How to Remove Poop and Odour from Your Car Seat

This post will cover how to remove poop and its odour from your car seat. We will assume there is a significant amount of poop that has been left to sit for some time. If the poop has gone down the seat buckle area, as shown in the photo, it is best to remove the entire seat. Often, we don't know how much poop is under the seat. Keep in mind that this is a sign of a bad cleaner.

About Me

I own a car detailing business that specializes in cleaning human remains and all types of biohazards. My goal is to provide the best service for extreme and sensitive vehicle cleaning.

Important Notes

This cleaning method is overkill for vinyl, faux leather, leather, suede, or Alcantara. The listed products are better extracted with a smooth-tipped wet/dry vacuum. Use an interior-safe degreaser and warm (but not boiling) water.

The seatbelt is very durable. You can use heavy-duty cleaners designed for outdoor furniture (these cleaners are marketed as mould/mildew removers for boats and lawnchairs). . However, be aware of your surroundings when cleaning. Seatbelts can warp when exposed to hot water. In terms of chemical resistance, they are solid.

Recommended Products Note: These products are genuine the should be the same in each country but with different names and branding. You will typically buy these products from a Professional Cleaning Store.

For Strong Odours

The first two products are only necessary if the odour is too strong and you want it gone ASAP. The downside is that they add to the expense of the job.

• Agar Everfresh (cost + $60.00 for 5 litres) - Helpful but not necessary.

• What is: Agar Everfresh uses deodorizer oils to cover/mask smells.

• Gsolve (cost $30 for 500 ml) - This will help remove the Everfresh odour.

• What is: G-solve It is a solvent based pre treatment which removes oils. It also removes, gum, ink, sun screen, human body oils. This product can vary by country. Simetimes it can be called orange or citius solvent. Make sure this product is carpet safe. Be aware there can be variants that smell like petrol or gas. Stay away from those as the require more work to remove and are more dangerous.

  
  

For Removing Poop

• Actichem Deozyme (price up to $30 for 500ml)

• What is Acthem Deozyme? It is a enzyme cleaner that when use correctly removes the smell of decaying human tissue and sewage (it attacks organic waste). There is too many ineffective enzyme cleaners out there. The weak ones are sold at non cleaning stores. You want something heavy duty not cat pee remover or anything that sounds silly. Example don't by Human pee destoryer (it's not going to work).

• Agar Amsolve - Food, Protein & Blood Stain Remover

• What is Agar Amsolve remover? It is a carpet cleaner/no foam shampoo. It is designed to remove blood and protein stains. Now this product and products like ammonia (really smell like ammonia). There is several carpet safe ammonia cleaners out there but whatever you do... do not buy ammonia as a stand alone carpet cleaner. Buy an carpet cleaner with ammonia in it. Follow the instructions.

• Either Agar Gsolve or an interior-safe degreaser (e.g., 3D Interior Degreaser)

• Agar Tannex (neutraliser) - Note: smells like vinegar (cost $10 for 500 ml)

• What is Tannex? It's carpet cleaner which has a fair amount of vinegar in it. Vinegar is great removing all types of smells but does leave it's own smell. Tannex neutralizes Amsolve. So if you're not in Australia and your buying something like Amsolve ask the sales person if there is a neutralizer. Note: neutralizers come in contact with ammonia they will produce a gas cloud at the point of impact (wear and mask and have plenty of air flow).

  
  

Example just in case:

You go to your Cleaning supply store and find a carpet cleaner with ammonia. Look at the back and see if that cleaner has a recommended follow up product. Also search online or ask the sales person.

Machinery

I prefer using an Ozito wet/dry 20-litre vacuum from Bunnings and a 1-litre kettle.

Cleaning Methods and Steps

Preparation

Work in small areas at a time. Water tends to pool at the back of the chair. Clean the front and top first, then work your way back. Control the water; do not let it splash, spill, or leak. This can be avoided by working slowly in small sections. Always have the wet/dry vacuum on and ready to go. Extract as much as you can. DO NOT USE A HOSE OR PRESSURE WASHER.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Remove as much of the poop as you can with the wet/dry vacuum. Do not use water, and do not grind it in.

2. If the odour is too strong, lightly spray Agar Everfresh over the poop areas and let it sit for 5 minutes.

3. Use the wet/dry vacuum to remove anything that might have loosened.

4. Spray Gsolve over the area that had the poop. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

5. Use cold water to extract the areas covered by the Gsolve chemical. You can use hot water if you want. Hot water breaks down poop better, but it also creates a smell.

6. Extract the area two to three times. The last extraction must be with cold water.

7. Following the dilution ratio, spray Actichem Deozyme over the poop area. Avoid plastics and wipe down any plastics this product comes in contact with. This product is an enzyme digester that speeds up the odour's lifespan. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

8. All enzyme cleaners must be extracted with cold water. Heat reduces the effectiveness of the product. Use cold water and extract three different times.

9. Now it is time to use the degreaser (Gsolve or other). Follow the application instructions and remove with the extractor. By this stage, the smell should be completely gone.

10. If you have not already, put on a mask, gloves, and eyewear. Agar's Amsolve is extremely powerful. Work in a well-ventilated area. This product can irritate your eyes, damage your skin, and cause breathing difficulties. Follow the dilution instructions and spray Amsolve over the poop spot. Wait between 3 and 5 minutes max, and remove with cold water and your wet/dry vacuum. I would repeat the extraction process twice.

11. Finally, use Agar's Tannex. Follow the instructions and remove with cold water.

12. Fan or air dry the area. Do not leave the car wet with the windows up.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove poop and its odour from your car seat. Remember, always prioritize safety and cleanliness in your vehicle.