How to deal with seafood water spilled on car carpet?
2 Answers
Place the carpet in a well-ventilated area, and the odor should dissipate within a few weeks. Soak it in alcohol for 10-15 minutes before normal washing. The fishy smell will dissolve and evaporate upon contact with ethanol, effectively removing the odor. Soak the carpet in salt water for several hours, then place it under the sun to dry. Scrub the carpet with hydrogen peroxide, available at flower and bird markets or hospitals. Test on a small area first to check for color fading, and ensure proper ventilation by opening car doors as bubbles may form during use.
As a mom who frequently takes my kids out for shopping, I know all too well how troublesome it can be when seafood water leaks onto the car's carpet. Seafood juices tend to leave a fishy odor, and if not treated promptly, they can turn foul and grow mold. First, quickly absorb the moisture by pressing down hard on the carpet with a clean towel or cloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Then, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing warm water and white vinegar (approximately a 1:1 ratio), dip another cloth into the mixture, and gently wipe the stained area—this helps disinfect and eliminate odors. After waiting a few minutes, sprinkle some baking soda to absorb any remaining residue, leave it overnight, and then vacuum it up the next day. Finally, use a hairdryer on a low setting to dry the carpet thoroughly, preventing moisture buildup and bacterial growth. When transporting seafood, always use sealed containers placed in the trunk, and keep some wet wipes in the car for emergencies. Health risks should never be taken lightly—unlike last time when I got lazy, leading to persistent odors in the car that triggered my child's allergies.
