Whether you’re a parent dealing with a sick child, a rideshare driver, or a detailer tackling a tough job, knowing how to clean vomit from a car is a must. It’s not just about removing stains, it’s about fully eliminating odors and sanitizing fabric, leather, or foam beneath the surface.
What You’ll Need
- Bio-Zyme Enzyme Cleaner
- Magic Cleaner Concentrate or Carpet Shampoo
- Carpet Extractor or wet/dry vac
- Stiff nylon scrub brush, like our Step Panel and Carpet Brush
- Soft leather-safe brush, like our Soft Bristle Brush
- Microfiber or All-Purpose Towels
- Disposable gloves, trash bags, face mask (recommended)
Step-by-Step: Best Way to Clean Vomit From a Car
While it may seem obvious that the goal is to remove all of the liquid and chunks from any areas where vomit is present, what is even more important is cleaning all of the liquid that seeps into the upholstery and/or foam of the seat as well as into the padding beneath the carpet. This step is required to remove the odors and bacteria that can reside underneath and in the fibers.
- Remove solids first.
Use gloves and a plastic scoop or paper towels to bag up debris. Dispose of it in a sealed trash bag—this is considered biohazard waste.
- Apply an enzyme cleaner immediately.
Spray Bio-Zyme liberally onto the affected area. Let it dwell for 10–15 minutes. Enzymes break down organic matter (bile, proteins, fats) at the molecular level.
- Agitate the surface.
Avoid oversaturating and soaking the foam under the seat.
- For fabric seats or carpet, scrub gently with a stiff nylon brush.
- For leather, use a soft-bristle brush (see next section).
- Rinse or extract.
Wipe away loosened residue with a damp towel, then follow with a carpet extractor to pull remaining fluid and odor from the padding.
- Dry thoroughly.
Leave doors/windows open or run a fan to dry the area fully. Trapped moisture = trapped smell.
Watch these steps in action:
How to Clean Vomit From Leather Car Seats
Leather adds complexity; too much moisture or harsh scrubbing can discolor or delaminate the surface. Here’s what to do:
- Blot up all vomit with towels ASAP. Do not rub.
- Mist Bio-Zyme onto a microfiber towel (not directly on leather).
- Gently wipe the surface, following up with a soft leather brush if needed.
- Dry immediately with a clean towel.
- Recondition the leather after cleaning to restore moisture.
Do not use a carpet extractor or steam on leather.
How to Clean Vomit Out of a Child’s Car Seat
Child car seats trap liquids in every seam and buckle. Follow these guidelines:
- Remove the seat from the vehicle if possible.
- Disassemble all removable covers and straps. Check the manufacturer’s label before machine washing.
- Spray Bio-Zyme into the plastic shell, straps, and foam, then scrub with a detailing brush.
- Rinse with clean water and pat dry.
- Sunlight helps kill odor-causing bacteria. Let the seat air dry outdoors if safe.
How to Get Vomit Smell Out of a Car
The worst part of any vomit cleanup is often the smell. Even if you remove the visible mess, odor can linger in the padding.
Use an enzyme odor remover for vomit, not just an air freshener. Bio-Zyme neutralizes odors by breaking them down, not covering them up.
Mist an enzyme deodorizer through a Tornador Gun for even distribution across fabric headliners and footwells.
For extreme cases, follow with an ozone treatment or vent duct cleaning.
Final Tips for Cleaning Vomit in Cars
- Act fast. The longer vomit sits, the deeper it sinks, and the harder it is to fully remove.
- Don’t skimp on dwell time. Let your enzyme cleaner do the hard work before scrubbing.
- Always wear gloves and a mask. Vomit contains bacteria that can cause illness.
- A proper carpet extractor can save hours of frustration and help avoid returns or complaints.
Whether you’re dealing with kid messes, drunk passengers, or a tough reconditioning job, using the right tools and techniques ensures you get the job done right without stains or smells coming back a week later.