Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd
Cleaning up vomit from the inside of your car can be a daunting task. However, you can quickly and easily clean up any mess with the right technique and materials. It is best to act fast and take care of it immediately to avoid any odors lingering in the car. Here are some tips on how to do car cleaning for vomit:
Ways To Remove Vomit From A Car:
Preparing to Remove Vomit
Wear protective gloves, eyewear, and clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants, that can be thrown away afterward. If there is an odor, light a scented candle or spray an air freshener in the area before beginning work.
Cleaning Fresh Vomit
Pick Up Solid Material
The solid material can be picked up using a vacuum cleaner. You may need to adjust the suction power depending on how much solid material has been deposited. If a solid material is challenging to pick up, spray it with an enzymatic cleaner and wait 5 minutes before vacuuming it again.
Blot To Remove Excess Moisture
Start by placing a few towels or paper towels on the soiled area. Using a clean cloth, gently press down and move in circles to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing too hard, as this could spread the mess further and damage your car’s upholstery.
Vomit Smell Removal
Once all visible chunks have been removed, clean any remaining residue with a mild detergent mixed with warm water and use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush for scrubbing upholstery and carpets. To tackle the lingering smell, sprinkle baking soda generously over affected areas and leave it overnight if possible – this helps absorb odors from upholstery and carpets while freshening them up simultaneously! Finally, spray an enzymatic cleaner onto surfaces with a strong odor and allow it to sit until completely dry before vacuuming again; this should eliminate any unpleasant smells left behind by the vomit.
Vinyl, Cloth, And Plastic Interiors
Use mild detergent and warm water to remove visible particles or liquid from vinyl interior surfaces. It’s important to use a soft microfiber cloth when wiping down the surface to prevent damage from abrasive materials.
For cloth or fabric interiors, you can use an upholstery cleaner specifically designed for fabrics. This will help break down the protein particles in the vomit so they can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Plastic interior surfaces should be cleaned using a mild detergent solution and a soft sponge. This will help remove any residue without damaging the finish on the plastic surface.
Leather Upholstery Interiors
Use a damp cloth to remove as much vomit as possible from the leather surface. Then use a mild detergent solution to clean any remaining residue or stains from the surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using detergents on leather surfaces. Dry off any excess liquid with a clean towel or rag for the interior does not be damaged further by moisture saturation.
Rinsing The Cleaning Solution
Once the cleaning solution has been applied, it’s important to rinse the area with water thoroughly. This will help reduce any residue left behind and loosen and remove any particles stuck in the fabric or carpet fibers.
Removing Dried Vomit
First, scrape away as much vomit as possible using a plastic spatula or spoon. This should be done carefully not to damage your car seat’s fabric or interior. Once most of the vomit has been scraped away, it’s time to tackle any remaining stains. Start by blotting any excess liquid with paper towels until no more visible liquid is on the surface. Then use a mixture of mild soap, warm water, and either white vinegar or baking soda to create a cleaning solution. Use this to scrub and soak any remaining vomit stains until they are gone.
Removing Vomit From Your Car’s Carpeting
Scoop up as much vomit as possible without pressing it into the carpet fibers. Use a spoon or spatula, and discard the waste in a plastic bag. Then take some paper towels and soak up any remaining liquid. Blot gently until most of the moisture is absorbed from the carpeting.
Use warm water and laundry detergent solution to scrub the affected area thoroughly. Allow it to sit for several minutes before blotting it with clean paper towels again. Rinse any remaining residue with warm water, then use an extractor vacuum cleaner to remove all traces of debris from your car’s carpets.
Use Steam Cleaning For A More Thorough Job
Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to remove vomit from a car. It uses high-pressure steam to break down and loosen the stuck-on mess, allowing it to be easily wiped away with a cloth or paper towel. When used correctly, steam cleaning can provide an almost spotless finish that would otherwise require hours of scrubbing with traditional cleaners. Steam cleaning can often penetrate carpets and upholstery fibers, removing even the toughest stains without damaging fabrics.
How To Get Rid Of Lingering Bad Odors?
Using An Air Freshener For Cars
Air fresheners can be a great way to effectively clean car interiors affected by vomit or other unpleasant odors. Be sure to choose one that works best for the type of smell and consider any allergies the passengers may have. Many types are available on the market, such as sprays, gels, solid discs/blocks, and plug-in diffusers. Depending on the odor’s strength, you may opt for something more powerful such as a gel or solid disc/block option that lasts longer than sprays or plug-ins.
Activated Charcoal, Coffee Grounds, Or White Vinegar
Activated charcoal can be used to remove vomit smells from a car. Sprinkle some of the powder onto the affected area and leave it for up to 24 hours before vacuuming away. It works by absorbing odors, allergens, and pollutants in the air—so the longer you leave it in your car, the better! Coffee grounds can also be used to absorb unpleasant smells. Place an open container of fresh coffee grounds inside your vehicle overnight and let them work their magic. White vinegar is another option for removing vomit scents from cars.
How Soon Should I Clean Up Vomit From My Car’s Interior?
Removing vomit from your car’s interior should be done immediately to prevent the mess from hardening or leaving a stain.
Can Car Detail Remove The Vomit Smell?
Yes, a car detail can effectively eliminate the vomit smell. Professional detailing services often use steam cleaning equipment and specialized products designed to neutralize odors at their source. This means that not only will they clean up any visible traces of vomit or stains, but they’ll also target bacteria and other microbes that may be causing the smell.
Conclusion:
Cleaning vomit off of your car, make sure that you take the necessary precautions and use the right product. Try using a wet vacuum cleaner or a shop vac to remove as much liquid as possible. Then cover the area with baking soda or cornstarch, which will help absorb any remaining moisture and odor. Use a degreaser cleaner designed for cars to break down any grease or food particles left behind. These steps will help ensure your car is clean and safe from bacteria and other harmful contaminants.
