How to Clean Vomit From Carpet: 3 Methods to Try

Life happens. Unfortunately, that can mean occasionally having to deal with unpleasant tasks. Getting stubborn stains out of carpet is one of those unpleasantries. When the staining culprit is the result of an upset stomach, the job is that much more challenging to handle. The good news is that it’s possible, whether you DIY or hire a pro. Here’s how to clean vomit from carpet.

How to Clean Fresh Vomit From Carpet

The best and easiest time to clean vomit from carpet is immediately after it happens.

1. Use your spoon or spatula to scrape up and remove as much vomit as possible and place it in a plastic bag. 

2. Use a cloth or paper towel to remove more if you can. However, avoid pushing any of the offensive liquid or chunks deeper into the carpet. 

3. Choose your cleaning solution. If you choose a store-bought cleaner, follow the product instructions.

4. If a cleaner isn't available, create a 50/50 solution of either hydrogen peroxide and water, white vinegar and water, or apple cider vinegar and water. Apple cider vinegar can help to make the situation smell slightly less offensive. However, never mix hydrogen peroxide with vinegar. The resulting gas can irritate your skin, eyes, nose, and lungs. 

5. Gently pour the solution onto the affected area and blot dry with a cloth removing the vomit as you go. Avoid scrubbing the area so that you don’t push the stain deeper into the fibers of the carpet. Repeat this step several times until all the stain is gone. 

6. Cover the area with baking soda or other deodorizer and allow it to dry completely, which could take a few hours. Vacuum the deodorizer away when the area is dry to the touch.

7. If staining persists, try a more aggressive cleaning solution, such as a mix of baking soda and vinegar or Borax, baking soda, and water, and repeat the steps. Dish or laundry soap also works well for cleaning vomit.  

How to Clean Dried Vomit From Carpet 

Pets are notorious for finding out-of-sight locations to vomit. The reality is that sometimes you may find dried vomit that requires a slightly different cleaning method to remove.

1. If possible, scrape up and remove as much of the dried vomit as you can.

2. Break up the dried chunks and remove them with a (gloved) hand or with a vacuum cleaner. 

3. Rehydrate the remaining vomit by blotting a wet towel onto the area. 

4. For stubborn situations, lay a wet towel over the area for an hour or so to give the water time to soak in. 

5. Follow the steps for cleaning fresh vomit once the area is damp enough to remove the bulk of the material easily.

How to Remove Lingering Vomit Smells

Occasionally, even the best vomit-cleaning efforts aren't enough to eliminate lingering odor. If an odor remains after cleaning the vomit and everything is dry, there are a couple of tricks to try.

1. Try another dusting of baking soda. Let it sit for an hour or so before vacuuming the residue away.

2. Purchase and use a commercially available carpet spray cleaner with deodorizer. Mist some over the area and let it dry.

3. Create a 50/50 mix of water and apple cider vinegar. Mist the area and let it dry.

4. Steam clean the area or the entire carpet.  

Tips for Dealing With Vomit in Carpet

While there are several ways to clean vomit from carpet depending on the situation, you don't have to memorize them all just in case it ever happens, as long as you keep a few quick points in mind when it does.

• The sooner you can get to the task, the faster and easier it will be.

• The goal is to remove as much big stuff as possible so the cleaner you choose can easily reach the carpet fibers.

• Carbonated water or bubbles from mixing vinegar and baking soda can be very effective against vomit stains. 

• Avoid masking any leftover odor. Use a product that will eliminate the smell's source instead of covering it up—retail carpet cleaners, baking soda, and apple vinegar are good examples.

Carpet Cleaning Methods Requested by Homeowners

Based on the responses of 67,100 Angi customers, steam cleaning is one of the most popular methods for removing vomit from carpets, with 46.5% of homeowners opting for it. Its high heat and deep extraction effectively lift stains and eliminate odors from carpet fibers. Shampoo cleaning, requested by 11.9% of homeowners, can also be used to clean vomit by breaking down and removing the mess with detergents.

DIY Vomit Cleaning vs. Hiring a Pro

Cleaning vomit from a carpet is possible and usually successful if you follow a few simple steps. However, it's not likely to surprise anyone if they learn it's not your favorite cleaning chore. Taking a DIY approach toward the task will only cost a few dollars in whatever solution you choose and less than an hour of your time. 

On the other hand, hiring a nearby carpet cleaner to handle the problem will cost a minimum of $100 and $150 if they only clean one room. While that's not a small price to clean a single spot, a professional cleaner will clean the room's entire carpet to ensure uniformity—and you won't have to do it. 

The average cost of multi-room carpet cleaning is $25 to $75 per room, depending on square footage. However, when cleaning a single room, the company will likely charge a trip fee to cover their costs.