Proper Way to Remove Odor and Stain of Vomit During Carpet Cleaning

When vomit lands on carpet, you have a double task. Remove the odors and the stains. The first easy way to help clean up is try to get as much as you can scooped up.

The downside is if the vomit is still fresh you will feel the warmth and it is very easy to get grossed out by this. I would also recommend wearing gloves if you use this method to keep the vomit off of you.

Proper Way to Remove Vomit

1. Scrape off excess vomit.

2. Sprinkle baking soda, cornstarch, or other absorbent on the stain. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes, and then vacuum.

3. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent.

4. Blot until the solvent is absorbed.

5. If the stain remains, mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar with two cups of warm water. Sponge the stain with this solution. Blot until the liquid is absorbed.

6. Sponge with cold water and blot dry to remove the detergent/vinegar solution.

However, stain removal can be accomplished with some help, usually with everyday items that can be found around the house.

You will need:

• 2-3 towels
• A plastic garbage bag
• Baking soda
• Carpet cleaner and cleaning cloths (only if the carpet gets stained)
• Vacuum cleaner

Scoop up the solid bits with a big, absorbent towel. I use a beach towel. BIG and ABSORBENT are key because you can wrap everything up in the towel and throw it straight in the washer. If there are a lot of solids, dump what you can in the toilet -- but usually the washer will take care of the worst of it. Throw the towel in the plastic bag.

With a second towel, blot the big, wet spots. The more pressure, the more the towel will suck up moisture. Throw the towel in the plastic bag.

Only if the vomit leaves a stain, saturate the stain with carpet cleaner, and clean as directed. It's rare that we need to do this, but when we do we use Resolve. Throw the cleaning cloths into the plastic bag.

Sprinkle the wet spot with baking soda. Use more than you think you need to, and press it into the carpet with the corner of a towel. This will neutralize any smell.

Throw the towels in the washer. You'll be so glad you did this right away. If you don't have a washer, you've got everything sealed up in a plastic bag, ready for the laundromat.

Let the spot dry, then vacuum. I've left the baking soda overnight with no problems.

Here are a few other tips! For all of these the first step of removing the solids is the same!

• Use dry cleaning liquid (available at most stores) to douse the stain, mix with cold water and blot away. A hand held dry cleaning attachment can also be a very effective tool at removing the yellow bile stain.
• If you are concerned about the odor of a stain (especially luring or vomit) you should put rubbing alcohol in a bottle and spray the area while it is wet. Make sure all debris is removed first! Spray the alcohol liberally and when it dries the alcohol will help evaporate the smell. (Many odor fighting products are mostly alcohol for this reason)
• If you have tried everything; and the stain is in a noticeable area- you may think about using a razor blade and cutting out that piece of carpet. You can then use a spare piece or one from under the couch and fit it back in. Carpet glue will adhere the seams and it will make the area less noticeable.

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