How to Get Cologne Odors Out of Automobiles
You thought you were doing a good deed when you offered to take your co-worker to work, but when you can smell him before you can see him you know there's going to be a problem. While a little cologne can smell nice, too much can be downright offensive. Considering your car spends most of its time sealed up tightly, strong cologne odors have a chance to make themselves right at home. In the interest of not smelling your co-worker long after he's gone and every time you drive, there are several things you can do to eliminate unwanted cologne odors.
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Things You'll Need
- White vinegar
- Clean cloth
- Baking soda
- Coffee grounds
- Ionizing air freshener
Instructions
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Air the car out for as long as the weather allows. If it's summer, you can leave the windows down all day, but rainy conditions make for unsightly water stains on the seats, so use caution. A steady flow of air through the car for two to three hours can make a big difference.
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2
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water and use the solution to wipe down every surface of the interior of your car with a clean cloth. Make sure to get the windows and floor mats too because cologne odor can settle and linger anywhere. Vinegar is great for killing odors--just be sure to leave the windows down to allow the interior to dry completely.
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3
Place a bowl of baking soda or fresh coffee grounds in the car and leave it there overnight with the windows rolled up to help absorb lingering cologne odors inside the car. Throw the baking soda or coffee away in the morning and repeat if necessary.
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4
Spray the interior of your car with an ionizing air freshener. Regular air fresheners will only temporarily cover up the cologne with a new and different scent, but they won't get rid of it. An ionizing air freshener will bind to the scent and help eliminate it.
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Tips & Warnings
If nothing works and the odor persists, take your car to a professional who can thoroughly detail the inside of the car and eliminate the smell.
