How to remove "air freshener" odor?

Change the cabin filter. and if it has a cloth interior, use Fabreeze on it.

I would not go with an ozone generator for the reasons you stated.

First, look for an air freshener stashed somewhere like under the seats or in the ductwork. If stuff was sprayed on the carpet or upholstery, the best way is to shampoo it. Ozium, sold at some auto parts stores, may help a little, as does FeBreeze, which seems to work well.

Extraction type machine with the small "Upholstery" head - if you don't get the cleaning solution on the fabric or carpet and then vacuum it right back off, the soap soaks into the foam seat cushions, or the carpet backing and padding, and you'll have bigger problems.

Then remove the twelve cans of Vanilla air deodorizer he stuck under the front seats - that should do it... ;-)

If he poured the stuff on the carpets or into the cushions, you could have to simply wait for it to dissipate. Park it in the sun with all the windows open and a fan aimed in, bake it out.

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I think I'd try cleaning the upholstery and then leaving the car out in the sun for an afternoon with the windows and doors open. (You should either turn off any lights that come on when the doors open, or just disconnect the battery to keep it from running down.)

Sunlight helps break down smelly substances, and just airing it out will help too. There's some ozone in fresh air that also breaks down some smells. (But don't use an ozone generator or anything because it will also break down rubber and plastics if it's too strong.)

Ozone in high concentrations will deteriorate rubber fast. Very corrosive gas, but very effective in getting rid of odors such as smoked up cars and houses if used right.

Shoot, we used to put some of the 'stinkier' cars on Ozone for DAYS!!!

That worked? If that's the case, would this work? Fill a 5 gallon bucket of water, place the bucket in the back of the car, plug in a hair drier or toaster, and toss it into the bucket. (JUST KIDDING!!!)

Myth Busters did the .22 in the old barrel-type fuse box and it did go off when power was supplied!

Interesting way to get rid of a wife! (if'n I ever GET one!!!)

They were using an old pickup truck, and the orientation of the fuse box sent the slug dangerously close to the family jewels. THAT would be a tough one to explain in the emergency room!