The smell of vomit is one of the most foul odors you're likely to encounter in your home and is one of the most difficult to get rid of. Instead of throwing away stained items, try to get rid of the stench and stains. This will save you money and increase the experience of cleaning stubborn stains.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning up Vomit
Step 1. Gather the necessary supplies
When it comes to removing vomit from a surface, you'll need some proper equipment to make sure you're doing it without getting yourself dirty. Take a paper towel/napkin, gloves, and a plastic bag.
Step 2. Gently lift the lump of vomit
Take two paper towels/napkins and fold them to make them thicker. Use the paper towel to lift the lump and place it in a plastic bag. Scrape the lumps gently, otherwise you could push the vomit into the carpet and make the stain worse.
Alternatively, you can use a large spoon or a spatula (a flat spoon-like tool usually made of rubber) to lift the lumps into the bag
Step 3. Take the vomit
As soon as all the vomit clumps are clean - leaving only a wet surface -, tie the bag tightly and throw it in the garbage that will be transported out of your home environment.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning Vomit Stains on Your Carpet
Step 1. Clean the carpet surface with a soft scrubbing brush and cleaning solution
A soft bristle scrubbing brush will help you remove any liquid that has frozen on the carpet. Scrub vigorously with the cleaning solution. Some popular mixtures (many sold in the market) can be used as cleaning solutions.
- One way is to mix one part white vinegar with one part hot water in a spray bottle. Spray a generous amount of the solution on the stain before scrubbing it.
- A similar solution is made by mixing two cups of warm water and 1 tbsp. table salt. Once the salt has dissolved, mix in cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp. laundry soap, and 2 tbsp. rubbing alcohol.
- In the market, 'stain remover' products are sold, which are solutions specially made to clean up vomit. It can be used in the same way as any solution you want to use.
Step 2. Rinse the stain
Spray water on the stained area and then dry with a clean cloth. If available, use a vacuum cleaner for wet surfaces (wet vacuum cleaner) or carpet cleaner to help dry and clean the surface.
- If you're used to using laundry detergent in solution, be sure to rinse twice. Dirt sticks to the cleaning agent, so you'll get into trouble later if you don't remove it from the carpet.
- If you are using a rag/napkin to clean the area, place the rag on the floor and walk over it in a circular motion.
Step 3. Use baking soda to get rid of the smell
Sprinkle the area with baking soda and let sit overnight. The next day use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda. Repeat these steps if necessary.
- In an effort to temporarily cover up the odor, you can spray it with a deodorizing agent that is sold in many stores.
- Light a candle or incense to help mask the smell.
- If possible, you should also open all doors and windows that allow fresh air to flow.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning Vomit Stains on Washable Items
Step 1. Soak the stained item
After cleaning up any lumps of vomit, and before washing the item, it's a good idea to let it soak to remove most of the stain. Mix water with 1 cup of laundry soap, and if possible, a little borax. Soak the stained item for about two hours.
Step 2. Clean the stain with baking soda
If the stain remains, mix a small amount of water with a large amount of baking soda to make a thick paste, almost like toothpaste. Rub the paste on the stain using a sponge. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before you clean it.
If there are still stains left, repeat the steps above
Step 3. Wash the item
Wash the item as you normally would, especially if it is in its condition. Use laundry soap. If the item is white, we recommend using bleach.
Make sure the stain is completely clean before you wash the item or the stain may settle
Tips
- Be sure to clean soiled items as soon as they are stained. It's easier to clean new stains than old ones.
- Make sure you inspect the area thoroughly to check for any splatters or smudges that have gone unnoticed.
- Make sure you have an extra bucket nearby as the sight and smell of vomit can make you nauseous (and potentially vomit).
