How to Remove Vomit Stains From Clothing

Ways to get vomit, and its smell, out of clothes fast and easily

Vomit stain on white shirt

The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

In This Article
Project Overview
  • Working Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 - 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to 5

Vomit stains are unpleasant and can be tricky to remove, but fortunately, there are several at-home measures you can take to clean the stains using items you likely already have in your cupboard. To make removal easier, do not leave a vomit stain untreated or the tannins, acids, or dies will discolor fabric. Do not use hot water or an automatic dryer with a vomit-stained garment because the heat cooks the protein into the fibers, making it very difficult to remove. Also, consider wearing rubber gloves and a face mask while cleaning vomit to avoid any viruses or bacteria in the fluid.

Here are steps to safely remove vomit stains from clothing.

 Stain type  Protein-based, acid-based, tannin-based
 Detergent type  Heavy-duty
 Water temperature  Cool to warm
 Cycle type  Varies depending on type of fabric

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Washing machine
  • Plastic or disposable wash bin
  • pair Rubber gloves
  • Face mask
  • Dull kitchen knife or spoon
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Sink or plastic basin
  • Old toothbrush
  • Paper towels

Materials

  • Oxygen bleach
  • Heavy-duty laundry detergent
  • Laundry disinfectant (optional)
  • Stain remover

Instructions

How to Remove Vomit Stains From Clothes

The Spruce / Mira Norian

How to Remove Vomit Stains

  1. Lift Away as Much Vomit as Possible

    Use a dull knife, spoon, or microfiber cloth to lift away as much solid matter as possible. Do not rub or wipe the vomit because it pushes the stain deeper into the fibers.

    Vomit stained shirt being scrubbed

    The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

  2. Flush With Cold Water

    Hold the fabric under a faucet running cold water (do not use hot water) at full force. Flush the stained fabric from the inside out with cold water to force out as much vomit as possible.

    Vomit stained shirt being rinsed in water

    The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

  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.
    Vomit stained shirt sprayed with stain remover

    The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

  4. Soak the Stain

    If the stain persists after it's been washed or dried, try an oxygen bleach soak. Oxygen bleach is safe for white and colored clothes and all fabrics except silk, wool, and clothing trimmed with leather.

    • Soak the garment in an oxygen bleach and cold water solution. Follow the package directions for the proper mixing proportions.
    • Submerge the entire garment.
    • Pre-soak for 30 minutes (longer is fine).
    • Loosen the stain more by using an old, toothbrush to massage the area.
    • Launder as advised by the care label.
    Vomit stained shirt soaked in bleach

    The Spruce / Ana Maria Stanciu

  5. Apply Stain Remover if Stain Remains

    • If the stain is still there after washing, use a stain remover gel or spray on the stain.
    • Let the stain remover sit for up to five minutes.
    • Wash the garment again per the care label.

Additional Tips for Handling Vomit Stains on Clothes

In addition to the above methods, apply lemon juice and baking soda directly to the vomit stain. The bubbling chemical reaction helps to break down some of the protein and acid in the vomit. Or, treat older vomit stains with household ammonia. After removing the solids and flushing the fabric with cold water, dab the stained area with a cloth dipped in household ammonia, and wash as usual.

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.

FAQ
  • Does vomit permanently stain?

    No, but of course the quicker you work on removing the stain, the easier it will be. However, if you have dried the untreated garment in a dryer, the heat may have set the stain and it could be very difficult to remove.

  • How do you get dried vomit out of clothes?

    If there is dried vomit on clothing, you can work to loosen the fibers and the stain using a water and detergent mixture. Mix lukewarm (not hot) water and laundry detergent in a bowl. Dab the mixture onto the stain in circular motions. Rinse and repeat if necessary before washing normally.

  • Does vinegar remove vomit stains?

    Soak the stain for about 15 minutes in a solution of 2 cups cool water, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and a few drops of liquid dish soap. Rinse and wash the garment. The vinegar can also help neutralize vomit's odor.

Originally written by
Sarah Aguirre
Sarah Aguirre is a housekeeping expert with over 20 years of experience cleaning residentially and commercially. Over that time, she has been writing about tips and tricks for housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications.
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