Accidents happen, and whether it’s a road trip mishap or a sudden bout of illness, vomit in your car can leave behind a lingering and unpleasant odor.
Removing the vomit smell from your car requires prompt action and the right techniques to ensure your car smells fresh again.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through effective steps to clean the mess, eliminate odors, and prevent the smell from returning.
Why Is Vomit Smell So Hard to Remove?
The unpleasant odor from vomit lingers because it contains proteins, stomach acids, and bacteria that seep into car upholstery, carpet, and even the air.
If not cleaned properly, the odor can intensify over time, making it harder to remove.
How to Remove Vomit Smell from Your Car
Step 1: Act Quickly
The faster you address the mess, the easier it will be to eliminate the smell.
Grab some paper towels, gloves, and cleaning supplies as soon as possible to begin cleaning.
Step 2: Remove the Vomit
Gently scrape off as much of the vomit as possible using paper towels or a plastic scraper.
Place the waste in a sealed bag to prevent the smell from spreading.
Step 3: Clean the Area Thoroughly
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the soapy solution and gently blot the area to remove stains and residue.
Avoid rubbing, as this may push the vomit deeper into the fabric.
Step 4: Neutralize Odors with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that effectively absorbs odors:
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the cleaned area.
Let it sit for 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible, to absorb the smell.
Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.
Step 5: Use White Vinegar Solution
White vinegar is another powerful odor neutralizer:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Lightly mist the area with the vinegar solution and let it air dry.
The initial vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the vomit odor with it.
Step 6: Use an Enzymatic Cleaner (Optional)
For stubborn odors, enzymatic cleaners are highly effective.
These products break down organic compounds, neutralizing the source of the smell:
Follow the instructions on the cleaner and apply it to the affected area.
Let it sit for the recommended time and blot it dry.
Step 7: Air Out the Car
Open the car windows or doors and allow fresh air to circulate.
If possible, park the car in a shaded, well-ventilated area to prevent mold growth while airing it out.
Tips for Preventing Vomit Odors in the Future
Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy: Store paper towels, trash bags, and cleaning wipes in your car for emergencies.
Use Seat Covers: Waterproof or machine-washable seat covers make cleaning easier in case of spills or accidents.
Act Immediately: The sooner you clean up, the less likely odors are to linger.
When to Call Professionals
If the smell persists despite your best efforts, professional cleaning services like Schoon Cleaning can help.
Our team uses advanced tools and eco-friendly products to deep clean car interiors, ensuring every trace of odor and bacteria is removed.
Conclusion
Removing vomit smell from your car can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s entirely manageable.
By acting quickly, using natural deodorizers like baking soda and vinegar, and ventilating the space, you can restore your car’s fresh scent.
For stubborn odors or deep cleaning, trust the experts at Schoon Cleaning to get the job done right.
Contact Schoon Cleaning today for professional car interior cleaning and enjoy a fresh, odor-free ride!