How to clean vomit in car

No matter how well you take care of the cleanliness of your vehicle, unforeseen situations can dampen your mood. If you often travel with a small child, pet, or adults that get sick, be prepared to respond to any incidents with them.

We are here to share with you the best tips on how to clean vomit and get the sick smell out of the car.

But we'll be honest:

It's unpleasant and will open up a job for you, we know, but things are fixable.

It is best to act on the situation as soon as possible while the vomit marks are still fresh.

If you don't have the opportunity to do it right away, don't worry. It's just that stubborn stains require a little more effort.

If you just want the solution up front - after trying to get rid up the smell with traditional methods - then here it is:

Key Takeaways:

Act quickly to clean vomit stains in your car.
Remove the substance using a plastic spatula or cloth.
Blot and absorb the stain with napkins or a cloth.
Keep the doors open to circulate fresh air and prevent odours.
Consider using professional vomit cleaning products for effective odour removal.

Immediate Actions to Take After a Vomit Incident

When faced with a vomit incident in your car, it's essential to take immediate action to prevent stains and odours from setting in. By following these simple steps, you can effectively clean up vomit and restore your car's freshness.

Removing the Substance: Tools and Techniques

To start the clean-up process, it's important to remove the vomit from the surface as quickly as possible. Here are a few tools and techniques that can help:

Plastic Spatula or Cloth: Use a plastic spatula or cloth to gently scrape off the excess vomit from the affected area. Be careful not to spread the vomit further. If you are using a cloth - don't press it down in the fabric, but gently wipe in order to clean it from car seats.
Blotting with Napkins or Cloth: Once you have removed the majority of the vomit, blot the remaining stain with absorbent napkins or a cloth. Avoid rubbing, as it may push the vomit deeper into the fabric.
Cleaning Solution: If necessary, apply a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for car interiors to help break down any remaining stains or odours.

Preventing Stains and Smells: Blotting and Absorbing

After removing the substance, it's crucial to prevent stains and smells from lingering. Blotting and absorbing are essential steps in the process:

Blotting: Use clean napkins or a cloth to blot the affected area gently. This helps to absorb any remaining moisture and prevent it from seeping deeper into the fabric.
Absorbing: Ideally - you would use a carpet cleaner. Since you might not have one at home - we'll go with what most people do have: Baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda or other absorbent powder onto the stained area. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb any residual odour or moisture. Then, vacuum it up.

Ventilating Your Vehicle: Why Fresh Air Matters

Proper ventilation is essential to eliminate trapped odours and promote the drying process. Here's what we recommend.

Keep the Doors Open: Open all the doors of your car to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the interior. This helps to remove any lingering odours and accelerate the drying process. Ideally, park your car in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.
Avoid Recirculating Air: When using the ventilation system in your car, make sure to set it to the fresh air mode rather than recirculating the existing air. This allows for better air circulation and helps dissipate any odours.

By following these immediate actions after a vomit incident, you can effectively clean up the mess and prevent stains from setting in.

How To Get Rid of The Vomit Smell

Still got that smell of vomit? It is probably leftovers of dried vomit.

Why Does it Smell Even Though The Vomit is Removed?

Even though the vomit is removed, you may still experience a lingering smell. This is because the odour molecules can penetrate deep into the upholstery and linger even after the visible vomit is gone. Understanding why the smell persists will help you effectively get rid of it.

To eliminate the vomit smell, it's important to address the underlying cause.

When someone vomits in a car, the vomit contains stomach acid and digestive enzymes that can leave a strong and unpleasant odour.

Simply removing the visible vomit is not enough to fully eliminate the smell. The odour molecules can become trapped in the fibers of the upholstery, carpets, and other surfaces in the car. These lingering odours can continue to release unpleasant smells, even after the vomit is gone.

To effectively remove the vomit smell, you will need to take several steps:

Clean and disinfect surfaces: Depending on the surface - use a dedicated cleaning product to clean that specific surface. We have recommendations later on in this article for specific areas.
Use odour neutralizers: Our odour neutralizer - Auto Glanz De-Odour - stops bad odours by chemically bonding to the odour molecules, stopping the aroma and instantly rendering them inert. Simply spray on the area and let it dwell. Be sure to test a non-visible area first in order to see if the material can handle it.
Ventilate the car: Open the doors and windows to let fresh air circulate throughout the car. This will help remove any trapped odours and bring in fresh air.
Repeat if necessary: If the smell persists, you may need to repeat the cleaning and odour removal process. Stubborn odours may require multiple treatments to fully eliminate.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove the vomit smell and ensure a fresh and pleasant-smelling car interior. However, if the odour persists or if you prefer professional help, consider hiring a professional cleaning service that specializes in odour removal.

Cleaning Steps	Advantages
1. Clean and disinfect surfaces	Removes visible vomit and kills bacteria
2. Use odour neutralizers	Absorbs and eliminates lingering odours
3. Ventilate the car	Allows fresh air to circulate and removes trapped odours
4. Repeat if necessary	Ensures thorough odour removal

Professional Products vs. Home Remedies

When it comes to removing vomit odours, there are various options available, ranging from homemade remedies to professional cleaning products. While some people swear by baking soda and vinegar, it's important to understand their limitations.

Why Utilising Baking Soda for Vomit Odour and Stain Removal Isn't A Good Solution

Baking soda is a popular home remedy for many cleaning tasks, but it's not always the best choice for vomit odour and stain removal in your car. While baking soda can help absorb some of the smell and moisture, it often leaves behind a residue that can be difficult to remove. Additionally, baking soda may not effectively eliminate deep-set odours, leaving your car with a lingering smell.

Why You Shouldn't Use Vinegar To Remove Vomit Smell

Vinegar is another common household ingredient that is often recommended for removing odours. However, when it comes to vomit smell, vinegar may not be the most effective solution. While vinegar can help neutralize some odours, it may not completely eliminate the smell of vomit. This can leave your car with a lingering odour that can be unpleasant and difficult to get rid of.

Why Auto Glanz De-Odour is the best choice

For professional results and complete vomit odour removal, it's recommended to use professional vomit cleaning products like Auto Glanz De-Odour. This specially formulated product is designed to effectively eliminate odours and stains from car interiors. With its powerful cleaning agents, Auto Glanz De-Odour can penetrate deep into upholstery, removing even the most stubborn odours. Say goodbye to lingering vomit smells and restore freshness to your car with Auto Glanz De-Odour.

Consider Using A Carpet Cleaner / Upholstery Cleaner

An alternative to home remedies and professional cleaning products is using a carpet cleaner / Upholstery Cleaner machine. This can suck up dirt / vomit deep from fabrics.

Consider Using an Ozone Generator

An Ozone generator will kill odours, but require several hours and are quite expensive. Use it as your last alternative.

Typical areas with Vomit

Let's take a look at the typical areas that sick gets to:

Remove Vomit from Cloth Car Seats

Cloth car seats can absorb vomit quickly, making it essential to act fast. Begin by removing any solid residue with a plastic spatula or cloth. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or napkins to absorb excess moisture. Next, treat the area with a fabric cleaner or upholstery cleaner specifically designed for car seats. After cleaning, allow the seats to air dry completely.

READ ALSO: Cleaning car cloth seats

Remove vomit from Leather

Leather car seats require special care to avoid damaging the material. Start by gently removing any solid remnants using a plastic spatula or cloth.

Then, use a dedicated leather cleaning agent to clean the affected area. Finally, use a leather conditioner to moisturize and protect the seats.

READ ALSO: How To Clean Leather Seats

Remove Vomit from Carpets / Mats

Use the same process as for cleaning cloth car seats if the mats / bottom floor is cloth.

If you want you can take them out of the car and clean using a pressure washer.

Allow the carpets and mats to air dry completely.

Remove Vomit from Seat Belts

Seat belts can be challenging to clean due to their material and intricate design. Use a fabric cleaner or de-odour to clean the affected area using a cloth. Allow them to air dry completely before retracting them.

Car Seat Material	Cleaning Method
Cloth	Remove solid residues, blot the stain, use fabric or upholstery cleaner, air dry
Leather	Remove solid residues, clean with dedicated leather clean, use leather conditioner, air dry
Carpets / Mats	Remove solid residues, blot the stain, use carpet cleaner / pressure washer, blot and air dry
Seat Belts	Wipe away visible vomit, clean fabric cleaner or de-odour, air dry

Seeking Professional Help: When to Call the Experts

In some situations, cleaning up vomit in your car can be challenging, particularly if the stains or odours are stubborn or extensive. While you can tackle many vomit cleaning tasks on your own, there are times when it's appropriate to call in the professionals. Their expertise and specialized equipment can ensure a thorough and effective cleaning process.

So, when should you consider seeking professional vomit cleaning services? If you've tried multiple cleaning methods and the stains or smells persist, it may be time to bring in the experts. They have the skills and knowledge to handle even the toughest cases, using professional-grade products and techniques to eliminate vomit stains and odours.

What does Professional vomit cleaning cost?

The cost of professional vomit cleaning services can vary depending on several factors, including the size of your vehicle, the extent of the damage, and the professional cleaning company you choose. It's best to contact local cleaning services for specific pricing details.

Frequently Asked Questions On Removing Vomit

What immediate actions should I take after a vomit incident in my car?

Start by removing the substance from the surface with a plastic spatula or cloth. Blot the stain well with napkins or a cloth to prevent stains and odours from setting in. Ventilate your vehicle by keeping the doors open for fresh air circulation.

Why does my car still smell even though I've removed the vomit?

The odour molecules can penetrate deep into the upholstery, lingering even after the visible vomit is gone. This is why you may still experience a lingering smell.

Should I use baking soda or vinegar to remove the vomit smell?

While baking soda and vinegar are common recommendations, they may not be the most effective solutions. Consider using professional vomit cleaning products like Auto Glanz De-Odour.

When should I seek professional help for vomit cleaning?

If the stains or odours are stubborn or extensive, it may be necessary to seek professional help. They have the expertise and specialized equipment to thoroughly clean your car and get rid of the sick smell.

What does professional vomit cleaning cost?

The cost of professional vomit cleaning services can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the cleaning service you choose. It is best to contact local cleaning companies for accurate pricing information.