Will Car Seats Smell Bad If Urinated On?
3 Answers
If not treated promptly or if the seat cushion is not replaced, there will be an odor. Below is additional information: Car seat fabrics: Generally, car seat fabrics are made of cowhide, which can be categorized into water buffalo hide, cattle hide, and composite leather. Among these, cattle hide is considered the best. Cowhide fabrics: Cowhide can typically be split into several layers. The outermost layer is called full-grain leather, which has the best texture, is stretch-resistant, and breathable. The next layer is split leather, which has poorer elasticity and is prone to peeling. Full-grain leather is usually used for car seats. Perforated genuine leather: Currently, perforated genuine leather is quite popular in the market. This type of seat is flexible, highly breathable, easy to maintain, and has a longer lifespan.
As a parent who frequently travels with children, I can confidently say that urine on car seats definitely causes odors, and quite strong ones at that. I've personally experienced this situation—my child accidentally urinated during a car ride, and without immediate cleanup, the car smelled strongly of ammonia the next day, which was quite nauseating. This happens because urine contains urea, bacteria, and other organic compounds that seep into the seat fabric or foam, becoming trapped and difficult to eliminate, especially in the summer heat. If left untreated, the odor can attract mold, leading to permanent stains. My advice is to immediately absorb the surface urine, then clean the area with warm water and a mild detergent, followed by thorough air-drying. This significantly reduces recurring odors. It’s also a good idea to keep a deodorizing spray in the car and regularly check the seat’s condition.
From a cleaning perspective, urine stains certainly generate unpleasant odors, primarily due to chemical reactions caused by ammonia and acidic substances in urine. Once the liquid soaks into the seat, it quickly penetrates inner materials like foam or fabric, where those chemicals begin to decompose and release pungent smells, which may even ferment and intensify after a few days. Older car seats are particularly troublesome because aged materials absorb urine more easily, making stains and odors harder to remove. To prevent this, immediate action is necessary—first blotting the urine with paper towels, then gently scrubbing the deeper layers with an enzymatic cleaner, avoiding bleach to prevent fabric damage. After drying, spraying ozone or baking soda helps neutralize odors long-term, keeping the car's air fresher.
