Effective Ways to Remove Vomit from Your Car Interior: A Complete Cleaning Guide

2026.02.04

No one enjoys discovering vomit in their vehicle- it is not a pleasant experience as it leaves a stain on the upholstry and it also leaves a pleasant smell that is difficult to get rid of. Vomit is not only messy, but a biological substance that could soak through fabrics and fibers, creating odours and even having possible damages in case it is not managed.

Effective Ways to Remove Vomit from Car Interior

It is an all-encompassing guide that will take you through the most effective methods of dealing with vomit on seats, carpets, or any other surface, and will include both the short-term first aid measures of cleaning the car interior and more long-term and thorough approaches of removing the odour.

Why Prompt Action Is Crucial

When you put your car into vomit, time is your worst enemy. The more time it is there, the deeper it is absorbed by the upholstery fibres and the carpet padding, and the harder the stains and smells are to get rid of. Move quickly to avoid further destruction and contain residual odours.

Step 1 — Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Prep before you clean to make the process efficient and manageable. You’ll need:

Disposable gloves (nitrile or latex) for protection.
Paper towels or absorbent cloths.
Plastic bag or disposable container for waste.
Baking soda (natural odour absorber).
Mild dish soap and warm water.
White vinegar (natural disinfectant and odour neutraliser).
Soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloths.
Vacuum cleaner or wet/dry vacuum.
Optional: enzyme cleaner or steam cleaning tool.

Step 2 — Remove the Bulk and Blot

Start by putting on protective gloves and removing as much of the solid material as possible. Use paper towels or cloths to lift and contain the vomit without pushing it further into the fabric.

Once the solid parts are gone:

Blot the remaining wet spots with absorbent towels.
Press lightly; don’t scrub — rubbing spreads the mess deeper into fibres.
Continue blotting until most of the moisture is soaked up.

Step 3 — Clean the Affected Surface

After removing excess material and moisture, it’s time to clean the area.

Mild Soap & Water Cleaning

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution (avoid soaking).
Gently scrub the area in small circular motions.
Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soapy residue.

This method is safe for most fabric surfaces and helps remove visible residue.

Vinegar Solution for Tough Odours

White vinegar is a natural odour neutralizer and antibacterial agent:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle.
Lightly mist the affected area.
Allow it to air dry. Its natural smell will dissipate as it dries.

Tip: Vinegar won’t damage fabrics and also helps break down acidic vomit residue that might stain.

Step 4 — Neutralise Odours

Cleaning visible mess is only part of the process — vomit odours can linger long after the surface looks clean. Here are effective odour removal techniques:

Baking Soda Treatment

Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the cleaned area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes — overnight is even better. It absorbs moisture and neutralises smell particles. Afterwards, vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.

Additional Deodorising Options

Activated charcoal: Place breathable bags of it around the area; charcoal traps smells.
Open container of vinegar: Placed in the car overnight, it absorbs odours from the air.
Coffee grounds: A natural scent absorber that can freshen the cabin.

Step 5 — Advanced Cleaning Options

If the stain and odours still persist, consider deeper cleaning tools and methods:

Steam Cleaning

A steam cleaner with extraction capability can lift odours and stains from deep within carpet fibres and upholstery padding. The high heat breaks down residual organic material without harsh chemicals, and the extraction removes debris and moisture at once.

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are formulated to break down organic matter at a molecular level. These are particularly effective against organic stains like vomit because enzymes digest the proteins that cause odour and stains.

Step 6 — Check Surrounding Areas

Don’t forget other parts of the car that may have been affected:

Seat belts: Wipe with mild soap solution; air dry fully before retracting to avoid mould.
Door panels and plastic trim: Use a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
Air vents and crevices: Use compressed air or a small brush to remove trapped particles that could harbour odour.

How to Prevent Future Problems

Keep an emergency cleaning kit in your trunk.
Use washable, removable seat covers if kids or pets are frequent passengers.
Ventilate your car regularly to keep air fresh.

When to Call a Professional

In case the vomit has deeply penetrated the vehicle seats or continues to smell even after cleaning, professional detailing companies would be of assistance. They also have professional machinery (steam cleaner, chemical-grade sanitizers, and odor neutralisers) which are beyond the normal DIY techniques.