Accidents happen, but your carpet deserves a second chance to look like new. An emergency on carpet can happen anytime, by a sick child or a pet mishap. When you see the vomit on your carpet, it looks like nothing but a nightmare. It does not just come with a bad view but also odour, stains, and bacteria, which make every normal person panic.
The good news is you can clean throw-ups out of carpet with the right approach and using the right products. You don’t need any professional tool, as we will help you figure it out simply and effectively. At Emeralds Cleaning Service, we have cleaned tons of carpets when matters have gone out of people’s hands, but we provide the same step-by-step secret guide for you to use.
Quick Action Checklist Of What You Need
Quick action can make all the difference in restoring your carpet. Time is everything when you are dealing with vomit on carpet. Quickly gather all the supplies to start your cleaning. Acting fast is your secret to getting rid of stains and odour permanently. Here is the list of supplies you will need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
- Enzyme cleaner
- Rubber gloves
- Scraper or spoon
- Paper towels
- Spray bottle
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Vacuum cleaner or wet/dry vacuum
Safety Always First
Getting all supplies in one place is one important thing, but following all safety measures is another. Always wear gloves, either plastic ones or others you have. Open the windows of the room or any other spaces where cleaning would happen. Try the cleaning solution on the hidden area of the carpet before you start on the actual spot. Always remember not to mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide directly, as it can cause unsafe reactions.
Why Vomit Stains Are So Tough To Remove
Vomit is made up of plenty of acidic stomach fluids and proteins from the food or drinks. It’s necessary to act urgently so that all these components do not damage the carpet fibres permanently. Here is what happens when vomit hits your carpet:
- The acidity from stomach bile eats into the carpet fibre.
- Proteins in vomit bind to the treads, making it hard to lift out.
- Moisture and bacteria seep into the padding beneath, creating odour.
- Food dyes and pigments cause discolouration that worsens over time.
Emerald’s Expert Tip
Each carpet has a different texture, so it will react differently during carpet stain removal. Wool carpets require a mild cleaner, while synthetic carpets can be treated with stronger solutions. So make sure to mould your deep carpet cleaning method and tools according to your carpet type.
Method 1: How to Clean Fresh Vomit Out of Carpet
The immediate cleaning gives the best results. So always act up when the vomit stain is fresh. This way, you can prevent fluid from absorbing deeper into the carpet fibres. You will need the following things to clean the fresh vomit out of the carpet:
- Paper towels
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloth or brush
Step-by-step Instructions
Here is the step-by-step instruction for you to clean the fresh vomit from the carpet:
- Remove solids carefully by using a spoon or scraper.
- Blot the liquid gently by using the paper towels.
- Combine vinegar, warm water and dish soap for a cleaning solution.
- Spray the solution evenly around the affected areas.
- Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Blot again by using another piece of cloth.
- Deodorise by sprinkling a generous layer of baking soda.
- Vacuum thoroughly once the area is dry enough.
Method 2: How to Remove Dried Vomit Stains From Carpet
Don’t worry, there is also a solution even when you discover the mess too late. The dried stain of vomit is tougher than the fresh ones, as it creates a bond with carpet fibres and padding. Rehydrating the affected area can make the vomit cleanup possible.
Step-by-Step Method
- Rehydrate the stain by spraying warm water
- Scrap gently once the affected area is softened
- Clean with a vinegar solution and blot repeatedly
- Apply enzyme cleaner to break down molecules
- Dry and vacuum to restore the structure
Method 3: What to Do When You Can’t Clean Vomit Right Away
Some life situations do not allow you to clean fresh vomit immediately. So when the mess happens at night or you discover it later, you can still clean it thoroughly while limiting the damage. The technique we will share with you will prevent moisture from soaking into the carpet and keep it from smelling. Here is the damage control procedure:
- Absorb the moisture immediately by sprinkling baking soda.
- Let it sit for several hours, not just minutes
- Vacuum the area by removing all dried powder
- Then you can proceed with the full clearing method
How To Eliminate Vomit Smell From Carpet
There are chances of getting a clearer view of the carpet, but still sensing a smell like sour milk from it. The odour can persist even after you have done the whole cleaning procedure. This happens because of bacteria that live deep in the carpet. Complete odour removal is possible by breaking down those organic compounds. Here are the techniques instead of covering it with air fresheners and making it worse:
Use Enzyme Cleaners: Specialised cleaners that kill bacteria and get rid of the source where the smell is coming from.
Apply Baking Soda: Leaving a sprinkle of baking soda overnight is the key to removing hidden moisture and odour.
Steam Cleaning: Doing cleaning with pressure hot water or steaming tools will deal with deep-seated smells and refresh the fibres.
Professional Cleaning: If the smell remains stubborn after all the efforts, then it’s better to get professional help, like Emeralds Cleaning Services provides.
5 Mistakes That Make Vomit Stains Worse
Even the small carpet cleaning mistakes can ruin your whole process and make the vomit stain worse. Patience is the key, so give every step its desired time before switching to the next one. Allow the full drying of the area before reusing the area. Here are the five mistakes you should avoid at any cost:
- Rubbing instead of blotting
- Using very hot water
- Over-wetting the carpet
- Mixing cleaning chemicals
- Skipping the spot test
Cleaning throw up out of the carpet is a process no one finds pleasant. You have to do it anyway to get rid of the stain and smell. Acting quickly can help you save your life, and don’t forget to give each step proper time. Finding it too gross or difficult to clean? Get professional help and let Emeralds Cleaning handle your carpet with effective cleaning systems. We will leave your carpet clean, fresh and safe!