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

How to Remove Vomit Stains From Washable Clothes

Work fast with vomit stains so proteins, acids, tannins, and food dyes do not leave permanent marks.

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 harder 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. Create Soak Solution

   • Scrape or brush off any crusted or remaining solids.
   • Create a soaking solution of oxygen bleach, liquid detergent, and cold water by following the package directions for the proper mixing proportions. Recommended brands of oxygen-based bleach include OxiClean, Nellie's All Natural Oxygen Brightener, and OXO Brite. 

   Tip

   Oxygen bleach is safe for white and colored clothes and all fabrics except silk, wool, and clothing trimmed with leather.

5. Submerge and Launder

   • Submerge the entire garment.
   • After 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 textile.

2. Blot and Mix a Cleaning Solution

   • Blot up as much moisture as possible with paper towels after removing the solids.
   • 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 textile.
   • Repeat the cleaning solution and 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 the cleaning mixture.

5. Air-dry and Vacuum

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

Additional Tips for Handling Vomit Stains

• Repeat until the stain is gone: Repeat the cleaning steps until the stain discoloration and odor are gone. Do not put the item in the dryer until all traces are removed. Also, do not store the stained item in a hot car or plastic bag, as it can set the stain and make it more difficult to remove. If you can't remove the stain at home, consult a professional cleaner for more specialized tips. 
• Take the item to dry cleaner: 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. 
• Using a home dry cleaning kit: 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.
• Try a natural method: In addition to the abovementioned methods, you can apply lemon juice and baking soda directly to the vomit stain. It will cause a bubbling chemical reaction to help break down the protein and acid in the vomit.
• Steam clean the carpet: If you own a carpet steamer, it will be very effective on a vomit-stained carpet.
• Treating older stains: You can also treat older vomit stains with household ammonia.
• Handling delicate or vintage furniture: Consult a professional cleaning service if the vomit-stained upholstery is silk or vintage.
• Evaluate if the item is worth keeping: If the vomit is the result of a contagious stomach virus and you don't particularly value the soiled item, it may be worth discarding the garment altogether.