methods

Getting rid of strong cologne or perfume smells from a car can be a challenging task. There are various methods that can be employed to tackle this issue, ranging from natural remedies to specialised products. Some common approaches include using baking soda, vinegar, coffee grounds, or dairy products like milk or yoghurt. More intensive measures involve steam cleaning carpets and seats, utilising an ozone machine, or employing an odour eliminator or an enzyme-based cleaner. In some cases, it may be necessary to thoroughly scrub and extract odours from every surface, including hard-to-reach areas, or even remove and replace certain components like the cabin air filter or seatbelts.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a well-known, cost-effective odour remover. It is also one of the most recommended methods for removing smells from your car. It is important to note that there is a right and wrong way to use baking soda to rid your car of smells. Firstly, take out all of the mats, and vacuum the carpet and seats. Next, check for any moisture on the carpets. If any spot feels damp, do not put baking soda on it, or it will turn to rock (and it won't work). Once dry, sprinkle the baking soda all around and leave it for a few hours or overnight. The next morning, or after a few hours, vacuum it up and check for any remaining odours. You can also leave a little bit under the seat, where it won't be seen, but it will continue to work for you.

If you are trying to get rid of a strong cologne smell, you can try sprinkling a generous amount of baking soda all over the interior of your car. Then, take a scrub brush to rub it into the cloth. Leave the doors open for about an hour to allow for some airflow. Finally, vacuum the seats, floor, etc.

If the smell is coming from the centre console, you can try placing paper plates with a thin layer of baking soda in them overnight for around 8 to 10 hours. The next day, carefully place identical plates on the seats, close the car, and let the air conditioner circulate on medium or low for 15 minutes.

Steam the carpets and seats

Steam cleaning is an excellent way to remove unwanted odours from your car's carpets and seats. It is a safe and effective alternative to using chemical cleaners, and it can reach deep into fabric and upholstery, not just the surface.

To steam clean your car's carpets and seats, follow these steps:

First, vacuum the carpets and upholstery to remove as much dirt and dust as possible. Use a crevice vacuum tool to get into tight areas around the seats and pedals.

Next, attach a triangular brush to your steam cleaner. This brush will agitate the fabric, lifting out any dirt that the steam loosens from deep within the upholstery.

Now, you can begin steaming the carpets. Rub the bristles of the brush over the carpet, moving slowly to ensure you cover the entire area. Be careful not to stay in one place too long, as the steam can make the carpet wet.

After you've cleaned all the carpeted areas, move on to the fabric seats. Use the same triangular tool and make overlapping passes with the bristles against the seat. Be sure to brush lightly to avoid causing pilling to the fabric.

Finally, vacuum the carpets and seats again to remove any remaining dirt that has been loosened by the steam cleaning process.

Steam cleaning is an effective way to remove odours and stains from your car's interior. It is important to work carefully and follow the correct steps to ensure the best results.

Use an ozone machine

To get rid of a strong cologne smell in your car, using an ozone machine is a highly effective method. Ozone (O3) is a highly reactive molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms that can break down odour molecules. This process eliminates the smell instead of merely masking it.

You can purchase or rent a small ozone machine from hardware stores or online retailers like Amazon or eBay for $50 to $70. Before using the machine, ensure all windows are closed. Place the machine in the back of the car and set a timer for around 30 minutes. After the time has elapsed, open all the doors to ventilate the car. If the cologne smell persists, you may need to repeat the process.

Ozone can irritate your lungs, so avoid breathing it in. The distinct smell of ozone will let you know it's still present in your car. Once you can no longer smell it, it's safe to assume the ozone has dissipated, and you can sit in your car again.

Using an ozone machine is a powerful way to neutralise odours, but it may require multiple treatments for stubborn smells. It's a good idea to try other methods first, such as cleaning the car, using baking soda, or employing an odour eliminator product. However, if these methods don't work, the ozone machine is an excellent last resort.

Clean the air vents

One of the first things you should do to clean your car's air vents is to air out your vehicle. Open the windows and leave them open for a while, and run the air conditioning for an extended period. This should get rid of residual moisture in the system, which is a key cause of stale smells.

Next, consider replacing the air conditioner filter. The air that flows into the cabin all comes through this filter, which prevents dust, moisture and odours from entering the cabin. You can do this yourself or have someone do it for you.

You can then use your air conditioner spray to disinfect and deodorise the vents. To do this, follow these simple steps:

• Shake the canister well before use, ensuring all windows are closed and the engine is started.
• Set the A/C to maximum speed and cooling, open all vents and ensure recirculation mode is activated.
• Position the front passenger seat as far back as possible and place the canister in the footwell. If using in the rear of the vehicle, ensure the front seat is as far forward as possible. Nothing should obstruct the spray pattern and do not allow contact with textiles.
• Activate the canister by pressing down on the valve and locking it into position. Keep a safe distance from your face and close all doors and windows, leaving the engine and A/C running.
• Once the canister has emptied its contents, allow recirculation for 3 minutes. Wipe off any excess mist that may have transferred onto the windscreen and textiles immediately.
• Switch off the engine, open all windows and ventilate the vehicle for 10 minutes before driving.

Your vehicle has now been cleaned and deodorised – enjoy a fresh-smelling car for up to 28 days, with protection for up to 6 months.

Use an odour eliminator

To get rid of cologne smells from your car, you can use an odour eliminator. There are several products on the market that can help neutralise or eliminate the smell. Here are some options:

• Dakota Non-Smoke odour remover: This product is designed to eliminate smoke odours, but it can also be effective in removing other strong smells like cologne.
• Duragloss Absorb-It Odor Eliminator: This is an odour eliminator that targets car interior smells. It does not mask odours but eliminates them.
• Meguiars #23 Odor Eliminator: This product eliminates interior car odours without masking them.
• Dakota Odor Bomb: This product is designed for smoke odour removal, but it can also be used to eliminate other strong smells from your car.
• Clean Air Kit: This kit is effective in removing strong smells from cars.
• Ozone Machine: An ozone machine can be used to deodorise your car. The ozone breaks down the odour molecules, eliminating the smell. However, ozone can irritate your lungs, so it is important to use it with caution and ensure proper ventilation after use.
• Odour Neutralising Leather Cleaner: If the cologne smell is coming from your leather seats, you can try using a leather cleaner that also neutralises odours.
• Enerzen Ozone Generator: This machine generates ozone to break down odour molecules. It can be placed in your car, and the treatment only takes about half an hour.
• OZIUM: This is a spray product used in aircraft to eliminate strong odours. It may help to get rid of the cologne smell in your car.

Frequently asked questions