What Are the Consequences of Leaving Perfume in a Car Exposed to Sunlight?
2 Answers
It may explode. In the hot summer, items like perfume should not be left in the car exposed to sunlight for extended periods. Here is additional information: 1. Reasons for explosion: The reason car perfumes can explode is that most perfumes sold on the market are made from a mixture of fragrance and alcohol, with alcohol being the predominant component. The more alcohol a perfume contains, the higher the likelihood of spontaneous combustion. If the perfume contains only a small amount (less than 30%), the chance of explosion is minimal. However, some unscrupulous manufacturers add excessive alcohol to cut costs. If a perfume bottle contains 60% to 70% alcohol and is exposed to prolonged high temperatures, the bottle may expand, leading to a physical explosion and subsequent spontaneous combustion. 2. Other flammable and explosive items: (1) Lighters. These are the most dangerous and easily forgotten items. Some drivers habitually place lighters on the dashboard, which is extremely risky. The gas inside disposable lighters expands when heated, and the plastic casing can explode due to the heat. If it comes into contact with any fuel or flammable materials in the car, it can easily cause a fire. (2) Carbonated drinks. The dissolved gas in the drinks can evaporate under high temperatures, causing the bottle to burst. While this won’t lead to a car fire, the spilled liquid can dirty the entire interior. Given the wide variety of beverages available today, and the constant emergence of new types, it’s best to take them with you when you can’t identify their ingredients.
Last time I left perfume in my car, the bottle cracked after being exposed to the summer sun, leaving a mess of spilled perfume on the seats. Cleaning it up was extremely difficult—the sticky residue wouldn't come off with soapy water, and I ended up spending a lot of money at a professional car wash to get it sorted. The heat caused the perfume to evaporate at an alarming rate, leaving behind only a harsh chemical smell after just a few days, with none of the original fresh fragrance remaining. The plastic cap also melted and deformed, sticking to the dashboard, and I nearly damaged the components while trying to clean it. Even worse, the lingering smell inside the car made it uncomfortable to breathe, even with the AC on. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures could even pose a fire risk, especially since perfume contains alcohol, which can become flammable at temperatures above 40°C. I want to remind everyone not to leave perfume on the dashboard or in visible spots when parking—it's best to store it in the trunk or remove it from the car altogether. Regularly checking items inside the car is essential for safety.
