How Do You Clean Vomit Out of a Car Seat?
The Fresh Start Blog
How Do You Clean Vomit Out of a Car Seat?
Car sickness, a stomach bug, a big lunch on a bumpy road. It happens to every family. Here's how to deal with it, step by step.
Messes & Spills3 min readBy Fresh Start
First, take a breath. You're still a good mom, and this is one of the most common car seat messes there is.
Right away
- Take care of your little one first.
- Lift off what you can with paper towels or a plastic scraper. Blot, don't rub.
- Open the car up to air out while you get ready to clean the seat.
Then check the manual
Vomit gets into seams, under the cover and around the buckle, so you'll likely need to take the seat apart. Your manual says which parts can come off and how each one can be cleaned.
Cleaning it
- Take photos of the seat before you remove anything.
- Remove the cover and pads if your manual allows it, and clean them exactly as it says. Some can be machine washed; some can't. See can car seat covers go in the washing machine?.
- Clean the harness and buckle using only the method your manual allows. These often have stricter rules. See can you wash car seat straps?.
- Wipe the shell, including the belt paths and corners.
- Let every part dry fully, the way the manual describes, then reassemble using your photos.
What about the smell?
Odors usually come from what's still trapped in the padding or under the cover, so a thorough clean is the fix rather than a spray. Skip air fresheners and fabric sprays unless your manual names them.
Or hand it to Tori
This is exactly what the accident / bio-mess add-on is for (+$15 on top of the seat price). Let us know when you book so we come prepared. Drop off for free at the Stonebridge community in Zephyrhills, or book a pickup: $10 within 5 miles, $15 for 6–10 miles. We can't promise every stain will lift, but we always do our best.
Rather hand it off?
Boosters $25 · Infant seats $30 · Convertibles $45. Bundle 2+ seats and save. Free drop-off at Stonebridge in Zephyrhills, or pickup.
QUICK ANSWERS
Questions Parents Ask
It's really, really bad. Can you help?
Whether the car seat is clean or dirty, you're still a good mom! This is a judgment-free zone. Give me a heads up so I come prepared, and I'll always do my best.
How much is accident cleaning?
The accident / bio-mess add-on is +$15 on top of the seat price: boosters $25, infant seats $30, convertibles $45.
How fast can I get it back?
Drop-offs start as early as 6 AM. Drop off before noon and it's ready the same day. After noon, it's ready the next day.
KEEP READING
More From the Blog
How Do You Get Crumbs Out of a Car Seat?
Goldfish, puffs and cereal get everywhere. From a quick vacuum to what's hiding under the cover.
Read the post →Can Car Seat Covers Go in the Washing Machine?
Some can, some can't. How to check yours, and how to wash, dry and refit it the way your manual says.
Read the post →
Is Professional Car Seat Cleaning Worth It?
What it costs, what's included, and what parents say about handing it off.
Read the post →Ready for a Fresh Start?
Book online in a minute, or send Tori a text. Drop off before noon and it's back the same day.
