How to Clean Vomit from Carpet

Vomit is one of the most difficult things to clean, especially when it's on your carpet. It sips deep into the fibers and removing it can be a challenge.

It can be tempting to just leave it there and hope that it will go away on its own, but that's not the best option. The longer vomit stays on your carpet, the harder it will be to remove and the greater the risk of staining. Not only is vomit unsightly, but it can also cause a serious odor problem in your home.

In this article, we will explore various methods for cleaning vomit from your carpet. We'll also provide some practical tips for preventing vomit stains and odors. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to keep your carpet clean and fresh.

What this article covers:

What To Use To Clean Vomit From A Carpet

how to get vomit out of carpet

Cleaning Agent

A cleaning agent is a substance used to remove dirt, stains, or other undesirable substances from a surface. When it comes to vomit, you'll want to use a cleaning agent that is specifically designed for removing stains.

There are many carpet cleaning chemicals in the market, hence you have many options to choose from. But, not all of them are effective in removing vomit stains. For best results, use a carpet cleaning solution that contains enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that break down organic matter, making them ideal for removing vomit stains and odors.

One of the most recommended products is Usor Unchained (Urine Stain & Odor Remover) With Ecocide. This product uses enzymes to break down stains and odors, making it perfect for use on vomit stains. You can also use it to remove urine stains from your carpet.

how to get throw up out of carpet

Avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage your carpet fibers. Harsh chemicals are those made with bleach or other harsh ingredients. They may remove the stain, but they will also damage your carpet fibers, making them more susceptible to future stains and wear. They can also be a health hazard if not used properly.

Vinegar

White vinegar is another good option for cleaning vomit stains from carpets. Vinegar is a weak acid that can break down organic matter, making it perfect for removing vomit stains. It also has antibacterial properties, which will help to neutralize any bacteria in the vomit stain. It is also an alternative to deodorant and can help remove human urine smell from the carpet.

Water

Water is essential for diluting and rinsing the cleaning agent you use. Without water, the cleaning agent will not be as effective and may damage your carpet fibers.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural absorbent that can help to remove vomit stains from carpets. It works by absorbing the stain, making it easier to remove. Baking soda is also a natural deodorizer, so it will help to neutralize any odors from the vomit stain. You can also use it to get blood out of your carpet, remove vomit smell from your carpet, or get rid of baby pee from your carpet.

Sponge or Cloth

how to clean throw up out of carpet

You'll need a sponge or cloth to apply the cleaning agent to the stain. A sponge is ideal for larger stains, while a cloth is better for smaller stains.

Ensure the sponge or cloth is clean before using it to avoid spreading the stain. Also, avoid using a scrub brush as this can damage your carpet fibers. But, some carpets that are made with nylon fibers can withstand scrubbing.

Paper towels

Paper towels can be used to blot up excess vomit from the carpet. They will also help to absorb any remaining moisture from the cleaning agent. The best type of paper towel to use is a lint-free paper towel. It is made with a material that will not leave behind any lint or fibers when used.

Vacuum Cleaner

After you have cleaned the vomit stain, you'll need to vacuum the area to remove any remaining cleaning agent, baking soda, or paper towels. Vacuuming will also help to fluff up the carpet fibers, making them look new again. Never use a steam cleaner on a vomit stain as this will set the stain and make it harder to remove.

You need a vacuum cleaner for all your carpet cleaning needs, including getting kid pee smell out of a carpet and removing poop stains from a carpet.

Optional: Carpet Cleaning Machine

If you have a carpet cleaning machine, you can use it to remove the vomit stain from your carpet. This is the most effective method for removing stains, but it is also the most expensive. 

Carpet cleaning machines use high-powered suction to remove stains and dirt from carpets. They are also effective in removing odors. You can either buy (if you have the budget) or rent one from a home improvement store or a carpet cleaning company.

What Is The Best Way To Clean Vomit From A Carpet?

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean vomit from your carpet.

Things you need:

  • Putty knife or spoon
  • Bucket
  • Warm water
  • Mild soap or detergent (like dishwashing liquid)
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Clean cloths or paper towels
  • Rubber gloves (optional)

Step One: Scrap Up The Vomit

This is the most important step. Use a putty knife or spoon to remove as much vomit as possible from the carpet. Ensure you scrape from the outside of the stain towards the center. This will help to prevent the vomit from spreading and making the stain bigger. Also, avoid being too rough to avoid damaging the carpet fibers. 

Step Two: Create Your Cleaning Solution

how to clean puke out of carpet

In your bucket, mix together warm water, mild soap or detergent, and vinegar. Vinegar is great for removing stains and odors. Add a little baking soda to the mixture to help to break down the vomit and make it easier to remove.

Step Three: Apply The Cleaning Solution

Using a clean cloth or paper towel, apply the cleaning solution to the stain. Work from the outside of the stain towards the center. Avoid scrubbing too hard as this can damage the carpet fibers. 

Step Four: Rinse The Area With Water

Once you have applied the cleaning solution, rinse the area with clean water. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up any excess water.

Step Five: Let The Area Dry Completely

Allow the area to air dry completely. This may take several hours depending on the size of the stain and the type of carpet you have. If possible, open a window or turn on a fan to help speed up the drying process.

Step Six: Vacuum The Area

Once the area is dry, vacuum over the stain to remove any baking soda or soap residue. Vacuuming also helps to fluff up the carpet fibers.

If you don’t have vinegar and baking soda, we highly recommend using the Rug Smack Cleaner. All you need to do is just spray the solution on the carpet and let it do its magic. It will remove the vomit stains from the carpet and eliminate the bad odor.

how to clean up throw up from carpet

How To Clean Dried Vomit From A Carpet

Dried vomit is not only disgusting, but it can also be very difficult to clean. If you have dried vomit on your carpet, here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean it:

What you need:

  • Putty knife or old credit card
  • A vacuum cleaner with attachments
  • Bucket or bowl
  • Warm water
  • Baking soda
  • Absorbent cloths or paper towels

Step One: Scrap The Vomit

Use a putty knife or an old credit card to scrap as much vomit as possible from the carpet. Do it gently so you don't damage the carpet.

Step Two: Vacuum The Area

Once you have removed as much vomit as possible, vacuum the area to pick up any vomit particles that are left.

Step Three: Sprinkle A Generous Amount Of Baking Soda

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the area. This will help absorb the vomit and make it easier to clean.

Step Four: Sprinkle A Small Amount Of Water

how to clean up vomit on carpet

Sprinkle a small amount of water over the baking soda. This will help create a paste that will not only be effective in cleaning the vomit but will also be gentle on the carpet.

Step Five: Let It Sit

Let the paste sit for about 15 minutes. However, the more time it has to sit, the more effective it will be.

Step Six: Rinse The Area

Dampen a cloth or paper towel with warm water and gently rinse the area. You may need to do this a few times to remove all of the baking soda.

Step Seven: Vacuum The Area Again

Once you have rinsed the area, vacuum it again to pick up any residual baking soda. If you still see any stains, you can repeat steps three through seven.

By following these steps, you can clean dried vomit from your carpet effectively. However, if the stain is still visible, you may need to call a professional carpet cleaner.

how to clean up throw up on carpet

How To Remove Old Vomit Stains From A Carpet

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide is a great option for removing old vomit stains. It does this by breaking down the proteins in the vomit, which makes it easier to remove.

To use hydrogen peroxide, you will need:

  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Water
  • Dish Soap
  • A Cleaning Cloth
  • A vacuum cleaner

Step One: Create The Mixture

Start by mixing together equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and water in a bowl. Ensure the mixture is at room temperature.

Step Two: Apply The Mixture

Next, use a clean cloth to spread the concoction over the stain. The cloth should be damp, not soaking wet.

Step Three: Wait

Allow the mixture to sit on the stain for at least 30 minutes. This will give it time to work its magic.

Step Four: Vacuum The Area

how to clean up vomit from carpet

After 30 minutes have passed, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dried vomit and any residue from the carpet fibers.

Step Five: Repeat These Steps If Necessary

If the stain is still visible after following these steps, you can repeat them as necessary. You may also need to use a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide if the stain is particularly stubborn.

Ammonia Solution

Ammonia is a great cleaner because it's strong enough to break up the vomit stain, but it's also gentle enough that it won't damage your carpet.

  • Water
  • Ammonia
  • A Cleaning Cloth
  • A vacuum cleaner

Step One: Mix One Part of Ammonia with Three Parts of Water

Start by mixing one part of ammonia with three parts of water in a bowl. The reason why water is added is that straight ammonia can damage your carpet if it's used for too long.

clean vomit from carpet

Step Two: Apply the Ammonia Solution to the Stain

Once you've mixed the solution, apply it to the stain using a cleaning cloth. You'll want to rub the solution into the carpet so that it can break up the vomit stain.

Step Three: Let the Solution Sit for Five Minutes

After you've applied the solution, let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This will give the solution time to work on the stain.

Step Four: Rinse The Area With Clean Water

This is a step you should not skip! Once the solution has had time to work, rinse the area with clean water. This will remove any residue from the ammonia solution and it will also help to remove any lingering odor. Use a dry towel to blot the area and remove any excess water.

Step Five: Vacuum The Area

The last step is to vacuum the area where you applied the solution. This will remove any remaining dirt or debris, and help fluff up your carpet.

Note: Avoid using this method if you have pets. Ammonia's smell will attract the animal, and it might pee on the spot!

How To Get Pet Throw Up Out Of A Carpet

How To Clean Dog Puke Off A Carpet

how to get dog throw up out of carpet

What you need:

An old credit card, cardboard, or putty knife

  • Trash bag
  • Rubber gloves (optional)
  • Baking soda or corn starch
  • Microfiber cloths or an old towel
  • Vacuum cleaner

Step One: Scrap The Vomit

The first step is to remove as much of the vomit as possible. This can be done with an old credit card, cardboard, or putty knife. Be sure to scrape in the direction of the carpet pile to avoid damaging the fibers. Put the scrapings in a trash bag and dispose of them.

Step Two: Soak Up The Liquid

Baking soda or corn starch can be used to absorb the remaining liquid. Sprinkle a generous amount of powder over the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. The more time you give it to work, the better.

Step Three: Blot The Stain

Once the powder has had a chance to absorb the liquid, use a microfiber cloth or an old towel to blot up the stain. Press down firmly and lift straight up to avoid spreading the stain.

Step Four: Vacuum The Area

Once the stain has been removed, vacuum the area to remove any residue. You can use a wet or dry vacuum for this step.

If the stain is still visible or you can't remove the odor, you may need to call a professional carpet cleaner. They will have the tools and experience to get your carpets looking and smelling new again. 

How To Get Cat Vomit Out Of A Carpet

how to remove vomit from carpet

Cats rarely vomit, but when they do, it can be a challenge to clean it up. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

What you need:

  • Putty knife or old credit card
  • Spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Baking soda
  • Deodrant (Vinegar will work the magic)
  • A vacuum cleaner with attachments

Step One: Scrape The Vomit

If the vomit is dry, use a putty knife or old credit card to scrape it up. If it's fresh, use a spoon to scrape it into a pile. Make sure you get as much up as possible. Through it into a trash can or toilet.

Step Two: Blot The Stain

Use paper towels to blot the area where the vomit was. Apply pressure to lift any remaining residue.

Step Three: Sprinkle Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda over the soiled area. Baking soda will absorb any lingering odors. Let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming.

Step Four: Vacuum The Baking Soda

Use your vacuum's attachment to suction up the baking soda. The stain and odor should be gone. If not, repeat steps three and four.

Step Five: Deodorize The Area

To make sure the area is free of any lingering odors, spray it with deodorant or vinegar. Vinegar is the best alternative to deodorant and can remove even the most unbearable vomit smell from your carpet.

Let it dry completely before allowing anyone or anything to come in contact with it.

how to clean vomit out of carpet

Conclusion

Cleaning vomit from a carpet is not a fun task, but it can be done relatively easily with some common household items. With all the steps provided in this article, you'll have your carpet looking and smelling good as new in no time. In case any of the methods you try does not work, you can always consult a professional carpet cleaner.

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