Getting Rid of the Smell Inside the Car

[roller]

A friend of mine called me one time to help her get to the hospital because her baby was sick. I went to her home and we brought the baby to the hospital and the doctor treated her and she got well.

You might asking about my title now. Her baby threw up when we were traveling to the hospital. Now the smell of the vomit stays in the car seat. What do you think I should do?

 

[chillen]

Are you able to remove the fabric from the seat and wash it out in the machine? That would be my best guess, the plastic can be wiped clean with a rag and some soapy water but its also possible to replace the fabric if needed.

 

[Miata_Matyr]

Yep, soapy water then let it dry out in the sun... then the magic smell remover- Febreeze! It works really great on the car interior.

 

[roller]

I will try your suggestions and tell you what the results were. I did wash the fabric already but the smell stayed there. I guess I need another washing to make sure the smell will be removed.

 

[HomeMechanic]

Another thing that will work is get a small bowl of vinegar and place it in the car so it can absorb the smells. Works for cigarette smells so why not vomit? Just don't drive the car when you have the vinegar in the bowl. Wait a day or two and the smell should be gone.

 

[MiniMe]

What about charcoal? I heard that it is good in absorbing bad odors. My mother uses charcoal inside her fridge to remove the rotten smell of the vegetables or the smell of the fish and meat. I guess this will work with your car as well.

 

[HomeMechanic]

Charcoal will probably work but I'd worry about the mess but can't be any worse than a bowl of vinegar if you're careful. Another idea is to open a box of baking soda and leaving it in the car.

 

[roller]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Febreze did the job though. I washed the fabric for the second time and applied the Febreze after it dried up. I'm a happy man now that the smell is gone.

 

[Robert]

I have never heard that you can put a bowl of vinegar in your car to remove the smells. Do you use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar? I am going to have to try that to remove the cigarette smell in my car. Does it work in houses as well?