Last Updated on 1 year by Susan Mayrich
Vomit on carpet can be a very messy situation. The smell of vomit can linger for long so it is important to clean up vomit as soon as possible after it happens. The longer you wait, the more likely that stains will set in and become permanent.
The best way to clean vomit from carpet with vinegar is to spray it directly onto the stain, let it sit for several minutes, then blot up the excess liquid with a towel.
If you find yourself faced with the unpleasant task of cleaning up vomit from the carpet, don’t panic. This guide is here to help you so that your carpet looks new in no time.
Does Vinegar Get Vomit Out of Carpet?
Vinegar can be used as a natural stain remover for carpets. It works by breaking down stains and odors, even those that have been set in over time. You can also use vinegar to remove pet urine or human urine from your carpet. The best way to clean vomit from carpet is with vinegar. Vinegar is an acid and works well at removing odors from carpets and other fabrics. You can also use baking soda to absorb odors and then vacuum it up.
Does Vinegar Neutralize Vomit?
Vinegar is a good neutralizer and can be used to clean up many types of messes, including vomit. The acidity level in vinegar is high enough to break down the proteins in the vomit so that it can be easily removed from the surface of your carpet by simply wiping it with a damp cloth or sponge.
Things You Will Need
Before we get started, here are some of the materials you may need for the job:
Before we get started, here are some things you’ll need for the job:
- White Vinegar
- Rubber or latex gloves
- A scraper
- Either paper towels and a piece of cardboard
- Broom and dustpan
- Spray bottle with warm water
- Detergent
- Paper towels or clean rags
- Baking soda or cornstarch (optional)
Method #1: 6 Simple Steps to Clean Vomit from Carpet With Vinegar
Follow these simple steps below to get rid of vomit stains out of carpet with vinegar for good.
Step #1: Remove Excess
The first step in cleaning up vomit from a carpet is to remove as much of the excess as possible. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up as much of the vomit as possible before it has a chance to dry on your carpet.
Step #2: Damp the Stain
If there is still some residue on your carpet after you’ve removed as much vomit as possible, dampen a clean cloth or paper towel with water and blot the stain with it until it no longer appears wet.
Step #3: Apply Vinegar
Apply vinegar directly onto the stain and allow it to sit for several minutes before blotting with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure you do not apply too much vinegar at once; otherwise, it can discolor your carpeting. Work in small sections until all of the stains have been removed from your carpeting.
Step #4: Rub the Solution into the Area
Once the vinegar has had time to work its magic on your carpeting, use a clean cloth or sponge and gently rub it into the stained area of your carpeting until it becomes saturated with moisture. This will ensure that any remaining odors are eliminated and that there are no leftover stains present in these areas anymore.
Step #5: Rinse the Area
When all of the stains have been removed, rinse them with water. You may need to repeat this step several times depending on how severe the vomit stains were. Rinse it out thoroughly with clean water from a spray bottle or bucket.
Step #6: Vacuum Up Any Remaining Residue
Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with an upholstery nozzle attachment to suck up any remaining residue from your carpet once you’re done cleaning it up with vinegar.
Method #2: Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Remove Vomit from Carpet
When it comes to cleaning vomit from the carpet, vinegar and baking soda are your best friends. These ingredients can be used individually or combined together to make a powerful stain remover.
Remove Excess
The first step is to remove as much of the excess vomit from your carpet as possible. Use a dry towel or paper towels to soak up any liquid on your carpet. If you can’t get all of it out, don’t worry, because we are going to use baking soda and vinegar to help lift up any remaining residue.
Damp the Stain with Warm Water
Next, dampen the area with warm water (not hot) so that it’s wet. This will help mix up the solution and make sure that it penetrates through all layers of fabric in your carpeting.
Mix Vinegar and Baking Soda
Mix together equal parts white vinegar and baking soda into a bowl or container (1/4 cup each). Stir well until both ingredients are completely mixed together into a paste-like substance.
Rub Solution into Area
Rub this mixture directly into the stained area with a damp sponge or cloth until all traces of vomit have been removed from your carpet fibers. Be sure to get all around the edges of this area so that there are no visible signs left behind.
Let this sit on your carpet for at least 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water again so that it has time to work its magic against stains.
Rinse the Area with Water
Rinse out the area by running warm water over it until all of the mixture has been removed from your carpet or upholstery. You may need to repeat this step several times until all traces of baking soda have been removed from your carpet.
Vacuum Up Any Remaining Residue
Finally, vacuum up any remaining residue with a shop vacuum equipped with a brush attachment if possible (or just a good old-fashioned handheld vacuum). If necessary, repeat this process until there’s no longer any visible residue on carpet.
Get Old Vomit Stains Out of Carpet With Vinegar and Rubbing Alcohol
Vinegar and rubbing alcohol are natural cleaning ingredients that can help break down the protein in vomit and make it easier to clean.
If you’re able to catch the vomit before it has dried, you’ll have an easier time of cleaning it up. If the stain has already dried, follow the steps below.
- Damp the stain with warm water. Mix equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a bowl. This will be your cleaning solution.
- Rub the solution into the area of vomit on the carpet. The alcohol will help to remove any grease or oil that could make it more difficult to remove the stain.
- Rinse the area with water to remove any leftover residue from your mixture of vinegar and alcohol. Repeat this step until no more residue remains on your carpeting from your mixture.
- Vacuum up any remaining residue from your carpet with a vacuum cleaner before drying it completely with a towel or clean rag.
Final Words
If your little one or pet has thrown up on the carpet, no problem. Vinegar is the way to go. The best cleaning product to get rid of vomit smell from carpet. In addition to cleaning vomit off of carpets, vinegar is useful for cleaning many other household materials and surfaces including grout, metal pots and pans, refrigerators, washing machines, bathrooms and toilets, and much more.
