%20copy.avif)
BlogGalleryGift Cardscontact Us!
A little disclosure: There are affiliate links on this page! If you click on a link, find something you like and buy it, we'll earn some cash. But there's no extra cost to you, promise.
Every product we recommend is one we trust, use in the field, and love because it delivers results! Benefit from our years of hands-on testing and proven methods to make your cleaning experience easier, faster, and more effective.
Every product we recommend is one we trust, use in the field, and love because it delivers results! Benefit from our years of hands-on testing and proven methods to make your cleaning experience easier, faster, and more effective.
How to Clean Urine Out of a Car
Accidents happen, and when urine finds its way into your car, it can feel like a disaster. Beyond the immediate mess, urine can seep into upholstery, carpeting, or even perforated leather seats, leaving stains and persistent odors if not cleaned properly. Acting quickly and using the right techniques can make all the difference in maintaining your car’s cleanliness and comfort.
This in-depth guide provides step-by-step instructions, essential tips, and product recommendations to remove urine effectively, ensuring your car stays fresh and odor-free.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
Urine is not just a liquid spill—it’s a biohazard that can cause long-term damage to your car’s interior if left untreated. Here are the main issues you might face:
- Bacteria Growth: Urine is an organic compound that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly.
- Lingering Odors: As urine dries, the smell becomes harder to neutralize.
- Staining: Urine can penetrate upholstery or leather, leaving behind unsightly discoloration that becomes more difficult to remove over time.
Immediate action is the key to avoiding permanent damage.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Having the right tools and cleaning products ensures an effective and efficient cleanup. Here’s what you’ll need:
The Best Products:
- Enzymatic Cleaner: The best option for breaking down urine and eliminating odors
- Urine Specific Odor Remover: For Really Stubborn Odors and the Quickest Elimination of Smell
The Right Tools:
- Absorbent Cloths or Paper Towels: For blotting up liquid.
- Rubber Gloves: To protect your hands during cleaning.
- Spray Bottle: For applying cleaning solutions.
- Soft-Bristle Brush: For scrubbing fabrics gently. We recommend a white drill brush to save you some time and effort. (Not safe for Leather)
- Microfiber Towels: For wiping and drying surfaces.
- Leather Cleaner / Conditioner: To protect and restore leather seats after cleaning.
- Wet/Dry Vacuum (Optional): For deep extraction of moisture and residue.
The Natural Option:
- Baking Soda: Absorbs odors and residual moisture; especially helpful if you’re not using an enzyme cleaner.
- White Vinegar: A natural, affordable cleaning solution that breaks down stains and neutralizes odors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Urine in Your Car
1. Blot the Urine Immediately
Acting fast is crucial to prevent the urine from soaking further into your car’s upholstery or padding.
- Use absorbent cloths or paper towels to blot the urine gently.
- Avoid rubbing, as it can spread the liquid and push it deeper into the material.
2. Choose Your Cleaning Method
The cleaning method you use depends on the materials in your car and the cleaning products available.
Enzymatic Cleaners (Highly Recommended)
Enzymatic cleaners are the gold standard for urine removal because they contain enzymes that break down the proteins in urine at a molecular level. These cleaners eliminate stains and odors more effectively than traditional solutions.
Important Note:
- If you use an enzymatic cleaner, do not use vinegar or baking soda. The chemical makeup of these substances can neutralize the enzymes, reducing their effectiveness. Stick to the enzymatic cleaner for best results.
Vinegar and Baking Soda (Alternative Solution)
If you don’t have an enzymatic cleaner:
- Clean the area with a solution of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). This neutralizes odors and disinfects the area. Let the solution sit for 15–20 minutes.
- Once the area is dry, sprinkle baking soda over it to absorb any remaining odors. Allow it to sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum it up.
Important Note:
Do not use vinegar and baking soda together. These two substances react chemically to neutralize each other, making them ineffective when combined. Use them separately, with vinegar as the cleaning step and baking soda as the odor-absorbing step.
3. Treat the Surface
Fabric or Carpet Interiors
- Spray the enzymatic cleaner generously onto the affected area.
- Allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes to penetrate the fabric and break down the urine. If you can let it sit longer (1 hour+) do, then come back and wet it again before blotting.
- Blot the area again with a clean cloth to remove the cleaner and any remaining urine.
Non-Perforated Leather Seats
- Use the enzymes, the leather-safe cleaner, or a vinegar-and-water solution.
- Apply the solution to a microfiber cloth (not directly onto the leather) and gently wipe the surface.
- Avoid over-saturating the leather to prevent damage.
Perforated Leather Seats
Perforated leather seats require extra attention because urine can seep into the small holes and reach the foam padding underneath. Here’s how to clean them effectively:
- Blot the Surface: Use a microfiber cloth to soak up as much urine as possible without pushing it deeper into the perforations.
- Apply an Enzymatic Cleaner: Spray a leather-safe enzymatic cleaner onto the affected area. Allow the cleaner to soak into the perforations, letting the enzymes break down the urine deep inside the seat.
- Don’t worry—enzymatic cleaners are safe for automotive leather because most modern leather interiors are treated with a protective coating.
- Let It Sit: Allow the enzymatic cleaner to sit for a few seconds to penetrate the perforations and work on the foam underneath.
- Wipe and Condition: After the cleaner has done its job, wipe the surface clean with a microfiber cloth. Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and maintain the leather’s suppleness.
6. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum for Deep Cleaning
If the urine has soaked into the padding, use a wet/dry vacuum to extract as much liquid and cleaner as possible. This ensures no moisture is left behind that could lead to mold or mildew.
7. Dry the Area Thoroughly
Moisture left in your car’s interior can lead to further problems. Use a dry microfiber towel to remove excess moisture, then leave the car doors open or run the air conditioning to promote airflow.
8. Use Odor Remover for Stubborn Smells
If the urine odor persists after using an enzymatic cleaner or alternative methods:
- Apply Odor Remover: Spray liberally directly onto the affected area.
- Leave windows and doors open if possible. Allow product to air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
This step is particularly helpful for deeply embedded smells or when multiple cleaning attempts have failed to eliminate the odor completely.
9. Absorb Odors Naturally with Baking Soda
For fabric or carpet interiors, after odor remover has dried, sprinkle baking soda over the cleaned area to absorb any residual odors. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it thoroughly to remove the powder.
10. Finish with Leather Conditioning
For leather seats, always finish the cleaning process with a high-quality leather conditioner. This step protects the material, restores its natural shine, and prevents cracking over time. The one we just linked to is our favorite because it contains penetrating oils that allow it to seep deep into the leather, rather than just conditioning the surface.
Additional Tips for Success
- Act Fast: The sooner you clean up the urine, the less likely it is to cause stains or odors.
- Test Products First: Always test cleaners on a small, hidden area to ensure they don’t discolor or damage your car’s interior.
- Prevent Future Incidents: Consider using waterproof seat covers or protective mats if you frequently travel with pets or young children.
When to Call a Professional
For severe cases where urine has deeply soaked into the foam or padding, professional detailing services are your best option. Moran's Performance Detailing specializes in advanced cleaning techniques, including steam cleaning, extraction, and odor neutralization, to restore your car’s interior to its original condition.
Why Choose Moran’s Performance Detailing?
Moran's Performance Detailing is the trusted mobile detailing service in Atlantic Beach, FL, and Northeast Florida. We bring professional-grade tools and expertise directly to your driveway, ensuring even the toughest stains and odors are completely removed. From urine cleanup to complete interior detailing, we provide tailored solutions to meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning urine from your car is challenging, but with the right tools, techniques, and quick action, you can restore your car’s interior to a fresh, clean state. If you use enzymatic cleaners (highly recommended), avoid vinegar or baking soda to preserve their effectiveness. If enzymatic cleaners aren’t available, vinegar and baking soda can be effective alternatives when used separately. For persistent stains or odors, trust Moran's Performance Detailing to handle the mess and give your car the care it deserves.
Contact us today to schedule your detailing service and enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable ride!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Urine from Car Seats
1. How can I remove urine stains from cloth car seats?
To remove urine stains from cloth car seats, first, blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, apply an enzymatic cleaner specifically designed for breaking down organic stains like urine. Spray the cleaner directly onto the stain, allow it to sit for as long as possible, then gently blot the area with a clean cloth. If odor persists try a urine specific odor remover like Thornell Odor-Off Concentrate.
2. What is the best method to clean urine from leather car seats?
For leather seats, blot the urine immediately with a soft microfiber cloth to absorb the liquid. Use a leather-safe enzymatic cleaner, allowing it to penetrate into the perforations in the leather for deep cleaning. Let it sit for a few minutes to work effectively, then wipe the surface clean. Afterward, apply a leather conditioner to restore and protect the leather. For lingering odors, repeat the process and allow the area to fully dry. You can also try a urine specific odor remover like Thornell Odor-Off Concentrate.
3. How do I eliminate urine odor from my car upholstery?
The best way to eliminate urine odor from car upholstery is by using an enzymatic cleaner. These cleaners break down the odor-causing molecules in urine, ensuring the smell doesn’t return. Spray the enzymatic cleaner generously, let it sit for the recommended time, and blot the area to remove the cleaner. For lingering odors, repeat the process and allow the area to fully dry. You can also try a urine specific odor remover like Thornell Odor-Off Concentrate.
4. Can baking soda remove urine smell from car seats?
Yes, baking soda can help remove urine smell if an enzymatic cleaner is unavailable. After cleaning the area with an enzyme or vinegar-water solution, let it dry completely. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight to absorb odors. Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly. If odors persist you may want to try something stronger. A urine specific odor remover like Thornell Odor-Off Concentrate is what we recommend.
5. Is it safe to use vinegar on car seat upholstery?
Yes, a diluted solution of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio) is generally safe for cleaning car seat upholstery. It disinfects and helps neutralize odors. However, do not use vinegar if you’ve applied an enzymatic cleaner, as the two can cancel each other out. Always test vinegar on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain.