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Blog banner: How to clean up sick from carpets

How To Clean Vomit From Your Carpet

Discovering vomit on your carpet is an unpleasant surprise that most of us would rather avoid. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and being prepared can make the clean-up process much less stressful. This guide will walk you through why it’s crucial to act quickly and how to effectively clean vomit from your carpets, no matter the type.

Why Speedy Action Is Necessary

When it comes to vomit on carpets, time is of the essence. Here’s why you need to act fast:

Stain Prevention

Vomit can cause permanent stains on your carpet if not treated promptly. The natural acids found in vomit can start to break down carpet fibres, leading to discoloration and damage, especially in lighter and more delicate carpets.

Odour Control

The longer vomit sits on the carpet, the more it will start to smell. These odours can be challenging to eliminate if they are allowed to settle in, making immediate action crucial.

Hygiene and Health

Vomit can contain bacteria and viruses that pose health risks. Cleaning it immediately helps prevent the spread of potential pathogens and maintains a hygienic environment in your home.

Types of Vomit and Specific Challenges

Different types of vomit pose different challenges during the cleaning process:

  • Mostly Liquid: This type is generally easier to clean because it soaks into the carpet without solid residues. However, its acidic nature means it can quickly damage carpet fibres.
  • Non-greasy Food: Such vomit might include chunks of food that need to be picked up carefully to prevent further embedding into the carpet.
  • Greasy Food: Oily residues from greasy food are tougher to clean because they cling to carpet fibres. This type requires a robust cleaning solution to effectively remove the grease.

General Steps For Cleaning Vomit From Carpets

Follow these general steps to tackle vomit on your carpets:

  1. Remove Solids: Carefully scoop up any solids with a spoon or a dull knife, avoiding pushing the debris further into the carpet.
  2. Blot the Area: Use clean, dry cloths or paper towels to blot up as much liquid as possible, working from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading.
  3. Pre-treat the Stain: Choose and apply a cleaning solution based on the type of vomit and carpet material.

Cleaning Recipes

Different situations call for different cleaning solutions:

For Mostly Liquid and Non-greasy Vomit:

For Greasy Vomit:

  • Dish Soap and Warm Water: A few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water can effectively cut through grease. Apply with a sponge, then blot and rinse with clean water.
  • Ammonia Solution: Combine one tablespoon of clear ammonia with one cup of water. Apply sparingly (in a well-ventilated area) and always test on an inconspicuous area first.
 

Special Considerations

  • Pet Vomit: This type of vomit is often acidic and might contain dyes from pet food, which are prone to staining. An enzymatic cleaner can break down organic matter and is especially effective.
  • Baby Vomit: Typically milk-based and can sour, leading to a persistent unpleasant odour. An enzymatic cleaner helps in breaking down the protein and freshening the carpet.

Preventative Tips

To minimize future incidents, consider placing area rugs in high-risk areas, invest in regular professional carpet cleanings, and always have your cleaning supplies ready for immediate action.

In Conclusion

While dealing with vomit on carpets is never pleasant, having the right tools and knowledge can make the clean up process manageable and effective. By following these guidelines, you can quickly restore your carpet and ensure your home remains a clean, comfortable, and healthy environment.

If you haven’t got to the vomit in time and it’s starting to smell, chances are it’s seeped through the carpet and into the underlay, in which case there’s no way to remove it. It’s time to replace it, so why not give us a try when you replace your flooring? At Easipay Flooring we offer Carpets, Laminate, Vinyl, SPC and LVT flooring at affordable prices. You get free underlay with suitable flooring types and we even let you break down the cost into weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plans too, completely interest free! Sound good? Tap the button below to get set up a home visit to see our samples and get your free quote!

Still Got Questions? Here's 15 FAQs!

If the smell lingers, you can try sprinkling baking soda over the cleaned area, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it up. For persistent odours, consider using a specialized pet odour neutralizer or a professional steam cleaning service.

Most of the methods described are safe for synthetic carpets, but if you have wool or another natural fibre carpet, check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Some materials may require special care.

If you’ve tried multiple cleaning methods and the stain remains, it might be set permanently. Professional cleaners might have more advanced techniques and products that could help.

While it’s difficult to prevent accidents entirely, using a high-quality carpet protector can help prevent stains from setting and make clean up easier.

Carefully pick up any solid pieces with a spoon or a dull knife before cleaning the liquid part. This helps prevent smearing and pushing the solids deeper into the carpet fibres.

Avoid using hot water as it can set the stain. Also, be cautious with bleach and hydrogen peroxide, which can discolour your carpet unless it’s colour-safe.

Steam cleaning is effective, especially for difficult stains, but only after you’ve removed solids and blotted out as much liquid as possible. It’s best used as a final step after treating with a cleaning solution.

After blotting as much moisture as possible, allow the carpet to air dry. You can speed up the process with a fan or open windows if the weather permits.

Professional cleaning is recommended every 12 to 18 months, but if you have pets or small children, you might consider doing it more frequently. You can also buy your own Carpet Cleaner to do it yourself, though they aren’t as heavy duty so you may want to clean more often.

Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. It’s a strong chemical that can be harsh on your skin and respiratory system.

Yes, adding a few drops of essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to your cleaning solution can help mask odours and impart a fresh scent to the carpet.

Always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area of the carpet before applying any new cleaning solution over a larger area.

If you’re pregnant, it’s best to use mild, non-toxic cleaning agents and ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling fumes. Consider wearing gloves and a mask, or ask someone else to handle the cleaning.

Ensure the carpet dries completely within 24 hours. Use fans, dehumidifiers, or air conditioning to help speed up the drying process.

When vacuuming baking soda, go slowly to give the vacuum sufficient time to pick up all the granules. Ensure your vacuum filter is clean to avoid clogs or decreased suction.