Vomiting in the car is one of those inevitable parental nightmares. Kids get sick, and there’s no avoiding it – especially when you’re out and about running errands. The real nightmare, however, is dealing with the aftermath — namely getting that disgusting vomit smell out of your car seat! As unpleasant as this task may seem, don’t worry because we have some simple tips that will help you tackle this job effectively. Read on to learn how to clean up vomit messes easily so you can feel confident in your car once more!
Preparing to Clean
Before you start, it’s important to make sure the area is as clean and dry as possible. If the vomit is still wet, remove any excess moisture with paper towels or a vacuum cleaner. Once most of the liquid has been removed, check for any solids that may be stuck in the fabric or cushioning. Use a spoon or butter knife to scrape off as much of the solid matter as you can.
How to clean fresh vomit from car seat?
- Blot up excess vomit with a clean cloth or paper towels. Soak up as much of the liquid mess as you can before attempting to clean it further.
- Clean the area around the vomit spill with a mild detergent solution and a damp cloth. Use circular motions, and make sure to remove all traces of the stain.
- Rinse with clean water and let the area air dry.
- Apply a stain remover according to the instructions on the product’s label. Follow up by rinsing again with clean water and allowing the area to air dry once more.
- Repeat steps 4-5 as needed until all traces of vomit are gone.
Read more: How to Get Pee Out of Car Seat? Tips for Cleaning Urine
How to get dried vomit out of car seat?
- Start by vacuuming the affected area to remove any dried vomit particles.
- Apply a stain remover according to the instructions on the product’s label. Let it sit for the time recommended in the directions, then rinse with clean water and let air dry.
- If needed, you can use an upholstery cleaner to help get out any remaining stains.
- Blot up water with a clean cloth or paper towels and then let the area air dry completely.
- Once dry, you may need to use an odor remover such as baking soda or vinegar to get rid of the vomit smell completely. If using baking soda, sprinkle a generous amount over the affected area and allow it to sit overnight. Vacuum off in the morning.
- If using vinegar, mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, then spray onto the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for an hour or two before blotting up any excess liquid with clean cloths. Vacuum up any remaining residue and let air dry.
Read more: How to Get Ants Out of Car Seat? The Easiest Solution
How to get vomit smell out of car seat?
- Baking soda is a great natural odor remover, so sprinkle it generously over the affected area and let sit overnight. Vacuum off in the morning.
- Vinegar is also an effective odor remover, so mix equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spray onto the affected area. Allow the solution to sit for an hour or two before blotting up any excess liquid with clean cloths. Vacuum up any remaining residue and let air dry.
- Use a commercial odor remover like Febreze for Fabric, following the instructions on the label.
- An enzyme-based pet cleaner is your best bet if you have a pet that vomited in your car seat. Enzyme cleaners break down the vomit proteins, eliminating any lingering odors. Follow the instructions on the product’s label for best results.
Read more: Can You Use a Carseat Without a Base?
Following Swapmamas post will help you clean vomit from car seats quickly and easily, without the hassle of having to replace the seat covering. Your car will be back to smelling fresh in no time! Good luck!
Last Updated on April 12, 2023 11:05 AM
Miracris Calilung is the co-founder of Swapmamas.com, a website that shares parenting tips. A mother herself, she loves baby and enjoys sharing her experiences with others. She is also a Senior Marketing Analyst who brings with her over 10 years of experience in marketing and business analysis.