A car interior is built from the materials that hold contamination best: thick seat foam, fabric or perforated leather, molded carpet over sound-deadening padding, and dozens of gaps where liquid can run toward the floor pan. Fluids in a vehicle tend to travel down and toward the back of the seat cushion, into seat tracks and under the carpet, where they can sit unseen near wiring and seat sensors.
Temperature swings make things harder. A closed vehicle in a Denver summer gets very hot, which speeds decomposition and drives odor into every surface. In winter, fluids can freeze and then soak in again during a warm spell. If a vehicle was involved in a death or serious injury, it may be held by law enforcement for some time; ask when it will be released and where it is stored.
Common vehicle components and what usually happens to them
- Component
- Seat cushion foam
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Removed and replaced
- Notes
- Foam absorbs deeply and cannot be reliably disinfected
- Component
- Seat covers (fabric or leather)
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Replaced if soaked; cleaned if only surface contact
- Notes
- Perforated leather lets fluid pass through to foam
- Component
- Floor carpet and padding
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Removed and replaced
- Notes
- Molded carpet is usually one large piece
- Component
- Metal floor pan and seat frames
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Cleaned, disinfected and dried
- Notes
- Check for rust if moisture sat for a long time
- Component
- Seat belts
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Often replaced
- Notes
- Webbing absorbs fluids; replacement involves safety parts
- Component
- Hard plastic trim and dash
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Cleaned and disinfected
- Notes
- Seams and vents need detailed attention
- Component
- Cabin air filter and vents
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Filter replaced; vents cleaned
- Notes
- Odor can circulate through the HVAC system
- Component
- Airbag modules and wiring
- Typical treatment when contaminated
- Inspected by a qualified mechanic
- Notes
- Not something a cleaning provider should alter
Questions to ask a provider about a vehicle
Not every biohazard provider works on vehicles. Ask directly.
- Do you clean vehicles, and can the work be done where the car is stored, or must it be towed?
- Which parts do you expect to remove, and who will source and install replacements?
- Will safety components such as seat belts, airbags and seat sensors be left to a qualified mechanic?
- How will you handle personal items found in the car, including glove box papers?
- How will you confirm odor is gone, and over how many days of warm weather should I check?
- Will you provide photos and a written list of removed parts for my insurer?
Common questions
- Can an auto detailer handle this?
- Detailers clean surfaces. Contamination that has soaked into foam and carpet calls for removal, protective equipment and proper disposal, which most detailers do not offer. Ask any provider plainly about bloodborne pathogens training and disposal.
General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.