How to Remove Vomit Stains From Clothes, Carpet, and Upholstery

How to Remove Vomit Stains From Washable Clothes

The protein in vomit stains need to be treated quickly, but you can do so with a few simple at-home methods.

1. Scrape Solid Matter

   Use a dull knife or plastic scraper to remove as much solid matter as possible. Do not rub or wipe the vomit with a cloth because it pushes the fluid deeper into the fibers.

2. Flush the Stain

   Flush the stained material from the inside out to force out as much vomit as possible and hold the fabric under a faucet running cold water at full force. Never use hot water on a vomit stain because it cooks the protein component, making it very hard to remove.

3. Wash the Garment

   Wash the stained clothes or linen as recommended on the item's care label. If you are concerned about transmitting a virus within the vomit, use a disinfectant in the wash water. There are several highly recommended types of disinfectants, many of which are safe to use on colored fabrics. If the stain persists or has dried, try an oxygen bleach soak.

4. Soak the Garment

   
   Scrape or brush off any crusted or remaining crusted matter, then soak the garment in an oxygen bleach/liquid detergent and cold water solution. Follow the package directions for the proper mixing proportions. Highly recommended brands of oxygen-based bleach include OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, and OXO Brite. 

5. Submerge and Launder

   Submerge the entire garment. Oxygen bleach is safe for white and colored clothes and all fabrics except silk, wool, and clothing trimmed with leather. After pre-soaking for 30 minutes, launder as advised by the care label.

How to Remove Vomit Stains From Carpet and Upholstery

You can use vomit cleaning methods for carpet and upholstery interchangeably. Be careful not to over-wet upholstery fabric because excess moisture in cushions can create mildew and mold.

1. Scrape Solid Matter

   Use a dull knife or plastic scraper to lift the solids up and away from the fibers. Do not rub or wipe the vomit stain until all solids have been removed because it will only push the stain deeper into the carpet.

2. Blot and Mix

   
   Blot up as much moisture as possible with paper towels after the solids have been removed. Mix a cleaning solution of 1 tablespoon hand dishwashing liquid, 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar, and 2 cups of cool water.

3. Work Solution

   Dip a sponge, white cloth, or soft-bristled brush in the solution. Begin blotting at the outside edge of the stain and work the cleaning solution inward into the stained area. Continue blotting with paper towels to transfer the stain out of the carpet. Repeat the cleaning solution/blotting method until no more stain is transferred.

4. Rinse the Area

   Rinse the treated area with a clean sponge dipped in cool water. Blot the entire area to remove any lingering traces of cleaning mixture.

5. Vacuum

   Let the carpet air-dry. Vacuum the carpet to lift fibers and remove any excess dried matter.

When to Call a Professional

If the garment is marked as dry clean only, remove the solids, blot away the moisture and take the item to a dry cleaner as soon as possible. Point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. Do not store the stained item in a hot car or plastic bag while waiting to visit the dry cleaner, as it can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove. If the stain is small and you decide to use a home dry cleaning kit, treat the stained area with the provided stain remover before putting the garment in the dryer bag. Consult a professional upholstery cleaning service if the vomit-stained upholstery is silk or vintage.

Additional Tips for Handling Vomit Stains

In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can apply lemon juice and baking soda directly to the vomit stain. It will cause a bubbling chemical reaction to help break down some of the protein and acid in the vomit. If you own a carpet steamer, it will be very effective on vomit stains on the carpet.

You can also treat older vomit stains with household ammonia. If vomit on the item is that of a stomach virus, rather than food poisoning or morning sickness, and you don't particularly value the soiled item, it may be worth discarding the garment altogether. Avoiding transmitting viruses is always a high priority. If you can't remove the stain at home, consult a professional cleaner for more specialized tips.