How to Get Rid of Vomit Smell

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Removing Vomit

1
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.
2
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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3
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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning Vomit Stains on Your Carpet

1
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]
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- 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]
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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]
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- 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.
3
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]
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- To cover the smell in the interim, consider spraying it with Febreze.^{[5]
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- 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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning Vomit Stains on your Washable Items

1
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]
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2
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.
3
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

Question

How do you remove the smell of vomit from a carpet?

Susan Stocker
Cleaning Professional
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.

Susan Stocker

Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

For stubborn vomit odors, cover the affected area with an enzyme cleaner. Let it sit for 6 hours, then vacuum the area.

Warnings

Make sure to open the windows to avoid chemical poisoning anyone in the house as well as to help get the smell out.

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