How to Remove Pet Odors and Smells in the Car

Do you like taking your dog along for car rides? Is it his favorite thing to do other than getting taken for a walk at the park? Maybe your cat likes going for car rides to get out of the house and explore the world? When we take our pets along in our cars, pet odors and smells in the car can start to develop.

Getting rid of pet odors and smells is not that hard or difficult. For car wash owners, you could add a pet odor and stain detailing service where you detail the interior of their vehicles and leave them smelling great!

(H2) Step 1: Pre-treat any stains with a stain removal product.

Stains can be difficult to remove and need a little extra help. Apply the product and allow it to sit for several minutes to soak into the stain and loosen it up. You should never scrub stains, as this can cause them to become larger and even harder to remove. You can blot the stain to remove some of the pre-treatment if you want to, but it normally isn’t necessary.

(H3) How to Remove Difficult Odors and Stains

If you have customers whose pets had accidents in their vehicles, you will want to use a bio-enzymatic type of stain and odor remover. The enzymes in the product will attack the biological components of the stains and odors so they can be removed. For these types of stains, apply the bio-enzymatic cleaner during the pre-treatment step.

Step 2: Vacuum the vehicle. 

Sweep out the vehicle to remove pet hair and pet dander. Make sure to vacuum under the seats, as well as down the sides and in between. Remove any floor mats and sweep under those too.

Step 3: Clean the carpets, floor mats, and upholstery.

Use a car carpet cleaner product to detail clean the carpeting, floor mats, and cloth upholstery. Apply the carpet cleaner by spraying it on following the application directions. You can use a steam cleaner to help remove the carpet cleaner once it is time to remove it.

Steam cleaning delivers superior results, compared to using a wet vac to remove the carpet cleaner. Plus, you don’t have to blot the carpeting, floor mats, or upholstery.

For leather upholstery, you’ll want to use a leather cleaner to remove any stains or odors. Once it has been cleaned, apply a leather conditioner to the leather. Finish off by applying a leather protectant that helps make it easier to clean and maintain the leather.

Step 4: Allow the carpets, floors mats, and upholstery to fully dry.

If you let your car wash customer drive off with wet carpeting, upholstery, or floor mats, they can get dirty and stained and completely undo everything you just did to clean them.

Step 5: Vacuum a second time. 

A second vacuum should be done to ensure you fully removed any dirt, debris, pet hair, and pet dander. It also helps make the carpeting, floor mats, and upholstery not look matted down.

Step 6: Apply a stain and odor guard.

There are various products you can use that help prevent stains, repel liquids, and repel odors. Applying it now will make it easier to clean your customers’ vehicles later.

Step 7: Sell hammock-style pet car back seat covers.

Hammock-style pet car back seat covers are a great way to keep your customers’ vehicles stain and odor-free. They can launder the hammock or simply replace it once it starts to smell and is stained.

By using these steps, you can help remove pet odors and smells in the car for your car wash customers. If you have a self-serve car wash, post these steps near your vacuum cleaners and sell all of the needed products in your vending machines.

To find car carpet cleaner, pet car back seat covers, and auto detailing supplies at wholesale prices for your car wash, please feel free to browse and shop online at Superior Car Wash Supply or give us a call at 800-554-9274 for further assistance today!