How to Clean Pet Urine Off Car Seat

There will be times that we would want our pets to accompany us during a ride. During the whole drive, it is unavoidable that our pets will feel a call of nature and pee on the car seats.

Car owners are very much aware that pet urine can damage and stain the upholstery of the car, as well as cause foul odor to linger in the confined space in the car. Acting fast to remove pet urine in the seats will avoid further damage and prevent strong urine odor.

To help you solve pet urine problems in your car seats, Philkotse.com prepared some tips on cleaning pet urine off of car seats. There are two methods that you can use in removing urine stains from your car seats.

1. 2 ways to remove urine stains from regular car seats

Method 1

Step #1: Clean the urine stain

The best thing to do when your pet pee on the car seats is to clean it immediately. Use an absorbent towel to blot the stain until all the moisture is absorbed. This will prevent deep staining in the car seat.

The best thing to do when your pet pee on the car seats is to clean it immediately

Step #2: Open car doors and wear gloves

Let the car windows and doors open to prevent the odor of the urine and other cleaning materials to linger in your car’s interior. It’s also advisable to wear rubber gloves to prevent your hands from smelling like the cleaning solution or the urine.

Let the car windows and doors open to prevent the odor of the urine and other cleaning materials to linger in your car’s interior

Step #3: Make a cleaning solution

Mix water, dish soap, and white vinegar to make a cleaning solution. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups or 470 mL of cold water, 1 tablespoon or 15 mL of dish soap and 1 tablespoon or 15 mL of white vinegar. Then mix the ingredients gently.

Vinegar is very useful and a very important ingredient in this solution because it disinfects the stained area and also breaks down the acid present in the urine.

Vinegar is very useful and a very important ingredient in this solution 

Step #4: Blot the urine stain

In order to protect your car seats/ upholstery, do not smear or wipe the affected area. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and blot or dab it in the urine stained area. Avoid getting your car seats soaked with the cleaning solution because it will be harder to dry.

Start dabbing at the outside part of the urine stain then work to the center as you clean and sponge the area, this will prevent the urine stain to further spread.

>>> Read more: Essential tips to keep in mind when driving with dogs.

Step #5: Blot to dry

After you finished cleaning the urine stain, use another clean and dry cloth to blot dry the affected area. Soak up the excess moisture from the cleaning solution.

You can use two separate cloth, one damp clean and one clean, dry cloth to alternately dab the area using the damp cloth first then the dry cloth. Continue the process until there are no longer stains visible.

After you finished cleaning the urine stain, use another clean and dry cloth to blot dry the affected area

If there is still urine visible even after dabbing it with the cleaning solution, try applying a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to the urine stain using an eyedropper.

You can also add a few drops of ammonia, but that is optional. Use another clean cloth to blot the stain with cold water until the chemicals are completely removed.

Step #6: Let the seats air-dry

Before using the seats again, allow it to dry completely. Let it air-dry to make sure that the seats are dry inside and out.

Method 2

Step #1: Make a cleaning solution

This method doesn’t require too much hard work. So, if you prefer a different approach, this method will suit you. The first step is to make a cleaning solution. To make a cleaning solution, mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 10 ounces of hydrogen peroxide and one or two drops of dish soap or detergent.

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.

Make your own washer which can be easily done with things inside your home

This mixture will form a slightly foamy solution, so before you put the solution into the spray bottle, wait for the foam to recede. This will prevent the liquid to become too foamy and too thick when you spray it.

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Step #2: Leave the car doors and windows open

To avoid the strong scent of the solution to linger in the enclosed space of the car, leave the doors and windows open. It will also help dry out the stain faster.

Step #3: Spray the affected area

Spray the solution into the affected area. Make sure to cover the whole stain with the mixture. Then leave it to sit in for an hour or two, depending on your preference.

Spray the solution into the affected area and make sure to cover the whole stain with the mixture

Step #3: Dab with a damp cloth

When the stain is removed, hydrogen peroxide or detergent may still be left which can attract other dirt or can affect the color of the upholstery. Rinse the affected area using a damp cloth then dab the area using a dry towel until all the residue of the solution are completely removed and the area is dry.

Just like the 1^st method, let the area air-dry completely before using it.

2. Cleaning leather seats

Cleaning leather seats are different from other car upholstery. If you notice a fresh stain in the leather seats, immediately use absorbent paper towels to absorb the moisture. Don’t wipe the stain, just dab it so you won’t spread the stains around. 

Step #1: Clean the leather seat with a leather-specific deep cleaner

Use only a small amount of leather-specific cleanser on a pad or sponge then rub it in the entire area (not just the spot where the stain is) in a circular motion. Remember that when you wash a leather, you have to wash the entire cushion to prevent water stain.

Then if possible, remove the stuffing, if not, you can proceed to the next step but act immediately to prevent the stain from settling into the stuffing.

>>> You might want to read: Must-know steps on how to clean different types of car seats.

Clean the leather seat with a leather-specific deep cleaner

Step #2: Hand wash the stuffing

Use a bacterial-based cleaner or enzyme when washing the stuffing. Do this gently by hand.

Step #3: Completely dry the stuffing

Air-dry the stuffing, if possible, under direct sunlight. This will help the stuffing to dry faster and at the same time, help the order to disappear.

Step #4: Let the leather dry

Leather shouldn’t be dried under the sun because it could harden and bleach the material. Allow the leather to dry indoors and in a cool place.