How To Clean Dried Vomit Off Carpet

Mother holding baby

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Cleaning up vomit ranks high up on the list of most unpleasant tasks, but with the right tools (and some rubber gloves) it is possible to remove those icky stains from clothing, bedding, carpets, and other surfaces.

Like other spills, your best bet is to tackle the mess as soon as possible. Carolyn Forte, Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, recommends three different methods depending on the stained object in question, but you'll want to stock up on these products first for your best chance at success.

What You'll Need

Professional Pet Stain and Odor Remover

Bissell bissell.com

$7.99

White Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Baking Soda

Arm & Hammer amazon.com

$12.00

How to Remove Vomit Stains From Washable Fabric

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Whether you're saving a favorite item of clothing or your kid's bed sheets, check the care tag and follow these three simple steps:

Scrape off excess vomit.
Pretreat with a prewash stain remover, like Shout Advanced Gel.
Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric.

How to Remove Vomit Stains From Carpet

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Start by scraping off excess vomit. Then sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain to soak up as much puke as possible. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before vacuuming. Next, mix one tablespoon of hand dishwashing detergent, like Dawn Liquid Dish Soap, and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Using a clean, white cloth, sponge the stain with this solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. Then sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent/vinegar solution.

How to Remove Vomit Stains From Upholstery

Happy toddler boy playing in sitting room

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Your couch isn't a goner yet, but you'll want to keep Good Housekeeping Seal Holder Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Remover on hand to save your furniture. "It contains enzymes to work on the vomit, just like it does for pet stains," Forte says. First, scrape off excess vomit. Spritz the stain and blot with a clean, white cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone.

Caroline Picard Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.

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