Strong Car Cologne Smell: Why Does It Happen?

There are many reasons why you might be smelling strong cologne in your car. One common reason is that someone may have sprayed perfume or cologne inside the car, either as an air freshener or to cover up another odour. If the scent is particularly strong, it could be coming from a car perfume diffuser, which is designed to slowly release a concentrated fragrance over a long period of time. Alternatively, the previous owner of the car may have been a heavy cologne user, and the scent could have lingered for a long time, especially if it has soaked into the upholstery or been trapped in the air vents. If you're noticing the smell of cologne for the first time, it's possible that something has spilled or leaked onto the car's surfaces, or that there's a fragrance wafer hidden somewhere in the car.

Using an air freshener

Choose the Right Type of Air Freshener

Select an air freshener that suits your needs and preferences. Sprays are great for quick fixes and can be used on fabrics and porous surfaces. Plug-ins provide a continuous fragrance and are ideal for ambient, long-term scent assurance. Gels and solids are also continuous products that evaporate over time and are perfect for spaces without electrical sockets. Diffusers, such as those with wooden lids, slowly release the fragrance as they warm up in the car.

Consider the Fragrance

When choosing an air freshener fragrance, opt for scents that you find pleasing and soothing. Aromatherapy fragrances, for example, can promote relaxation and enhance your overall well-being. If you prefer a classic or unique blend, there are options ranging from fresh and floral to woody and musky. You can even find air fresheners that replicate the scent of a new car or your favourite perfume or cologne.

Longevity and Intensity

Consider how long you want the air freshener to last and the intensity of the scent. Some air fresheners, like sprays, provide a quick burst of fragrance but may not be as long-lasting. Others, like gels or diffusers, can last for weeks or even months. The intensity of the scent can also be adjusted in some cases, such as with plug-ins or gels, allowing you to control the strength of the fragrance.

Safe and Residue-Free

Ensure that the air freshener you choose is safe for your car's interior and does not leave any residue or stains. Some fragrances contain oils that can damage or stain upholstery. Look for products that are designed to disperse scent molecules harmlessly into the air without affecting your car's aesthetics.

Revitalising the Fragrance

To prolong the freshness, some air fresheners, especially diffusers, can be revitalised. For diffusers, gently invert the bottle to allow more oil to flow into the lid once a week. This technique helps to replenish the scent and ensures that your car continues to smell pleasant.

Alternative Options

If you're looking for a more natural or cost-effective solution, there are alternatives to traditional air fresheners. You can create your own air freshener by using a metal mesh tea ball filled with wood chips and spraying it with your favourite perfume. You can also spritz a cotton pad or ball with your chosen fragrance and place it in your car. These options allow you to change the scent easily and avoid the hassle of frequent replacements.

Cleaning the car

Step 1: Identify the Source

Before beginning the cleaning process, it is essential to identify the source of the strong cologne smell. Check for any visible spills or stains in the car, especially in areas like the centre console, under the seats, or in the glove compartment. If you find any spills, absorb them with a cloth or paper towel. This will help prevent further spreading and make it easier to neutralise the odour.

Step 2: Ventilation and Sunlight

One of the simplest yet effective ways to reduce strong odours in your car is to ventilate the interior. Open all the doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate and help dissipate the cologne smell. If possible, park your car in a sunny spot, as sunlight can also aid in eliminating odours. Leave the car in this state for several hours or even a full day if needed.

Step 3: Vacuum and Steam Cleaning

Vacuuming the car's interior is crucial to remove any dirt, debris, or residue that may be harbouring the cologne smell. Pay close attention to areas like floor mats, seats, and crevices where dirt and odours can accumulate. If you have fabric or carpeted surfaces, consider using a steam cleaner to deep clean and sanitise them. Steam cleaning can help eliminate odours and kill bacteria that may be contributing to the smell.

Step 4: Baking Soda Treatment

Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and can be very effective in absorbing strong odours. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the car's floor mats, seats, and other affected areas. Leave it for a few hours or even overnight to allow it to absorb the cologne smell. After that, vacuum the baking soda thoroughly to remove it from the car's interior.

Step 5: Cleaning with Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodoriser. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto cloth seats, door panels, and other hard surfaces. Be careful to avoid leather seats, as vinegar can damage them. Wipe down the surfaces with a clean, damp cloth. The vinegar smell will dissipate as the car dries, leaving a neutral odour behind.

Step 6: Odour Neutralisers

In some cases, you may need to use specialised odour neutralisers to eliminate strong cologne smells. Look for products designed to eliminate odours rather than just masking them. Spray the neutraliser onto affected areas, following the product instructions. This can help break down the cologne molecules and leave your car smelling fresh.

Step 7: Air Filter Replacement

If the strong cologne smell persists, consider replacing your car's cabin air filter. Over time, air filters can absorb odours and continue to release them into the car's interior. Replacing the air filter with a new one can help improve the overall air quality and reduce odours.

Step 8: Scented Air Fresheners (Optional)

Once you've eliminated the strong cologne smell, you may want to introduce a pleasant fragrance into your car. You can use scented car air fresheners or diffusers with your preferred scent. Hang them from the rearview mirror or place them in a cup holder, following the product instructions.

Replacing the cabin air filter

If you're smelling a strong cologne in your car, it could be that the previous owner sprayed the cabin air filter with cologne. To get rid of the scent, you'll need to replace the filter. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do that:

Step 1: Park Your Vehicle

Park your car on a flat, dry surface and engage the parking brake. This will ensure your car doesn't move while you're working on it.

Step 2: Gather Tools and Safety Equipment

In some cases, you may need a screwdriver or socket set to remove the glove box and access the cabin air filter. It's also recommended to wear safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself from dust and debris. You may also want to put down a covering on the passenger-side floor mat to catch any falling dirt or debris.

Step 3: Access the Cabin Air Filter

Open and, in some cases, remove the glove box to access the cabin air filter. You can refer to your car's owner's manual for detailed instructions on how to do this. In some vehicles, you may be able to access the filter without removing the glove box, while in others, you may need to access it from under the hood.

Step 4: Remove the Old Cabin Air Filter

Remove the old cabin air filter and any debris or dirt around it. Pay attention to the placement of the old filter, as you'll need to install the new filter in the same direction. You may want to vacuum the area to remove any remaining dust or debris.

Step 5: Install the New Cabin Air Filter

Install the new cabin air filter, making sure to match the direction of the old filter. The airflow direction is usually indicated by arrows on the filter.

Step 6: Reinstall the Glove Box

Finally, reinstall the glove box using the same steps you followed for removal.

And that's it! You've successfully replaced your cabin air filter. This process should only take a few minutes, and it will help protect your lungs by ensuring the air inside your vehicle is clean and free of contaminants. Remember to replace your cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, or if you notice that it's dirty during an inspection.

Using an ozone machine

To use an ozone machine, you should first ensure that the interior of your car has been cleaned. If you have recently shampooed the seats or carpets, wait until they are completely dry before treatment. Place the ozone machine on the seat and run an extension cord through a window, leaving it open a few inches. Set the timer on the machine for 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of your vehicle and the intensity of the odour. Keep the windows and doors closed during treatment, except for the small opening in one window.

After treatment, open the windows to ventilate the interior. The ozone will create a fresh smell that should dissipate within an hour.

It is important to note that ozone machines should be used with caution. In one case, a user reported that using an ozone machine for an hour in their car resulted in a strong chemical smell that lingered for months. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not exceed the suggested treatment time.

Using baking soda

If you're smelling a strong cologne scent in your car and want to get rid of it, one of the most recommended methods is to use baking soda. This is a cost-effective, natural way to remove odours from your car without the use of commercial products or sprays.

Step 1: Remove Mats and Vacuum

Take out all the floor mats from your car and give the carpets and seats a thorough vacuum. This will help remove any loose dirt, debris, or residue that could be contributing to the lingering cologne smell.

Step 2: Check for Moisture

Feel the carpets and seats for any damp spots. If you find any moist areas, refrain from applying baking soda directly to them, as it will turn into a solid mass and become ineffective at odour removal. Allow the carpets to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda

Once the carpets and seats are dry, sprinkle baking soda generously throughout the car. Be sure to cover all areas, including under the seats and in any crevices or hard-to-reach places. The baking soda will work to absorb the cologne odour and any other unpleasant smells in your car.

Step 4: Let it Sit Overnight

After applying the baking soda, close the car doors and windows, and let the baking soda sit in your car overnight. This will give it ample time to absorb and neutralise the strong cologne scent.

Step 5: Vacuum and Inspect

The next morning, use a vacuum to remove all the baking soda from your car. Be sure to vacuum thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas where the baking soda may have accumulated, such as under the seats and in crevices. Once you've removed all the baking soda, inspect the car for any remaining odours.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

If you still notice the cologne smell after the first treatment, you can repeat the process as needed until the odour is completely gone. Additionally, you can leave a small amount of baking soda under the seats or in discreet areas of your car, where it will continue to absorb odours and keep your car smelling fresh.

Frequently asked questions