How To Get Cologne Smell Out of Car in 2023?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your car’s interior starts emitting an unpleasant odor due to the accumulation of numerous perfume test strips and sample vials? 

Trust me, I’ve been there too. But worry not, because I’ve got some fantastic solutions to help you get rid of that cologne smell and restore freshness to your beloved vehicle. 

In this article, I’ll share various effective methods, such as opening the windows for fresh air, using baking soda or charcoal, placing vinegar, utilizing air fresheners, and cleaning the carpets. 

Whether you’re a perfume enthusiast, a used car buyer, or someone with allergies to strong scents, this article will provide you with valuable insights on how to eliminate those pesky perfume smells. 

By following these tips, you’ll not only enhance your driving experience but also ensure a pleasant environment inside your car. So, let’s dive in and discover the secrets to banishing unwanted fragrances from your car!

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How To Get Cologne Smell Out of Car?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to identify any additional factors contributing to the smell. Once you’ve determined the main culprit, you can follow these step-by-step instructions to effectively remove the cologne smell from your car.

1. Clean Out the Interior

Start by thoroughly cleaning your car’s interior to eliminate any accumulated trash, food remnants, or other items that may be adding to the unpleasant odor. 

Pay close attention to areas like the glove box and beneath the seats, where hidden sources of the smell can often be found.

2. Remove Test Strips and Perfume

If you have any test strips or perfume stored in your car, it’s crucial to remove or discard them. These items can intensify the odor and even compromise the quality of the perfume itself. 

To preserve your perfume’s longevity, it’s best to store it in a cool and dry place inside your home.

3. Aerate Your Car

One of the simplest and most effective methods to deodorize your car is by airing it out. Roll down the windows and leave the doors open for several hours, allowing fresh air to circulate. This process helps eliminate the trapped cologne smell and refreshes the interior.

4. Try Natural Remedies

If the cologne smell persists, natural remedies such as charcoal, white vinegar, and baking soda can come to your rescue. Charcoal is known for its excellent odor-absorbing properties, so place a few pieces or an open bag of charcoal in your car overnight. 

The porous nature of charcoal will gradually absorb the odors, leaving your car smelling fresh. Similarly, placing a cup or bowl of white vinegar in your car overnight can help neutralize the remaining odors. 

Baking soda, sprinkled generously on the car seats and upholstery, can also absorb and eliminate unpleasant smells. After a few hours, simply vacuum up the baking soda to complete the process.

5. Deep Clean the Fabric

If the cologne odor has permeated the fabric of your car, a deeper cleaning approach may be required. Specialized cleaning products such as carpet cleaners or upholstery shampoos can effectively target and eliminate the trapped odor molecules. 

Clean one seat at a time using the chosen product, ensuring to follow the instructions carefully. Dry the seats thoroughly with a clean towel before moving on to the next seat. 

For a professional touch, consider consulting a car detailing expert who can provide additional guidance on eliminating persistent cologne smells.

6. Consider Odor-Eliminating Products

After thoroughly deodorizing your car using the above methods, you can further enhance the freshness by utilizing an odor-eliminating product. Choose a product designed to neutralize odors and place it inside your car for a few hours. 

Once all traces of the cologne smell have been eliminated, you can opt to use a car freshener of your choice to maintain a pleasant fragrance.

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7. Avoid Mixing Scents

It’s important to note that mixing different scents in a confined space can result in unpleasant combinations. 

Therefore, it is highly recommended to prioritize complete removal of the cologne smell before introducing any air fresheners or fragrances. This ensures that you achieve a truly fresh and clean-smelling car interior.

Final Words

Eliminating the cologne smell from your car is a manageable task with the right strategies. 

By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, including cleaning the interior, removing test strips and perfume, aerating the car, trying natural remedies like charcoal, vinegar, and baking soda, deep cleaning the fabric, considering odor-eliminating products, and avoiding mixing scents, you can effectively banish unwanted fragrances from your vehicle. 

Whether you’re a perfume enthusiast, a used car buyer, or simply seeking a pleasant environment inside your car, these methods will help enhance your driving experience and restore freshness. 

Say goodbye to the cologne smell and enjoy a revitalized atmosphere every time you step into your car.

How To Get Cologne Smell Out of Car

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you neutralize the smell of cologne?

To neutralize the smell of cologne, you can try the following methods:
Open windows or use fans to circulate fresh air and help dissipate the scent.
Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, upholstery, or any affected surfaces, leave it for a few hours, and then vacuum it up.

Coffee grounds: Place coffee grounds in a bowl or fabric pouch and leave it in the car to absorb the scent.

Charcoal: Put activated charcoal in an open container and leave it in the car to absorb odors.

White vinegar: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray the affected areas, and let it air dry.

Air fresheners: Use air fresheners designed to eliminate odors or choose scents that can help mask the cologne smell.

Why does my car smell like cologne?

There could be several reasons why your car smells like cologne:
Previous owner or passenger: If you recently acquired the car or had passengers who used cologne, the scent may linger.

Spills or leaks: If cologne was spilled or leaked in the car, it can permeate surfaces and cause a persistent smell.

Air conditioning system: The car’s ventilation or air conditioning system can distribute the scent throughout the vehicle.

Absorbent materials: Carpets, upholstery, or other absorbent surfaces in the car can trap the cologne smell.

Does cologne smell go away?

Yes, cologne smell will eventually fade away over time. How long it takes depends on various factors such as the amount of cologne applied, ventilation, cleaning methods used, and the materials in the car that may have absorbed the scent. Using odor neutralizers or air fresheners can help expedite the process.

What is the best odor eliminator for cars?

There are several effective odor eliminators for cars available on the market. Some popular options include:

Activated charcoal or charcoal-based air purifiers: These absorb odors and help freshen the air.

Ozium: This is an air sanitizer that neutralizes odors and kills bacteria.

Febreze or other fabric refreshers: These products help eliminate odors from upholstery and carpets.

Ionizers: These devices release negatively charged ions to neutralize odors in the air.

Enzyme-based cleaners: These cleaners break down organic matter causing odors, such as spills or stains.

How long does it take for cologne smell to go away?

The duration for cologne smell to dissipate varies depending on factors such as the type of cologne, application amount, ventilation, and cleaning methods used. Typically, it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for the scent to fade. Using odor neutralizers and ensuring proper ventilation can help speed up the process.

Does soap remove cologne?

Soap can help remove cologne from the skin or non-absorbent surfaces. When washing your hands or body with soap and water, it can effectively remove the cologne scent. However, if cologne has been absorbed into materials like fabric or upholstery, soap alone may not be sufficient to completely eliminate the smell. In such cases, additional cleaning methods or odor neutralizers may be necessary.

Does cologne go bad in the car?

Cologne can degrade over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and air. Storing cologne in a hot car for extended periods can accelerate this process, causing the scent to change or diminish. However, it does not necessarily mean that the cologne will become unpleasant or unusable. If you notice any significant changes in the scent or consistency of your cologne, it may be a sign that it has gone bad and should be replaced.

Kristen Park - Specialised Content Writer for Caresh Fresh


My name is Kristen Park and I am a senior writer specialising in how-to guides and home cleaning information at Cares Fresh. As a researcher, I take pride in digging deep to find every small detail on a topic and explaining it in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.