Pee is a silent but deadly (and obvious) stain on your car. Pets, babies, and long trips with no stops are the main reasons for such disasters.
From stubborn urine stains on fabric car seats to the lingering odors trapped in leather car seats or even the dreaded pee-soaked car carpets, the challenge is real, but so is the solution! Thankfully, we are here to lend you a hand in these difficult times. So, let's get started with some useful tips to clean urine out of your car seats!
What Can Pee Stains Lead To?
If left untreated, pee stains can cause a terrible odor and mold growth in car seats. Here are some reasons to clean the stains as quickly as possible:
Odor Problems
Pee contains ammonia, which can make your car stink from miles away. This odor only intensifies as time goes on. Not acting quickly can leave you with a stinky car for months.
Permanent Staining
The car seat’s absorbent material sucks the pee deep into the seat, making it much harder to clean out after time has passed.
Bacterial Growth
Untreated pee stains on a car seat create the optimal environment for bacteria and mold growth. Mold is especially harmful to kids and pets, potentially leading to chronic illnesses.
What You’ll Need:
- Paper Towels
- Microfiber Cloth
- Gentle fabric cleaner
- Enzyme-based cleaner
- Vinegar
- Water
- Baking Soda
- Spray Bottle (recommended)
- Gloves (recommended)
How to Get Pee Out of Car Seats
1. Remove Moisture
The first line of defense against such an easily absorbable stain is to remove as much of it as possible.
- Use paper towels or a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Avoid scrubbing to prevent the stain from spreading.
- Place a plastic sheet over the affected area to prevent further absorption until you can clean it thoroughly.
2. Apply Enzyme Cleaner
Enzyme cleaners are the best choice for organic spills. When used on urine stains, they neutralize the odor by breaking down proteins and ammonia.
Spray the affected area liberally and allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes before blotting with a clean cloth.
3. Clean with Microfiber Cloth
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with a mild soap solution.
- Gently rub the stained area, ensuring you don’t oversaturate the fabric.
- Rinse the cloth and repeat until the stain is less visible.
- This will decrease the odor and stain visibility.
4. Vinegar Solution
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution over the stain, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then blot with a cloth.
- Repeat as necessary to neutralize odors.
5. Baking Soda
After cleaning, sprinkle enough baking soda to cover the stain. Baking soda, being a natural odor absorber will absorb any smell and moisture left.
Ideally, you want to let the baking soda sit overnight, but leaving it for a couple of hours should also do the trick.
Lastly, vacuum the baking soda for a clean stain-free, and odor-free seat.
Check our detailed guide on How to Clean a Baby Car Seat.
Tips for Different Types of Car Seat Materials
Fabric Upholstery
To get smell out of cloth car seats, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar for effective cleaning and deodorizing.
Caution: Avoid oversaturating the material to prevent water damage or mold.
Leather or Vinyl Seats
Leather seats need a more careful approach since too much liquid can damage the seat.
Apply the enzyme cleaner on a cloth and gently scrub the stain instead of applying it directly onto the seat. After cleaning, use a leather conditioner to restore their texture and appearance.
Pee stains are very urgent and serious stains that must be treated ASAP. The steps in this article give solutions that generally work on most pee stains.
However, if you have a major pee stain, these steps might not get rid of the pee smell or the stain fully. In that case, it might be best to leave it up to a trusted detailer who will provide a deep interior detailing service to get a better result.
For a quick and convenient car detailing experience, choose from many certified car detailers near you on Panda Hub. They will complete the job with absolutely no questions asked!
FAQs
Can I use a steam cleaner to remove urine stains from car seats?
Yes, but you must pre-treat the area with an enzyme cleaner first for the best results. Avoid oversaturated seats, especially the leather ones.
For other steam cleaning tips, check out this article about how to use a steam cleaner on car seats.
How do you get pee out of a seat cushion?
To remove pee from a seat cushion, follow these steps:
- Blot the Area: Use paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Apply Enzyme Cleaner: Spray an enzymatic cleaner over the affected area to break down urine compounds.
- Deep Clean: If the cushion cover is removable, wash it separately. For the cushion itself, spot clean using a mild soap or vinegar solution. Allow it to dry completely.
What kills human urine smell?
Human urine smell can be neutralized effectively with enzymatic cleaners, which break down ammonia and uric acid crystals.
White vinegar diluted with water is another effective solution for neutralizing the smell and disinfecting the area. Baking soda can absorb residual odors when sprinkled over the cleaned area and left overnight before vacuuming.
For tougher smells, a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, water, and a few drops of dish soap can be applied. Ensure the area dries completely to prevent lingering odors.
