When your carpet is the victim of a friend who drank too much tequila or a toddler who vomits his food for the first time, of course you want to get rid of the smell. Here are steps that won't get rid of your bad memory, but can get rid of the smell forever.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using Laundry Soap
Step 1. Wet the vomited area with water to make it easier to clean
Prevent water that has touched the vomit from seeping into clean areas so that stains and odors don't spread and complicate the drying process.
Even though it's heavy and disgusting, you should also clean up any "solid" vomit that's left on the carpet. If carpet stains are very difficult to remove, try another article as this article will only explain how to remove odors
Step 2. Scrub the dampened area of the carpet using laundry soap and a hard-bristled brush
If you're worried about damaging the carpet, you can dilute laundry detergent with water first. You can also use peroxide as an additive when cleaning white carpets. Do not use peroxide if you are cleaning carpets of other colors.
When cleaning, the vomit smell may become more intense. You don't have to worry, that means dirt is rising to the surface
Step 3. Suck up the soapy water, which now also contains vomit, with a regular vacuum cleaner or with a wet/dry vacuum
If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, use a clean towel. A wet vacuum cleaner is best for this task, but you can also use a towel if you don't mind drying it for an hour or two.
Step 4. Rinse off the remaining soap stuck to the carpet using water
Scrub carefully to lift the soap onto the carpet surface. This step sometimes has to be repeated several times until the soap you are using can be completely lifted from the carpet fibers.
If you leave the soap remaining, the carpet may harden and lose some of its color. So even if this step seems safe to skip, you can maintain the beauty of your carpet if you do it well
Step 5. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the water and dry the carpet
Don't just assume your job is done, you won't know until the carpet is completely dry. If the stain and smell persist, try a different method after you've let it sit for a while. You may just need to wait until the smell goes away on its own.
Step 6. Finally, you can choose to use a lubricant or fragrance as a sweetener
Smelly rugs are great, but wouldn't it be great if your rug smelled good? Spray the area you want to scent and your job is done!
Method 2 of 4: Using Enzymatic Cleaners
Step 1. Scrub the stained area with the diluted laundry detergent
Not all types of carpet can be cleaned with laundry detergent alone, so you should use a solution consisting of 1/3 laundry detergent and 2/3 water. Carefully scrub the stained area using a hard-bristled brush to clean the surface and inside of the carpet.
Step 2. Dry the carpet with a dry towel
You can also use a vacuum cleaner. If you are using a towel, dry the carpet by pressing the stained area. Maintain pressure until your carpet is completely dry.
Step 3. Wet the stained area with an enzymatic cleaner and leave it for some time
These types of cleaners can be easily purchased in the cleaning aisle or pet products at the convenience store. Look for products labeled “Deodorize in an instant!” or the like. This type of product can break down odor-causing proteins and clean stains.
Make sure you don't forget to let it sit for a few hours. Do not forget to "wet" the carpet until it is completely wet. Don't think about the amount of cleaner you use, get your carpet wet
Step 4. Dry the carpet with a vacuum cleaner or a towel
After a few hours, dry the stained area using a wet/dry towel or vacuum cleaner. You have to be really patient when using towels. Make sure you continue to apply pressure for about an hour to dry the stained area.
Step 5. Finally, let the carpet dry by itself
If the smell still doesn't go away, you may have to wait until the carpet is 100% dry. Leave it overnight and look at, or sniff, your carpet to make sure the vomit smell is gone.
Method 3 of 4: Using Baking Soda Paste
Step 1. Make a paste from a mixture of baking soda and water
Make it thick like toothpaste. You can also add a drop or two of laundry detergent or peroxide. Be careful because peroxide can stain your carpet.
Make enough, until you can make a thin layer all over the stained area. Imagine that you are making icing for a cake, it doesn't need to be too thick but thin and even
Step 2. Apply the paste on the stained/smelly area
Give the paste time to dry and scrub with a brush (or toothbrush if you don't have one). Make sure you can scrub both the surface and the inside, sometimes the "borders" of the stain are the hardest to clean.
Step 3. Remove the paste after 24 hours
When it's done doing its job, the pasta will have a hard, dry crust. Use a butter knife to peel off as much of the paste as you can, along with any leftover vomit and odors on the carpet!
Step 4. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the rest
Use a vacuum cleaner after you've finished cleaning what you can by hand. If all goes well, the smell will go away! Otherwise, re-wet the smelly area with a damp cloth and clean it with a vacuum cleaner, then your problem is solved!
Use lubricants or clothing deodorizers as sweeteners. If the smell persists, try to wait a while before taking the next step. Wet carpet can give off a strong odor, but it will go away once it dries
Method 4 of 4: Using Vinegar or Window Cleaner
Step 1. Make a solution of water and vinegar/window cleaner
If you're running out of cleaner, vinegar and window cleaner can be used for carpets too. Use a solution of 1/3 vinegar/window cleaner and 2/3 water. If you're using vinegar, add a drop or two of laundry or dish soap to help remove odors.
Step 2. Wet and scrub the stained area
Scrub using the cleaning solution you made with a brush or foam. If you use vinegar, the smell will be more pungent, but be patient as it will go away in time.
Step 3. Let it sit for a while
After you've scrubbed all the stained areas, leave the carpet for an hour or two. You've done everything you could. Give the solution you created time to dispel any odors that cling to your carpet.
Step 4. Use a vacuum cleaner
Use a vacuum cleaner after the carpet starts to dry. If you don't have one, use a dry towel. Press the soiled area to force the trapped liquid out.
- If there is still soap stuck to it, use a damp cloth and dry with a dry cloth.
- You will still smell it when the carpet is still wet, but trust me and hope the smell will go away when it dries!
Step 5. Done
Tips
- The longer you wait to clean, the worse it will get. Remove vomit stains as soon as possible.
- You can also use products like deodorizing pet soap.
- Don't let your friends drink tequila in your house again.
- Consider calling a professional carpet cleaner.
Attention
- Do not use ammonia on wool rugs to avoid stains.
- Peroxide can stain carpets, so use caution.
