How to Clean Vomit in Your Car: A Step-by-Step Guide

Remove Vomit From Car Interior.

Dealing with vomit in your car is an unpleasant task that requires immediate attention to prevent stains and odors from setting in. Whether it’s a result of motion sickness, a stomach bug, or a little too much fun, knowing how to effectively clean throw-up can help restore your car’s interior. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to tackle this messy issue while minimizing discomfort and damage.

Steps To Remove Vomit From Your Car:

Clean vomit from your car interior.Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have the following items:

  • Rubber gloves
  • Paper towels or old rags
  • Baking soda or cornstarch
  • A plastic bag for waste
  • A bucket of warm water
  • Mild detergent or car upholstery cleaner
  • A soft brush or sponge
  • White vinegar or enzyme-based cleaner (for odor removal)
  • A vacuum cleaner (preferably one that can handle wet and dry substances)

Step 2: Remove the Solids

Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands. Carefully remove any solid matter with paper towels or old rags. Try to lift the material away without pressing it further into the upholstery or carpet. Dispose of the waste in a plastic bag immediately to contain the smell and prevent any spread of germs.

Step 3: Absorb the Moisture

Generously apply baking soda or cornstarch over the affected area. These substances help absorb moisture and neutralize odors. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. This step also helps to draw out some of the vomit from the fabric or carpet fibers.

Step 4: Clean the Area

Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent or use a car upholstery cleaner. Using a soft brush or sponge, gently scrub the stained area. Be careful not to soak the upholstery to avoid water damage to your car’s interior. For leather seats, use a cleaner specifically designed for leather to avoid damage.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, blot the area with a damp cloth to rinse out any soap residue. Then, use a dry towel to blot and absorb as much moisture as possible. It’s crucial to dry the area thoroughly to prevent mold growth. Leaving the windows open or using a fan can help speed up the drying process.

Step 6: Odor Removal

If a smell persists, mix a solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water, or use an enzyme-based cleaner, which can break down odor-causing proteins. Apply this solution sparingly to the area and let it dry. Vinegar has a strong smell initially, but this dissipates as it dries, taking the vomit odor with it.

Step 7: Vacuum Again

Once the area is completely dry, go over it with a vacuum cleaner again to remove any remaining baking soda or cornstarch and to help fluff up the cleaned fabric or carpet.

Maintenance Tips:

Prompt Action: The quicker you clean up vomit, the easier it will be to remove and the less likely it is to leave a lasting odor or stain.

Air Fresheners: After the area is clean and dry, you might want to use an air freshener designed for cars to help restore a pleasant smell to your vehicle.

Professional Cleaning: If the vomit has penetrated deeply into the upholstery or if odors persist despite thorough cleaning, consider seeking professional detailing services.

Conclusion

Cleaning vomit from your car is undoubtedly an unpleasant chore, but with the right approach, you can effectively mitigate the mess and any lingering odors. Remember, the key is to act quickly and thoroughly, using appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques to ensure your car returns to a clean, comfortable state.

author avatar
Darren Burgard

Neon 8Neon 8
18:55 05 Apr 24
We are extremely well satisfied with the work done by Darren on our two cars; an eleven year old Audi and an eleven year old Lexus. The cars look almost new. Darren showed up on time, did the work efficiently and thoroughly, and the price was very competitive. We will definitely use his service again.
Hugo ContrerasHugo Contreras
23:07 30 Mar 24
I enjoyed collaborating with Sumptuous detailing services! Definitely recommend to anyone looking for great detailing services!
Gareth EvansGareth Evans
16:01 21 Mar 24
Darren did a great job on my pickup truck I use for construction. I was surprised how clean he got it inside.
TJ EdwardsTJ Edwards
00:58 13 Mar 24
Tyrone came out today and detailed my dad’s Tesla model X for us. Let me tell you - that man is so incredibly positive. You just feel good talking to him. He spent a large amount of time detailing his car and it looks better than it did the day he bought it! We could not be more thrilled and will continue to use Tyrone every month to detail and keep it looking great! The pricing is extremely competitive and even on the lower end compared to other mobile retailers! We are extremely pleased all the way around!
Anne HucksAnne Hucks
00:30 13 Mar 24
It was a wonderful experience. My car has not been this clean since I bought it.
millenyn soaresmillenyn soares
01:46 10 Mar 24
If I could put 10000+ Stars I would. Words can't explain how satisfied, I am. Tyrone did a phenomenal job, he took his time and you can tell he loves what he does. My car looks brand new, the seats are so clean and when I opened my car the smell of brand new car hit me. If you are looking for someone to detail your car STOP LOOKING, Because you found them and the customer service is excellent! I highly strongly recommend them you will not be disappointed!
Gregory TrenaryGregory Trenary
02:21 09 Feb 24
02/08/24 We are not local to this area, visiting with our son. Three large cups of coffee were accidentally split in our vehicle this morning... What a mess! Found some one online who didn't do interior detailing, however recommended Darren. He made arrangements to clean our truck that day. His men were here at scheduled time, did a fantastic job! Highly recommend Sumptuous Mobile Detailing!
Pam McCloudPam McCloud
12:24 06 Oct 23
Amazing and meticulous! Darren did such a great job with my vehicle that his services were requested the very next day by my hubby. My vehicle is so clean that I’m afraid to get in and undo all of his hard work. Most importantly, he took his time and didn’t rush the job.
js_loader

Quick Contact Form

Footer Contact

Automatic Booking

Fundamental Detailing Package
  • Exterior wash
  • Towel dry
  • 25-60 day wax (beads water and dirt off the paint, offering superior protection compared to traditional wax)
  • Tire conditioning
  • Window cleaning
  • Detailed vacuuming
  • Detailed cleaning of all hard, plastic, leather, and vinyl surfaces
  • Pressure wash for hard floor mats
    For a deeper clean with added surface protection and attention to detail.
Full Decontamination Package
  • Includes all features of Fundamentals
  • Clay Bar Treatment: Removes embedded contaminants like tar and sap that washing alone can't eliminate.
  • Iron Remover: Dissolves bonded iron particles from brake dust, protecting the paint from long-term damage.
  • Steam cleaning or extraction for seats and carpets if needed
    Perfect for vehicles requiring a thorough clean and contamination removal. Interior only is available in this package & higher only.
OCD Package
  • Includes all features of Full Decontamination
  • Special Stain Removal Attention: Attempts to target and remove stains, though results are not guaranteed.
  • 1-step Paint Correction: Removes minor surface defects like swirl marks and light scratches to restore the car’s shine.
  • 6-12 month Ceramic Wax: Adds a durable layer of protection and shine, lasting longer than standard waxes.
    For clients who want every detail perfected and their paint protected.
    Highly recommended to add the 5-year ceramic coating for long-term protection.
The Exterior Wash, Clay, & Seal
  • Wash
  • Clay Bar Treatment
  • 6-12 month sealant/wax.
  • Exterior Only
The Express Wash (4+ Vehicles Required)
  • Exterior wash (exterior)
  • Vacuum
  • Dash cleaning

It is not very detail-oriented, but it is convenient for daily drivers that aren't particular.

Interior Only

Select full decontamination or OCD package, then specify interior only.

Add Ons
  • 6-12 month Wax: Upgrade for longer-lasting protection is available for Fundamentals and Decontamination packages.
  • Headliner Cleaning: Can be added to any package to remove dirt and stains from the ceiling fabric.
  • 5-year Ceramic Coating: A long-lasting, high-gloss protective layer that repels water, dirt, and UV rays, making maintenance easier.
  • Ozone Treatment: Eliminates odors, bacteria, and mold by oxidizing and destroying airborne contaminants for a fresher, cleaner interior environment.
  • Paint Correction: Restores the car’s original shine by removing surface defects like swirl marks, oxidation, and light scratches. This results in a deeper and more natural shine compared to the superficial gloss added by wax.
  • Headlight Restoration: Increases nighttime visibility, improves front-end aesthetics, and compliments shiny paint.
  • Clay Bar Treatment: Removing embedded contaminants from the paint, which the wash will not remove.
  • Pet Hair Removal: Extensive pet hair removal beyond vacuuming.
  • Leather Conditioning
  • Spot Stain Removal
  • Decal/Sticker Removal