How To Clean
Vomit From Carpet

You’re stepping up to the plate to handle one of the yuckiest of messes: vomit. The visual unpleasantness and disgusting smell can make even the hardiest housekeepers hold back a gag or two. However, when you know how to clean vomit from carpet like a pro, you can get the job done quickly with minimal gagging.

Now it’s time to put your game face on and plan your strategy for saving your carpet. 

How to Get Vomit Out of Carpet Naturally

As with most fabric cleaning, we recommend checking the cleaning label and spot-testing an inconspicuous area before cleaning. Because The Maids® is one of the only house cleaning services that cleans for health, we also recommend safe and natural cleaners. 

Distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide are some of the best carpet cleaners for vomit. Choose DIY alternatives to minimize toxins in your home, save money, and help the environment.

Cleaning Fresh Vomit From Carpet

Like other stains, the easiest and best time for cleaning vomit from carpet is immediately! 

When you tackle the throw-up right away, it will minimize lingering odors—and the time you’ll spend cleaning. You’ll be down in the trenches right next to that eyebrow-raising aroma, so if you have a facemask, use it. Of course, you’ll want to wear gloves, so choose thick rubber gloves that provide the most coverage. 

Here’s your game plan for how to clean vomit from carpet:

Scrape Away the Solids

Use a dustpan or spatula to remove as much vomit as possible. Use a light touch to avoid spreading the vomit deeper into the fibers. Whatever you use, please wash and disinfect it ASAP. 

Soak the Stain

In a spray bottle, mix equal parts of warm water and distilled white vinegar to create a cleaning solution. Soak the remaining vomit thoroughly and let the solution break down the stain for five minutes. If the vinegar aroma is too strong, add some drops of your favorite essential oil.

Blot the Vomit Stain

Blot the dissolved vomit with paper towels or a cleaning cloth. Don’t scrub or use too much pressure, as this can cause the stain to spread. You may have to repeat this step several times to remove the stain.

Wait Until The Carpet Dries

Let the stained area air dry, then check out your handy work. Don’t worry if you still smell the vomit, that’s normal, and we’ll address that later. The visuals count here, so if the stain is still visible, you’ll need a bit more firepower. 

Break Out the Big Guns

The three percent hydrogen peroxide solution found in nearly every drugstore is an effective but mild bleaching agent. However, hydrogen peroxide should not be used on dark-colored carpets. If in doubt, spot-test first. Then, use a sponge to work the cleaner into the carpet fibers and let the stained area air dry. 

It feels reassuring to know how to get vomit out of the carpet, doesn’t it? After all, if you can handle this kind of cleaning, you can tackle any carpet stain.

Cleaning Dried Vomit From Carpet

If you have kids and pets, you know you might not spot throw-up immediately. Dried vomit on carpet may not smell bad after a while and can go unnoticed. Unfortunately, learning how to clean throw-up out of carpet after it’s dried means bringing back that atrocious odor. Grab a mask and gloves and prepare yourself. You may even want to rub a dab of essential oil or scented lotion beneath your nose.

Gather your cleaning supplies and a bowl of warm water. The first and most formidable step is to soak the dried vomit stain with water. The water will moisten the vomit and bring back the horrible aroma, but hang in there. Once you’ve “reactivated” the vomit, you can follow the same strategy for cleaning up fresh vomit. 

If you’ve followed the steps for how to clean vomit from carpet and there is still a stain, you need a carpet cleaning machine. A carpet steam cleaner will break down the stain further and remove the vomit from deep in the fibers. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call in the pros.

Deodorizing a Vomit Stain on Carpet

You can learn how to get vomit out of carpets for a spotless clean, yet they can still smell like, well, vomit. Carpet fibers absorb odor particles that can become embedded in the carpet backing. Lucky for us, vinegar and baking soda are natural deodorizers and eco-friendly cleaning ingredients. 

Vinegar Carpet Deodorizer

The same solution of equal parts vinegar and water used to remove vomit stains is ideal for eliminating odors. Mist the vomit stain lightly and let the vinegar and water air dry. If the vinegar aroma is offensive, add a couple of drops of essential oil. The aroma of the cleaner will disappear and take the vomit smell with it.

Baking Soda Carpet Deodorizer

Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit overnight. Once the area is dry, vacuum up the baking soda and odors. If your carpet still smells, mist the stain with water and pour baking soda over it. Again, let it dry overnight and vacuum. 

The Maids: Your Partner for Enjoying a Clean Home More Often

You can count on The Maids to make cleaning easier with handy guides and popular house cleaning services. If your carpet cleaning strategy didn’t quite get the job done, The Maids can help with professional carpet cleaning. 

Get your free personalized quote today and let a clean team clean, disinfect, and deodorize to restore your carpet.