Why is WD-40 and cologne in the same sentence, you ask?

Well, I wondered the same until I delved into the intriguing world of olfactory mischief and industrial allure.

Firstly, let’s clear the air (pun intended): WD-40 isn’t your conventional fragrance. It’s not the brainchild of a perfumer meticulously blending notes

It was born out of the genius of Norm Larsen, a self-taught chemistry enthusiast. Larsen’s eureka moment came from the logic that moisture breeds rust, so a water-displacing substance could thwart the menace of oxidation.

And boy, did Larsen endure trials and tribulations! It took him a whopping 40 attempts to nail the formula, hence the iconic name: Water Displacement 40.

Over its illustrious 60-year history, this miracle-in-a-can has garnered acclaim for its myriad uses.

From banishing rust to lubricating stubborn hinges, it’s a household hero with over 2,000 documented applications, ranging from the logical to the utterly bizarre.

But amidst its versatile repertoire, one offering stands out like a mischievous rascal at a tea party: the WD-40 cologne.

Now, before you wrinkle your nose in disbelief, let me assure you, it’s not your typical fragrance choice. Who in their right mind would want to smell like an industrial solvent, right?

Enter MSCHF, the pranksters responsible for the viral sensation of big red boots and other quirky creations. In 2023

They unleashed upon the world a fragrance so absurd, yet oddly enticing: “smells like WD-40” cologne. Dubbed the “Eau de Industrie,” it’s available for a modest $48 a bottle on their website.

Now, let’s talk scent profile. Imagine the aroma of a tire shop mingled with the essence of a bustling mechanic’s garage.

Yes, that’s the olfactory adventure awaiting those brave enough to spritz on this peculiar potion.

But fear not, it’s not all grease and grit; there’s a subtle sweetness to temper the industrial edge.

So, why would anyone want to smell like WD-40, you ask? Well, why not? In a world inundated with floral and fruity concoctions, sometimes a whiff of rebellion and a dash of humor are just what the olfactory senses crave.

In conclusion, while WD-40 may not be your go-to scent for date nights or boardroom meetings, its presence in the fragrance realm is a testament to human ingenuity and the boundless realms of creativity.

So, the next time you catch a whiff of mischief in the air, remember, it might just be the alluring scent of WD-40 cologne beckoning you into a world of industrial chic and playful irreverence.