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Cleaning seats that smell like rodents

PostPosted: Thu Sep 07, 2017 11:32 pm
by daveyc123
Hi guys, does anybody have any tips or advice for cleaning seats that smell like mouse wee?
Thanks David

Re: Cleaning seats that smell like rodents

PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 2:31 am
by jpsmit
daveyc123 wrote:Hi guys, does anybody have any tips or advice for cleaning seats that smell like mouse wee?
Thanks David


Not sure which car you have, but, I recently made a pair of good seats out of about 5 - the upholstry is not difficult to remove - at least from the seat bases - you could strip down and clean and reassemble.

I would also suggest that since the seats are vinyl, you could probably apply fairly aromatic and strong cleaner - especially from the bottom of the seats without fear of disintigration - though give it good time to dry!

Re: Cleaning seats that smell like rodents

PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 9:34 am
by 1972nail
I personally have never sniffed mouse wee......

If it's a car with fabric seats then a good upholstery cleaner should be the first port of call, followed by a good wash with a solution of hot water and bicarbonate of soda, yes, baking soda... followed by a steam clean to kill any bacteria still present and also tighten the fabric up a bit. I use a proper steam household cleaner but you can steam the fabric with a steam wallpaper stripper.

As a last resort, although some would say the first thing to try, you could use something like 'Fabreeze' or a trainer cleaner. I say last resort as these tend to mask smells with a different smell which you may not like either.

Re: Cleaning seats that smell like rodents

PostPosted: Fri Sep 08, 2017 1:55 pm
by jpsmit
I forgot about the fabric seat bit - on this side of the pond they are almost all vinyl.

Is the smell coming from the seats themselves? Have you taken the seats out to let them air? - also to see what is under and in them. (and it my be the carpet)

We have cats and have upholstry/carpet cleaner that is specifically designed to neutralize pet odors (and urine) should be available there as well.