Addressing this mess effectively is crucial to prevent lasting odors and potential damage to your car’s interior.
5 Steps of Cleaning Vomit From Car
1. Immediate Cleanup
Cleaning up immediately after throwing up is important; not only because it’s harder to clean after it dries out but also prevents unpleasant lingering smells and further bacterial risk.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Plastic Bags
- Paper Towels or disposable cloths
- Water
- Baking Soda
- Air Freshener
- Soft Brush
- Mild soap
As soon as someone throws up in your car, put on the gloves and mask, use paper towels to scoop up any solid material, and use clean cloths to blot the area and absorb as much liquid as possible.
Vomiting can be caused due to different reasons like viral infections or flu, so it’s always a good idea to take precautions.
2. Baking Soda
After you have cleaned the area, sprinkle baking soda in the affected area to absorb the moisture and neutralize odors.
Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda or any remaining particles.
Note: While baking soda works well for polyester upholstery and fabrics it is not recommended to for leather car seats.
A dedicated leather cleaner would be a good option for leather seats and upholstery.
We also have a detailed guide on cleaning leather seats.
3. Soap and Warm Water
Mix a little soap and warm water (you can also add one part white vinegar with two parts warm water) to create a mild cleaning solution for car seat fabric, upholstery, carpets, mats, straps, and buckles.
With the help of a soft brush or damp cloth gently scrub the stains or any leftover residue.
If you’d like to clean your car seat properly afterward, check out our useful guide on how to clean your car seats!
Don’t be too aggressive and complete the process very gently as harsh cleaning methods can damage the car seat.
Rinse and Blot
After you are done removing the stains, gently rinse the car seat with clean water and a piece of cloth.
Follow up with a dry paper towel or moisture-absorbing cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Let it Dry
Even though you absorbed the moisture, your car seat is still not dry. Let the seat sit in the sun to dry and naturally sanitize.
If sunlight is not an option, use an alternative drying method, such as placing a portable fan or a dehumidifier near the seat to draw out moisture.
How to Get Rid of Vomit Smell in Car
Open Windows
Allowing fresh air to circulate through is the best way to get rid of the puke smell from your car. This not only helps to remove any remaining odor but also speeds up the drying process.
Baking Soda
Once the initial cleaning process is done, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area, let it sit overnight, and vacuum the next day.
Baking soda is one of the best ingredients to absorb and neutralize the lingering odors.
Fabric Deodorizer
If nothing works, you can use fabric deodorizer specifically designed for the car interiors.
Spray the deodorizer generously on the affected areas and allow it to dry. Since these deodorizers are made for specifically for cars they work quickly and neutralize the smell.
Essential Oils
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a cotton ball and place it in the car overnight.
Essential Oils are great for masking unpleasant odors with a pleasant fragrance and help you to quickly eliminate the vomit odor.
Professional Detailing to Clean Puke From Your Car
We understand that handling can be too much to handle sometimes, and if you don’t want to go through all these steps, consider hiring a professional detailer. Professional detailers know how to clean vomit from cars, have the tools and expertise to thoroughly clean and sanitize your car, and will ensure no trace of vomit or the odor remains in your car.
To find the best car detailers in your area, book in with Panda Hub!
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Getting rid of vomit from the car is not fun, but we are happy to provide you with easy steps to handle the mess of vomit and vomit odors quickly and effectively.
By following these steps you’ll ensure your car is prepared for your next journey! Happy riding with a fresh, clean car.
