How to Remove Vomit Stains from Clothes and Carpets

If you have a baby or any patient or even pets at your home, you might often encounter situations of them vomiting. It comes without prior notice, so neither you nor they are prepared for it. That is why people might vomit on their clothes or carpets and start thinking that those got ruined.

We know that vomit can stain your favorite dresses, and you might unwillingly throw out your dress. But wait! We have got you backed. In this article, we have accumulated all the possible ways that you can follow to remove those nasty vomit stains from your clothes. So, let’s begin.

Necessary Steps That Must Be Taken To Remove Vomit Stains from Clothes

Follow these steps properly to remove those nasty vomit stains from your clothes:

Step 1. Remember, the faster you act, the more effective will be the results! Always remove the extra solid particles of the vomit as soon as possible. You can use a spoon or blunt knife to scrub out this excess. If the vomit is fresh, soak the excess using paper towels.

Step 2. Now keep the stained area under running water. It will be better if the water is warm. Most of it should get removed. 

Step 3. Use any of the following remedies to treat the vomit stain:

White vinegar and Detergent: In a tub of hot water, add half a cup of white vinegar and some amount of laundry detergent. Vinegar helps to remove the bad odor of the vomit. Now, soak the stained cloth for at least one hour in the mixture. Then, scrub the stained area with an old sponge or toothbrush and finally wash as usual.

Or,

Baking Soda with Vinegar/Lemon: Sprinkle a lot of baking soda directly on the stained area. Now, add some vinegar or lemon juice over it. You will notice that the mixture will start fizzing. Scrub the stained area with a spare toothbrush as much as possible. Then, wash it with warm water.

Or,

Ammonia: Make a mixture of one tablespoon of ammonia, half a tablespoon of liquid detergent, and one-quarter of hot water. Soak the stained cloth in it and scrape the stained area with a toothbrush. Now, let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the solution and wash off the cloth as usual.

Or, 

Dishwasher Detergent: Take a bowl full of water and soak the stained area. Put some dishwasher detergent over it and allow it to sit for a minimum of one hour. Then, rub the affected area with your fingers or toothbrush. Lastly, wash it off with warm water. Repeat the same process if there are still some spots of vomit.

Or,

Stain Remover: Apply any store-bought stain remover on the vomit stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Follow the instructions written on the stain removal bottle for the best results. Then, wash it as usual.

Or,

Pre-spot Treatment: Take any store-bought pre-spot treatment and apply it to the stain to pre-treat it. Then, rinse it with hot water and some liquid laundry detergent.

Step 4. Let the cloth dry so that you can wear it again. It is best to dry it under the sun because it will kill any kind of bacterial residue or odor from the cloth. If you still notice any stains, take the cloth to a professional cleaner.

How To Remove Vomit Stains From Carpets Or Upholstery?

Scarp off the vomit as much as possible. If it has dried up, sprinkle some water on it and then rub it. Now, apply some baking soda directly on the stained area and let it sit for at least one hour. Next, you have to use a vacuum cleaner to clean the baking soda. Do this twice for more effective results. You can also apply vinegar instead of baking soda. Now, take some club soda on a cotton ball or soft cloth and dab it on the vomit stain. Lastly, wash the carpet or the upholstery by rubbing a wet cloth over it and dry it by blotting a microfiber cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are vomit stains permanent?

Although vomit stains are one of the worst stains to clean, you will be glad to know that these stains are not permanent if treated quickly and in the right way. So follow any of the home remedies mentioned above or take it to a professional cleaner to treat it.

How to remove old dried-up vomit stains?

To treat old vomit stains, firstly, make a mixture with equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and any non-gel toothpaste. Apply it directly on the stained area and let it soak for at least half an hour. Now, rub it using a clean wet towel and wash the cloth as usual. Repeat the process if the stain still remains.

Should I use hot or cold water for cleaning vomit stains?

Firstly, put the stained area under running cold water. Then, when you finally wash the cloth after treating it, the water must be warm for better results. Make sure it is not too hot as that can ruin the color of your cloth.

Can vomit stains be removed from white clothes?

Yes. You can remove those yellowish vomit stains from your white cloth by following any of the methods that we have mentioned above. But ensure you wash it separately and not with any other items.