Quick steps
- Put on gloves and open the doors or windows.
- Scoop up solids with a spoon, card, or scraper, working from the outside in.
- Blot liquid with paper towels. Do not rub.
- Treat the area with a cleaner suited to the surface, then an enzymatic cleaner for the smell.
- Remove as much moisture as you can, then dry the area completely.
Acting quickly matters. The longer vomit sits, the deeper it can soak into foam and carpet backing, and the harder the stain and smell are to remove.
Before you start: safety
- Wear gloves and wash your hands well afterwards. Vomit can carry germs, so avoid touching your face while cleaning.
- Ventilate. Open all doors and windows.
- Never mix cleaners. Do not combine bleach with ammonia, or bleach with vinegar or other acids, because they can release toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between products, and follow the label.
- Skip bleach on upholstery. It can discolor fabric and damage leather.
- Keep children and pets away until the area is clean, rinsed, and dry. Store sprays, enzyme products, and baking soda out of reach, and check product labels for pet and child guidance. Pets are often drawn to the smell and may try to lick the spot.
What you will need
- Disposable gloves and trash bags
- A spoon, plastic scraper, or stiff card
- Paper towels or old rags, and clean microfiber cloths
- Baking soda
- Mild dish soap and water
- An enzymatic cleaner (made for pet or organic stains; follow the label)
- A soft brush
- A wet/dry vacuum or carpet extractor (helpful, not essential)
- White vinegar (optional, for fabric and carpet only, used alone)
Step-by-step
Remove solids
Use a spoon or scraper to lift solids from the edges toward the center, so you do not spread the mess. Place everything in a sealed bag. Avoid pressing down, which can push material deeper into the fabric.
Blot liquid
Press paper towels or a cloth onto wet areas to soak up liquid. Replace them as they become saturated. Rubbing can spread the stain and damage fabric fibers.
If the mess is on a removable floor mat, take it out and clean it outside.
Treat the stain on fabric and carpet
The same principles apply indoors; see how to clean vomit off carpet. You have a few common options. Test any of them on a small hidden spot first.
- Baking soda. Sprinkle a generous layer over the damp area and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes to help absorb moisture and odor, then vacuum or scrape it up.
- Mild soap and water. Mix a small amount of dish soap in warm water, dab it on with a cloth, and blot repeatedly, using a clean part of the cloth each time. Avoid soaking the seat.
- Diluted white vinegar. Some people use equal parts white vinegar and water on fabric and carpet. It may help with odor, but it has a strong smell of its own and can harm some materials, so use it sparingly, and never mix it with bleach or other cleaners.
Blot with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue, then blot dry.
Use an enzymatic cleaner for the smell
Vomit contains organic material that leaves odor behind even after the stain is gone. Enzymatic cleaners are made to break down this type of residue. Apply as directed on the label, keep the area damp for the recommended time, and blot or extract. Avoid using hot water or strong chemical cleaners before an enzymatic product unless the label says it is fine, as they can interfere with how some products work.
Extract and dry
If you have a wet/dry vacuum or extractor, pull out as much moisture as possible. Otherwise, blot with dry towels, pressing firmly. Then dry the seat thoroughly using open doors and windows, a fan, or a sunny, breezy spot. Foam and carpet padding can stay damp underneath, and lingering moisture can lead to odor and mold (see how to clean mold out of a car).
Leather and vinyl seats
Baking soda and vinegar are best avoided on leather, as they can dry or mark it. Wipe up solids and liquid gently, then clean with a cleaner designed for leather or vinyl, or a barely damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap. Wipe dry and follow with a leather conditioner if recommended by the manufacturer. Check seams and perforations, where liquid can seep into the foam below.
Floor mats and seat belts
- Rubber mats: Rinse outside with soap and water, scrub, rinse again, and let dry fully.
- Carpet mats: Follow the fabric steps above, or hose them off if they are made for it, then dry completely. See also how to clean carpet floor mats.
- Seat belts: Pull the belt fully out, wipe with a cloth and mild soap and water, and let it dry while extended. Do not use bleach or harsh solvents on seat belts, and do not retract them while wet.
Child car seat straps and buckles
Always check the car seat manual first. In general, car seat manufacturers advise spot cleaning the straps with a soft cloth, water, and mild soap, and warn against bleach, solvents, abrasive cleaners, and often vinegar, on straps and buckles. Harsh products and machine washing can weaken harness straps. Do not use lubricants on buckles. Swish a soiled buckle in warm water and press the button to release trapped residue, keeping straps as dry as you can.
Straps can hold odor, so let them dry in fresh air or sunlight. If the straps cannot be cleaned within the manufacturer’s instructions, contact the manufacturer about replacement parts. For more on seat covers, see how to clean seat covers.
Can old vomit stains be removed?
Often they can be improved, though results vary. For dried stains, scrape off crusted material gently, then dampen the area with water or a mild soap solution to loosen it, blot, and apply an enzymatic cleaner for the full contact time. Repeat if needed. Old stains on light fabric or in thick foam may not disappear entirely, and the smell can linger until the layers beneath are cleaned and dried. If the stain persists after a couple of attempts, a professional with an extractor may do better.
Getting the smell out for good
- Make sure the spot is fully dry; a damp seat tends to keep smelling.
- Repeat the enzymatic treatment if odor remains.
- Leave baking soda on dry fabric for several hours or overnight, then vacuum.
- Air the car out in fresh air with the doors open.
- Check the floor mats, seat belts, seat cracks, and the carpet underneath for missed spots.
- Air fresheners only mask smells, so use them after cleaning, not instead.
How much does it cost to have it professionally cleaned?
There is no single price. Cost varies by location, the provider, how large and old the mess is, which surfaces it reached, and whether the seats or carpet need deeper extraction. Interior detailing and odor treatment are often priced differently, so ask for a quote and what it includes. If a rideshare driver or rental company is involved, check their cleaning fee policy.
If the seat stays damp
If the seat or carpet still feels damp after a day or smells musty, it needs more drying. Pull back the carpet or mats if you can, use fans, and consider a dehumidifier. Persistent dampness is a mold risk, so see our mold cleaning guide.