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Treating stains is never a fun task, and it's even harder when it's a vomit stain. Still, if you want to rescue your clothing from the garbage can, you'll need to work quickly. Try one of these treatments to lift the stain and have your clothes ready to wear again in no time.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Dealing with the Stain Immediately

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  1. As with any stain, the faster you move to treat the stain, the more success you will have removing it. This may be particularly difficult with vomit, since handling clothing covered with vomit is not very appealing, but it's in your best interest to work quickly. [1]
  2. If treated immediately, a strong blast of water may be enough to get the vomit out of your clothes. Organic stains can sometimes be removed with a little water and agitation.
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  3. Because the stain will be far more difficult to remove if it is allowed to dry and set, immersing the soiled clothing in water will prevent the stain from drying.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Baking Soda and Vinegar

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  1. [2] Apply a generous layer, enough to cover the stain to about 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick. The baking soda will absorb the smell and also help lift the stain from the fibers.
  2. The baking soda will begin to fizz. Rub the stain with your fingers or a toothbrush. Try to rub out as much of the stain as possible.
    • Rinse the baking soda/lemon juice mixture from the clothing with warm water.
  3. Before soaking, agitate the detergent by rubbing it with your fingers, scrubbing it with a toothbrush, or rubbing the fabric against itself. [3]
    • Allow the garment to soak for at least an hour, maybe more if the stain is very stubborn.
    • Rinse the clothing with warm water after soaking. Treat the stain with dishwashing liquid once more, then wash as normal.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Pre-Spot Treatment

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  1. Use your preferred brand of pre-spot treatment, saturating the stain on the front and the back of the fabric. [4]
  2. Different types of fabric can handle different temperatures at water. Check the label on your clothing to see if it can be washed in warm or hot water.
    • Use a detergent that is formulated to remove stains.
    • If the stain still remains, repeat the process.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Ammonia

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  1. Use a soft brush or your nails to lightly scrape and agitate the stain. [5]
    • Use a liquid detergent if possible. [6]
  2. It is important you remove all traces of the ammonia. Rinse thoroughly and wring the garment to make sure it is completely washed out. [7]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there any other ways to remove vomit stains from clothes?
    Ocean Van
    Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert
    Ocean Van is a Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert based in Long Beach, California. He is the owner and operator of Coco Laundry, a full-service Laundromat and Wash & Fold service. Coco Laundry is a family-owned laundry service that offers top-rated wash, dry, fold, and convenient pickup/delivery options. He and his experienced team of laundry professionals offer commercial and residential laundry services, plus a self-serve laundry operation.
    Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert
    Expert Answer
    To remove vomit stains from clothes, utilize regular fabric stain removal products following the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, when considering natural methods, it's crucial to conduct a spot test on your fabric first to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential damage to your clothes. This precautionary step helps safeguard your garments while effectively addressing and eliminating vomit stains.
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      Warnings

      • Test your chosen method on a small, inconspicuous piece of the clothing for colorfastness before doing this. If your clothes react with the lemon juice, ammonia, etc. then you can switch to another method and your clothes won't be ruined.


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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about removing stains, check out our in-depth interview with Ocean Van .

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To remove vomit stains from clothing, all you need are baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap. Start by scraping off any solids from the item, then rinse the stain in warm water to loosen it. While it’s still damp, apply a generous amount of baking soda to the stain, which will absorb the smell and help lift the stain from the fibers. Then, pour vinegar or lemon juice over the stain and use your fingers to scrub it in. Next, squirt a little dish detergent on the stain, then soak it in a container of water for at least an hour. Once it’s soaked, wash the item in warm water. To learn how to use ammonia to remove vomit stains, read on!

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