How To Easily Get Rid of the Smell of Vomit From Your Carpet

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Deodorize your carpet of any lingering vomit smell
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Oh no! Someone just got sick and your carpet ended up paying the price. If someone’s just thrown up on your carpet, you’re most likely going to want to get rid of that stain quickly and make sure no strong odors stick around to stink up your house. Worry not, because we’ve come prepared with plenty of home remedies you can use to get rid of that unpleasant vomit smell. From soapy water to baking soda and vinegar, we’ll give you all the best advice about how to deodorize your carpet. We’ll also walk you through how to steam your carpet for particularly pungent smells, so read on for all the best tips and tricks.

Things You Should Know

  • Remove the vomit with a paper towel, then mix 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) of mild dish soap with 1 cup (236.6 ml) of warm water and blot the area.
  • Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the smelly area and let it sit overnight to fully absorb the odor before vacuuming it up.
  • Alternatively, spray a mix of equal parts vinegar and water over the area. Let it sit for 5 minutes then blot the area with a damp rag and let it dry.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Removing the Vomit

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  1. This is a crucial step to follow so that you can avoid touching the vomit or breathing in any germs that may be airborne. Wear a pair of latex gloves and a disposable face mask before going in to clean up the vomit and keep yourself safe. [1]
  2. Do your best to remove the majority of the vomit by using something like a paper towel, napkin, or toilet paper to pick it up from the carpet. Immediately throw the soiled paper products into a plastic shopping bag or sealable plastic bag, then dispose of the bag as soon as possible. [2]
    • Another option is to pour an absorbent substance such as baking soda or kitty litter on the vomit, let it sit for a few minutes, then pick it up with a paper towel. This works best for vomit with a more liquid-like consistency.
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  3. Mix 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) of mild dish soap with 1 cup (236.6 ml) of warm water. Then, dip a paper towel or sponge into the water and gently dab over the stain to clean it and prevent any strong odors from setting into your carpet. Dish soap is the most gentle option for removing stains and odors and won’t damage your carpet. [3]
    • Blot at the stain instead of scrubbing it since scrubbing can actually cause the stain to set deeper into the carpet.
    • Wash your hands once you’ve finished removing the vomit and treating the stain.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Using Baking Soda

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  1. Baking soda is a great deodorizer for all types of surfaces, including carpets and rugs. [4] Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda over the source of the odor and around the area to help absorb the smell. [5]
    • If you don’t have baking soda, cornstarch or kitty litter will also work to deodorize your carpet.
  2. This will give the baking soda time to soak up the odor. If the smell is particularly strong, let the baking soda sit on the carpet overnight. [6]
    • If you have pets or children at home, cover the baking soda, cornstarch, or litter with a towel to keep them away.
  3. Once the baking soda has sat on the carpet overnight, vacuum it up using a vacuum that’s safe for the carpet. If the odor is still there, pour more baking soda over the area and repeat the process until the smell is completely gone. It may take a couple of tries if the smell is particularly bad. [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Spraying White Vinegar

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  1. Add 1 cup (236.6 ml) of white vinegar and 1 cup (236.6 ml) of water to a spray bottle and mix the solution together. Vinegar works wonders in deodorizing unpleasant smells. Just make sure that you’re using white vinegar, and not something else like apple cider vinegar. [8]
    • Another option is to combine 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 5 parts water in a spray bottle if you don’t have vinegar. Be sure to use a 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide. [9]
  2. Test out the mixture on a piece of the carpet that’s not visible before going and spraying the main area, especially if you’re using hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar. Spritz a liberal amount, then let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes.
    • Another option is to blot the area with a sponge or towel dipped in club soda, which is a great substance for deodorizing carpets and getting rid of acidic stains. [10]
  3. Once the vinegar mixture has been given a few minutes to set, take a towel, rag, or sponge dipped in clean water and dab it over the carpet where you sprayed the vinegar. Let the area dry completely afterward and voila! The odor should be gone. [11]
    • It helps to open a window or have a fan running to help air out the room and get your carpet to dry faster.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Applying a Commercial Carpet Deodorizer

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  1. Commercial carpet deodorizers can work wonders on getting rid of the smell of vomit. Look for a carpet deodorizer that contains mostly natural ingredients and won’t stain or mark the carpet. In order to protect your health, look for products that don’t contain or have very little VOCs (volatile organic compounds), fragrances, and flammable ingredients. [12]
    • If you’re unsure about a cleaning product, use this tool from the Environmental Protection Agency to find cleaning products that they have deemed safe.
    • If you’re buying carpet deodorizer in person, ask a salesperson to recommend a brand that will specifically help with removing the smell of vomit.
    • One option is to buy an enzyme cleaner that is compatible with the type of stain you’re dealing with and your carpet type.
  2. Most carpet deodorizers come in powder form. Check the label on your specific product to determine how much to sprinkle over the carpet. Let the powder sit for as long as the instructions recommend in order for it’s odor-absorbing properties to kick in. When spreading the carpet cleaner, be sure to keep the room well-ventilated by opening a window or door. [13]
    • If your cleaner comes in liquid or foam form, spray it over the carpet or soak a clean towel in the solution and apply it to the carpet. Let it sit for however long the instructions specify.
  3. Once the deodorizer has had time to sit on the carpet and absorb the smell, vacuum it up. Then, check that the smell is completely gone. If there’s still a lingering odor, sprinkle a bit more cleaner and repeat the process.
    • If your cleaner was a liquid spray or foam, soak a towel or sponge in clean water and use it to clean any remaining solution off the carpet.
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using a Steam Cleaner

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  1. Find a steam cleaner suitable for your carpet. A steam cleaner can be a great way to get a deep stain or smell out of the carpet, such as the smell of vomit. Steam will kill germs and bacteria in the carpet, thereby removing the odor. Whichever steam cleaner you buy or rent, make sure that it’s suitable for use on your carpet type. Steam cleaners can reach high temperatures that can melt some fabric fibers. [14]
    • Check your carpet care guide before you use a steam cleaner on it to ensure it’s safe for use.
  2. Run the steam cleaner over the smelly area. Fill the steam cleaner with water and detergent or distilled white vinegar. If you use detergent, add 1 tsp (4.9 ml) for every 4 cups (946 ml) of water. If you’re using vinegar, mix 1 part vinegar with 16 parts water. Run the steam cleaner over the area at 158ºF (70ºC) for 5 minutes or 212ºF (100ºC) for 1 minute. [15]
    • Vinegar is a good option if you’re looking for a more natural ingredient that will deodorize your carpet.
    • Once you’re done, let the carpet dry completely. Open a window or get a fan running to help with the process.
  3. If you’re nervous about using a steam cleaner on the carpet, consider getting it professionally cleaned. A professional cleaner will know how to address the vomit smell on the carpet and remove it without damaging your carpet. [16] Look up professional carpet cleaners online or ask people you know for a recommendation.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Will baking soda work to remove the vomit smell from my carpet?
    Haim Shemesh
    Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
    Haim Shemesh is a Carpet and Rug Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration, a business based in New York City. Haim specializes in Oriental, Persian, handmade, and antique rug cleaning and repair. He also conducts rug restoration along with fire damage care. He has over 17 years of experience in the carpet cleaning industry. Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration has been awarded Angie's List Super Service Award in 2017 and 2018. Their clients include Staples, Ace Hotel, Momofuku, Banana Republic, and more.
    Haim Shemesh
    Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, baking soda will work fairly well to get the smell out of your carpet. However, for a more thorough clean you may want to hire a professional carpet cleaner.
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  • Question
    How do I get cat puke off a carpet?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It's important to act quickly to reduce the chances of staining and odor. You can use either a homemade solution or a commercial cleaner; both options are explained fully in the wikiHow: How to Clean Pet Vomit from Carpet .
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  • Question
    How do I clean a smelly carpet?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Cleaning a smelly carpet depends on what has caused the bad odor, such as vomit, pet urine, spilled food, etc., so try to determine what the cause of the odor is first so you can choose the most effective cleaning method. For step-by-step help with cleaning the odors from a smelly carpet, check out the wikiHow: How to Get Bad Smells out of a Carpet .
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      References

      1. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/sanitation-and-illness/norovirus-step-step-clean-vomit-and-diarrhea
      2. ↑ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/~/media/depts/health/homeless-health/healthcare-for-the-homeless/documents/how-to-clean-up-vomit-diarrhea-blood.ashx
      3. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-rugs/
      4. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-deodorize-your-carpet-naturally-with-baking-soda-252554
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-deodorize-your-carpet-naturally-with-baking-soda-252554
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-deodorize-your-carpet-naturally-with-baking-soda-252554
      8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/floor-and-surface-cleaning/clean-vomit-remove-vomit-smell-carpet.html
      9. ↑ https://www.greenamerica.org/ways-to-clean-green
      1. ↑ https://www.greenamerica.org/ways-to-clean-green
      2. ↑ https://www.homemadesimple.com/in-the-home/how-to-clean-carpet-five-easy-steps/
      3. ↑ https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem
      4. ↑ https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem
      5. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/floor-carpets/clean-vomit-remove-vomit-smell-carpet
      6. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/sanitation-and-illness/norovirus-step-step-clean-vomit-and-diarrhea#carpet-and-furniture-3059213
      7. ↑ Haim Shemesh. Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to get rid of a vomit smell from your carpet, try sprinkling several tablespoons of baking soda on the affected area. If you don't have any baking soda, try using corn starch instead. Allow the deodorizer to sit overnight so it can absorb the odor, then vacuum up the baking soda or corn starch. Alternatively, find a carpet deodorizer at your local hardware store that mainly has natural ingredients to avoid staining your carpet. Apply the deodorizer using the same procedure already described. For advice on how to remove vomit odors with a steam cleaner, read on!

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