How To Clean Urine From Leather Car Seat?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

Accidents happen, even in cars. Removing urine from your leather car seat can be overwhelming. The most important step in cleaning urine from leather car seats is to act quickly. The sooner you begin the process, the easier it will be to remove any stains and odors. And the other most important thing is to remove as much urine from the leather car seat as possible. You can quickly neutralize the smell and spot-clean urine stains.

Why To Clean?

• Urine can leave behind bacteria and other contaminants that can cause long-term damage to your car seat.
• Unattended urine stains can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew, which poses a health hazard over time if not addressed properly.
• The urine odor on your leather car seat can be unpleasant and difficult to eliminate when left untreated.
• Unpleasant urine odors may also diminish the overall value of your car.

Cleaning Urine From Leather Car Seats

You Will Need

• Gloves
• Paper Towel
• Baking Soda
• White Vinegar
• Clean Microfiber Towel
• Leather Cleaner
• Vacuum
• Conditioner

Instructions

Safety first! Make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands from any bacteria or contaminants on the car seat.

Clear If Any Solid Matter: Start by scooping out any solid matter that may be present in the urine-stained area of the leather car seat. Use a paper towel to pick up and dispose of the solids you find.

Blot Any Remaining Urine: After removing all solid particles, use a paper towel or clean microfiber cloth to absorb any remaining urine left in the leather car seat. Be careful not to rub it into the leather, as this could cause further staining or damage.

Baking Soda: Once most moisture has been removed from the affected area, sprinkle baking soda over the area. Be sure to cover the stained area completely. This will absorb the remaining liquid and odor from the leather car seat.

White Vinegar: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water and apply a light mist of this solution over the baking soda-covered leather car seat. Then, use a clean microfiber cloth to scrub the affected area in circular motions. This mixture will help to break down the urine and neutralize any odors.

Remove Baking Soda: Once you have scrubbed the affected area with a vinegar-water solution, use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any baking soda residue left on the leather car seat.

Disinfect The Seats: Spray the area with a disinfectant, and cover all urine-stained areas on the leather car seat. Use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towel to wipe down the affected area and remove all urine from the leather car seat.

Apply Leather Cleaner: After the area has been thoroughly disinfected, apply a leather cleaner to the affected areas. This will help restore your car seat’s original color and finish and make it look as good as new.

Dry Car Seat: Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry off any excess moisture. You can also use a vacuum with a gentle setting to help dry and remove any remaining debris from the leather car seat.

Condition: Finally, use a good-quality leather conditioner to nourish the leather car seat and make it look more vibrant. Ensure that all areas of the leather car seat have been conditioned before you finish cleaning. This will help restore its original color and luster and protect it from future damage.

Following these steps will help you successfully clean urine from your leather car seat, eliminating any unpleasant odors and restoring your car seat’s original look and feel. With proper cleaning and care, you can ensure that your car interior remains in top condition for years to come.

Quick Fixes For Urine Smell

Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.

DIY Odor-Eliminator: Create a DIY odor-eliminator solution by mixing one part white vinegar with one part water and dab it onto the spot with a clean cloth. Allow it to dry completely before wiping away any remaining residue.

Essential Oil Blends:

1. Create a blend of essential oils, including lemon, tea tree, and lavender, to help neutralize the smell.
2. Add ten drops of each oil in an 8-ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water.
3. Shake well and spritz the area with this mixture until it is saturated.
4. Allow it to sit for 30 minutes before wiping away any remaining liquid.

Enzyme Cleaner: An enzyme cleaner is a great choice to break down and remove the bacteria that cause urine odor. Use according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with proper ventilation.

Charcoal: Charcoal is a natural odor absorber that can easily combat urine odors. Place several pieces of charcoal inside a container and place them in the vehicle for up to one week. The charcoal will absorb most, if not all, of the urine smell. Replace the charcoal every so often until the smell has been eliminated.

Leather Conditioner: A leather conditioner or leather lotion, also available from auto supply stores, can help treat the stain and smell after cleaning. Apply with a soft cloth, wiping it toward the grain.

Ozone Treatment: For a more potent odor-eliminating effect, buy or make an ozone treatment machine on your car’s interior. The ozone gas kills off bacteria and removes odors in a short amount of time. Be sure to read all safety instructions before operating such a machine.

Contact A Professional: If your car’s urine smell persists, contact a professional auto upholstery cleaner or detailer. They have the right tools and experience to get your car smelling fresh again.

Things To Consider

• Urine on leather car seats can be a tricky situation to manage.
• Chemical cleaners are not recommended, as they may damage the structure and color of the leather.
• It’s important to consider the type of material your car seats are made of (whether it is genuine leather, vinyl, or synthetic) before attempting to clean urine from the car seat.
• The age of the stain is also an important factor to consider when trying to remove it. Fresh urine stains are much easier to remove than old ones.

Quick Fixes For Removing Urine Stains

Club Soda

1. Pour club soda onto the stain, blotting it up with a dry cloth as you go.
2. Allow the area to air dry for about 10 minutes.
3. If any traces of the stain remain, repeat this process until the urine is completely gone.

White Vinegar

1. Spray white vinegar directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
2. Blot the area with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.
3. If any traces of the stain remain, repeat this process until the urine is gone.

Baking Soda

1. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stained area and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
2. Use a damp cloth to scrub the stain, working in circular motions gently.
3. Blot the area with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.
4. If any traces of the stain remain, repeat this process until the urine is gone.

Dish Soap

1. Dilute dish soap with warm water and apply it directly onto the stained area.
2. Use a damp cloth to scrub the stain in circular motions.
3. Blot the area with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.
4. If any traces of the stain remain, repeat this process until the urine is gone.

Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Dilute hydrogen peroxide with warm water and apply it directly onto the stain.
2. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before blotting it up with a dry cloth.
3. If any traces of the stain remain, repeat this process until the urine is gone.

FAQs

Will Urine Soak Into The Leather?

Yes, urine can soak into the leather on a car seat if it is not cleaned up quickly.

Can I Use Bleach?

No, bleach should never be used on leather as it can damage and discolor the material. Stick to mild, gentle cleaning solutions such as club soda, white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide.

How Can You Remove Dried Urine Stains?

For dried urine stains, try using an enzyme cleaner specifically designed for removing urine. Apply the cleaner directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before blotting it with a dry cloth. If any traces of the stain remain, repeat this process until the urine is gone.

Conclusion

Urine stains on leather car seats can be difficult to remove and may require several treatments. Depending on the type of stain, you may need to use a combination of cleaning products and techniques. It is important to test any new product or method before using it on the full stain. Taking the time to clean and properly remove urine stains from leather car seats can help keep your vehicle looking pristine.