Remove odor of disposable diapers from car seats.?

Question

I helped a friend of mine buy a used car about a month and a helf ago. She got a really good deal, on a '03 Elantra in great condition. Just a few days ago a faint smell started coming from the back seats. In just three days since we first noticed it, it has become unbearable.

It is an unmistakable smell of disposable diapers, as though the previous owner left a stack of wet ones on the seat. The guy who sold it to us had it professionally cleaned, but that obviously didn't do the job... any ideas?

First, thank you all for the good answers, all are useful and would be effective.

Already know the charcoal trick.
Vinegar and water is usually a great solution, as well as baking soda to absorb the odors.
(depending on the source, baking soda for bacterial odors, charcoal for chemical ones.)

Every odor question always gets a "febreeze" or "lysol" answer, the problem is I don't want a temporary fix, and both of these really only trap and mask the odor for a week tops.

All of these solutions work for a short while to mask or trap the odor, but given a little time, will still return.

The problem is (and i don't remember the specifics) there are some dry chemicals in disposable diapers for absorbency and odor. This is what gives them their distinctive odor, and it will get out if the diaper is over soaked.

I've heard of this before, and of a solution, but I've yet to find it on the internet. The only recourse I have remaining is here, or calling a diaper manufacturer for info.

Answer 1

its gonna take a long time to go away because its down in the foam you can't remove but you can cover up use febreeze reapply as needed it will take time don't try to soak it because it will make it mildew inside making it worse or go to salvage yard and get another for about $30 bucks

Answer 2

There is a spray that you can find at petsmart called natures miracle that contain enzymes to break up odors. It's a bit pricey (about 9 dollars for a small bottle) but believe me it works. My dog had an accident on my matress and it got rid of the smell until I can buy a new one. Good luck!

Answer 3

Try baking soda...it gets out almost any odor. Just sprinkle some on the backseat, let it sit for 10 - 15 minutes, and vaccuum it up.

Answer 4

As Lilmisshomemaker said, go to PetSmart and buy a bottle of Nature's Miracle. It's great for cat/dog urine, so it should easily take care of your friend's problem. It may take a couple of applications (I don't recommend using the entire bottle in one application). Spray it once thoroughly (so the entire surface is covered), let it dry, and then spray it again.

Answer 5

Try rubbing baking soda into the fabric. Wait a few hours, perhaps a day, and then vacuum it out.

Answer 6

sounds like you need a new back seat that is if it WAS professionally cleaned if i were you id contact the guy you got the car off and get the number for the company that cleaned the car they should tell you

Answer 7

Febreeze works wonders... It got rid of the smoke smell in my Cadillac.

Answer 8

if the baking soda doesn't work, try used coffee grounds and let sit a couple of hours.

Answer 9

I'd try some Lysol spray.