Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
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Vomit is one of the most noxious odors you are liable to have in your home and one of the hardest to get rid of. Rather than throwing out your stained items, try getting rid of the stench and stain instead. It’ll save you money and help you accrue experience cleaning tough stains.
Removing Vomit Smell
Spray the vomit stain with ½ cup (118 ml) of white vinegar, 1 tbsp (15 ml) of laundry detergent, and 2 tbsp (30 ml) of rubbing alcohol. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the spot and let it sit for 1 day. Repeat as necessary until the smell is gone.
Steps
Collect necessary supplies. In order to remove vomit from a surface you will need to have the appropriate supplies to ensure that you do so without exposing yourself to it. Get paper towels, gloves, and a plastic bag.
Pick up the chunks gently. Take two paper towels and fold them up to make them thicker. Use your paper towel to lift up chunks and place them in the bag. Scoop the chunks gently or you might push the vomit into the carpet, making the stain worse.- Alternatively, you could use a large spoon or spatula to scoop the chunks into the bag.
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Take out the vomit. Once all of the large chunks of vomit are gone, leaving only a wet surface, tie the bag tightly and place it in a trash can outside of your living space.
Clean surface with soft scrub brush and cleaning solution. A soft scrub brush will help you remove any liquids that have solidified on the carpet. Scrub vigorously with a cleaning solution. Several popular mixtures can be used as a cleaning solution.- One method is to mix one part white vinegar with one part hot water in a spray bottle. Spray a good deal of the solution on the stain before scrubbing it.[1]
- A similar solution is made by combining two cups of warm water and 1 tbsp of table salt. After the salt dissolves mix in ½ cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp of laundry detergent, and 2 tbsp of rubbing alcohol.
- ”Totally Toddler” is a solution created for cleaning vomit. It can be used the same way any of the other solutions would be used.[2]
Rinse stain. Spray the area with water and then blot it with a clean cloth. If a wet vacuum or carpet cleaner is available, use it to help dry and clean the surface.[3]- If you have used detergent in your solution, be sure to perform this step twice. Dirt clings to detergent, so you will have problems in the future if you don't get it out of your carpet.
- If you use a towel to clean the area, place the towel on the ground and walk around on it.
Use baking soda to eliminate the odor. Cover the area with baking soda and allow it to sit overnight. The following day vacuum up the baking soda. Repeat this step if necessary.[4]- To cover the smell in the interim, consider spraying it with Febreze.[5]
- Light a candle or incense to help cover the smell.
- If possible you should also open doors and windows to allow fresh air to circulate.
Soak the item. After removing chunks, and before washing the item, you should allow it to soak to remove most of the stain. Combine water with 1 cup of your regular detergent and, if possible, some Borax. Allow the item to soak for approximately two hours.[6]
Spot clean with baking soda. If some of the stain is still there, combine a small bit of water with a lot of baking soda to create a thick paste, almost like tooth paste. Rub the paste in with a sponge. Let it sit for several minutes before washing it out.- Repeat if there is still a stain.
Wash the item. Wash the item as you normally would, preferably in a load by itself. Use detergent. If the item is white, use bleach as well.- Be sure that the stain is totally removed before washing the item or it could get baked in.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow do you remove the smell of vomit from a carpet?
Susan StockerSusan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.
Cleaning ProfessionalFor stubborn vomit odors, cover the affected area with an enzyme cleaner. Let it sit for 6 hours, then vacuum the area.
Tips
- Make sure to clean up the mess as soon as it's made. It's easier to get rid of fresh sick then old sick.Thanks
- Make sure that you check the area thoroughly for splatter or any overlooked spots.Thanks
- Make sure you have an extra bucket nearby because the sight and smell of vomit might make you sick.Thanks
Warnings
- Make sure to open the windows to avoid chemical poisoning anyone in the house as well as to help get the smell out.Thanks
References
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-vomit-smell-from-microfiber-upholstery/
- ↑ http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-vomit-smell-from-carpet
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-vomit-smell-from-microfiber-upholstery/
- ↑ http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-vomit-smell-from-microfiber-upholstery/
- ↑ http://spotremoval.coit.com/how-to-remove-vomit-smell-from-carpet
- ↑ http://meaningfulmama.com/2013/05/how-to-remove-the-vomit-smell-from-anything.html
About This Article
The smell of vomit is notoriously hard to get rid of. Clean up the vomit as soon as possible to avoid giving the smell time to set in. Scoop up any solid pieces with a doubled-up paper towel and throw them away in a sealed plastic bag in an outdoor garbage container. For carpet stains, scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush and a carpet-safe cleaner designed to break down vomit odors. Spray the area down with water when you’re done, then blot it with a clean cloth to soak up the extra moisture. Finally, pour some baking soda over the stain to absorb the odor. Vacuum it up the next day. For vomit on uncarpeted floors and other washable surfaces, soak the area for 2 hours in a mixture of water and soap or detergent, then scrub it with a baking soda and water paste. For tips on getting the odor out of your washable items, keep reading!
Reader Success Stories
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