How to clean vomit and get rid of the sick smell out of your 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 both, be prepared to respond to any incidents with them. Don’t panic if one of your passengers vomits in the car! We are here to share with you the best tips on how to clean vomit and get the sick smell out of the car.

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.

First things first

Start by removing the substance from the surface with a plastic spatula if you have one or with some handy means – cloth, paper, etc. Blot the stain well with napkins or a cloth, without pressing too hard, so that the liquid does not penetrate deeply. Now there are different ways to act next.

Tip: During and after cleaning, keep your vehicle doors open for ventilation. Try to carry out the cleaning procedures outdoors, as the garage will not have good air circulation. It is best to work the stain from the periphery to the centre.

Now, here are a few ways to clean vomit and learn how to get sick smell out of your car!

• White vinegar

Vinegar is one of the best natural cleaning products. It’s a natural stain remover, disinfectant and odour remover. Use white or apple cider vinegar. Mix one part vinegar with two parts warm water. Dip a cotton cloth in the mixture, wring it out well and apply to the stain from the edges towards the centre. Do not over-wet the upholstery! Wait for the surface to dry and repeat the procedure afterwards.

• Baking soda

А classic stain and odour remover, also known as the powerful baking soda! It absorbs the smell into itself and thus removes it.

We advise you to mix baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio. Carefully apply the resulting mixture evenly to the vomit marks. With a soft brush or cloth, rub into the upholstery. Leave it on for about 1 hour and wipe with a damp cloth. If possible, vacuum the soda-dried stain.

If your car’s upholstery is made of artificial or natural leather, use a solution of soap and baking soda. It is prepared by mixing 1 tsp. grated laundry soap and 1 tsp. baking soda with half a litre of warm water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution, then wring it out well – it should remain slightly damp. Go with it on the puke trails. Then wipe the treated area with a cloth moistened with clean water. Dry the area and enjoy its sparkling clean look!

• Ammonia

Ammonia has a stronger cleaning effect than vinegar and soda because it’s a chemical. Be careful with it! Work with a highly diluted solution. Mix ½ cup of ammonia with 1 quart of water. Soak a cloth or sponge, wring very well and apply to the vomit stain in the car. Let it dry completely and if necessary repeat the procedure. Finally, wipe with a cloth moistened with clean water.

• Products for cleaning and washing upholstery

Such products with active chemical substances can be purchased from any supermarket or specialised store for auto supplies. Some are in the form of a liquid, others are like foam. They are usually available for wet and dry cleaning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and you’ll get rid of car vomit stains and smells quickly and hopefully, no smell will be left afterwards.

• Enzymatic cleaners

These are recommended for people with a delicate respiratory system, as they do not release aggressive chemicals into the air. Through a bio-enzymatic process, these products extremely effectively break down various stains and odours, including vomit from people and pets. They are much more effective than chemical products and are better for your health. You can indeed find them in pet stores or in the appropriate departments of large stores and supermarkets.

• Professional cleaners

Use the services of professional steam cleaners that, with the right equipment and tools, will thoroughly clean your car leaving no space for sick smells. This may turn out to be the best solution for guaranteed effective cleaning of any vomit marks and odours in your car. Trusted experts will know exactly how to treat the areas without damaging the car’s interior and will remove any stains and odours.

Pro tips!

• Always read cleaning products’ labels carefully because most of them contain stain removers but not odour removers.
• Keep in mind that using an air freshener will not remove the bad smell, it will only mask it. You need preparation to neutralise it.
• Before applying the appropriate cleaning agent, test the colour and fabric resistance of the damask by treating a small area that is not so visible – at the bottom or on the side.
• The best option is to use a powerful vacuum technique to extract the dirt from deep. And such high-tech equipment is available only to companies for professional washing and cleaning of upholstery. Use the services of professional cleaners so that there are no unpleasant surprises regarding the colours and structure of the fabric.
• Last but not least, don’t get mad at the guilty one of the situation! Pets and kids can bring a lot of good mood to the trip, so don’t spoil it over a stain of vomit.