Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 23100; Flight Crew Type 10000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft
Just after takeoff get a call from cabin there is a strange smell of smoke or odor throughout the cabin. The ovens were not on. In conversation with purser; we were trying to decide about whether we should continue or return. Got another call from cabin and was told that there was another pilot onboard that said that he 'was concerned;' and that passengers were asking. After hearing that key word; made the decision to return to ZZZ. Advised flight attendants and made a PA to passengers. Notified ATC. Accomplished the cabin smoke/fire/fumes checklist. Exceeded 250 kts; to expedite return. Landed XXR and cleared at golf. Inspected exterior by Crash Fire Rescue; and cleared to gate.  When door opened ground personnel could smell strange odor.  Advised that they were considering odor came from electro-static sprayer. One of the flight attendants later said she smelled the same thing yesterday.
After takeoff at about 8000 feet; Flight Attendant (FA) called saying a strange odor in galley. I also smelt what I thought was the galley oven maybe burning. FA informed me that the ovens were all off. We said let us know if the smell dissipates.  Smell was not bad in the flight deck. FA shortly called us back saying the smell is not dissipating and that a deadheading pilot in the cabin is concerned. We then decided to notify ATC followed by the odor/smoke/fumes checklist. Vectored into XXR in ZZZ. Speed was 280 below 10;000 feet. We landed and had CFR and the FAs check for smoke or fire. All clear and taxied to the gate. Maintenance thought perhaps the disinfectant spray was sprayed into vents for too long.
B737 flight crew reported a cabin fumes event during takeoff resulting in a return to the departure airport.