How to Remove Vomit Smells From Car Upholstery
Not everyone travels well, so if someone recently vomited in your car, it can leave behind an embarrassingly unpleasant smell. Once vomit gets onto upholstery, the odor becomes trapped in the fibers causing it to linger long after cleaning up the mess. With the aid of a few common items you may already have at home, you can eliminate vomit smells in your car.
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Things You'll Need
- White vinegar
- Bowl
- Paper towels
- Plastic utensil
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Baking soda
- Shop vac
Instructions
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1
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl.
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2
Wipe up any vomit that may be present on the upholstery with paper towels and gloved hands. If the vomit is dried and stuck to the upholstery, use a plastic utensil to gently scrape it free and remove it with paper towels.
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3
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and gently sponge it onto the area, being careful not to over saturate it.
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4
Rinse the area with a second cloth or sponge dipped in clean water and wrung out well.
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5
Blot the area with a clean dry cloth to absorb as much excess moisture as possible.
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6
Cover the area with a layer of baking soda. Baking soda will help to draw out moisture from the fabric as well as absorb lingering odors. Leave the windows open a little to help circulate fresh air through the car.
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7
Vacuum up the baking soda once the area is dry with a shop vac.
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Leave a bowl of baking soda or fresh coffee grounds in the vehicle overnight to absorb any lingering odors in the air and discard it in the morning.
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Tips & Warnings
If you opt to use a commercial cleaner to clean up the vomit, ensure that it is an enzymatic cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
References
- Photo Credit Jordan Siemens/Digital Vision/Getty Images
