How to Clean Vomit from Carpet

“If vomit isn't completely liquid, you need to pick up the solids before you start treating the stain,” says Megan Klein-Wassink, a test engineer at BISSELL. “Then you have to address the natural colors and common dyes in food, which can contribute to staining. BISSELL® makes formulas that contain hydrogen peroxide, also known as Oxy, which are very helpful with stain removal and the removal of odors associated with vomit.” 

In this article, we walk you through how the pros clean up vomit using steps you can easily replicate at home. All it takes is a deep cleaning machine, such as the Little Green® HydroSteam® Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner, and a cleaning solution like PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain Urine Eliminator Formula, which comes with OXY stain and odor elimination technology. 

Vomit Cleanup: Immediate action steps 

Cleaning vomit from carpet and upholstery requires quick action to prevent stains and odors from setting in. It also requires an extra level of care to protect both you and your carpet. 

Safety precautions and extra care 

• Tip 1: Wear gloves to protect yourself from bacteria. Technically, vomit is considered a biohazard because it can carry hazardous pathogens. When tasked with cleaning it up, reduce your exposure by using a cleaning device and wear gloves anytime your find your fingers too close for comfort.  

• Tip 2: Remove the solids matter before you address the stain. Let’s face it, sometimes vomit is a little chunky. That extra matter stands between you and the actual stain, so it needs to be removed. There are many different methods for this, from scooping up with paper towel to using portable carpet cleaner hose (with no tool attached) to draw the material into your machine’s dirty tank.  

• Tip 3: Blot, don’t rub, to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fibers. If you don’t have a carpet cleaner, and are trying to clean this mess by hand, you may want to try and lift some of the liquid with a dry clean cloth. If that is the case, blot, but do not rub. Rubbing the area with a dry rag can cause the stain to set. Gentle cleanup is often more effective than force. 

Best cleaning technique for vomit: Use a carpet and upholstery cleaner  

Chemist- and engineer-backed cleaning solutions provide the best defense against vomit stains and odors. A portable deep cleaner that’s paired with a specially formulated cleaning solution is the best way to permanently remove vomit from carpet.  

To create the most effective cleaning products, which bear the Pet Proven® certification, BISSELL engineers test lots of real and simulated pet messes – in the lab and in homes. The cleaning machine and formula combination suggested here passed numerous rounds of vomit cleanup tests before being released. 

Here are the tools and cleaning techniques we recommend for fully removing vomit smells and stains from carpet.  

Materials needed 

• For stubborn stains, apply a solution like OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery  

• Portable carpet cleaner – we recommend the Little Green® HydroSteam® Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner Exclusive Bundle, which comes with bonus cleaning tools and formula 

• An Oxygen-based portable carpet cleaner solution such as PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain Urine Eliminator Formula 

• Paper towels 

• Rubber gloves 

Step 1. Remove solid matter 

If the vomit includes undigested bits, put on rubber gloves, then use paper towels to lift solid matter without pressing it into the carpet. Dispose of it in a sealed bag to reduce odors. Or, use the hose of your portable carpet cleaner (with no tool attached) to draw the material into your machine’s dirty tank. 

Step 2: Pretreat area (optional)  

For stubborn stains, pretreat the area by spraying it with an Oxy-based stain pretreat solution, such as OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery. Allow the solution to sit for several minutes before using your carpet cleaner. 

Step 3: Fill carpet cleaner with cleaning solution   

Add water and the oxygen-based cleaning formula in your portable carpet cleaner following the manufacturer’s instructions. The Little Green® HydroSteam® Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner has easy-to-see measurement lines on the clean tank. These lines clearly show how much warm water to add as well as how much PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain Urine Eliminator Formula. 

Step 4: Spot clean the affected area   

Focus on cleaning the vomit-stained area and at least the two inches around it, since liquid can spread underneath the carpet surface.  

Using the tool on the portable deep cleaner, make one pass over the stain with the sprayer on, wetting the area with formula. Gently scrub the stain with the handheld tool. Extract the stain and excess solution by pressing the tool into the treated area and pulling it back toward you to suction up the moisture. 

Step 5: Repeat if necessary  

If the vomit stain or odor persists, repeat the cleaning process until the stain is gone. 

Step 6: Allow to dry overnight  

 Now that the stain is fully removed, allow the area to dry overnight. To speed up the drying time, open a window, run a fan, or turn on the AC or heating system.

Not recommended for cleaning vomit: Using a homemade solution 

Accidents and emergencies happen, often with short notice. What do you do when a carpet cleaner and lab-tested carpet cleaning formula might not be on hand? Ideally, you will have an oxy-based spray cleaner or pretreater available, to help you work on the stain with proven ingredients.  

If you don’t have a proven method handy, you may seek out a DIY cleaning solution. DIY solutions aren’t guaranteed, and our chemists would caution against using them. Homemade cleaning solutions may not remove stains and odors, and many can actually damage your carpets.  

Here’s one common homemade cleaning solution, if you do decide to try it.  

Materials needed 

• Vinegar 

• Cool water 

• Bowl or spray bottle 

• Paper towels 

• Rubber gloves 

Step 1: Remove solid matter 

Start by removing as much solid matter as possible using paper towels and wearing disposable gloves. Place this waste in a sealable bag to contain odors and dispose of it promptly – in an outside bin if possible. 

Step 2: Blot and absorb 

Blot the vomit stain using a clean cloth or paper towels. Make sure to always blot, not scrub, to prevent the vomit and any odors from setting deeper into the carpet fibers and padding. 

Step 3: Make vinegar solution 

Mix one-part white vinegar with two parts cold water and place it in a spray bottle or bowl. Test the mixture on an inconspicuous area of your carpet or upholstery to ensure the solution doesn’t damage the material. 

Step 4: Apply to area 

Once the vinegar solution is deemed safe for your carpet, apply it to the vomit stain and allow it to sit for several minutes. 

Step 5: Rinse and repeat 

Spray or blot cold water over the affected area to rinse the stain and vinegar solution. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as needed until the stain and odor is gone. 

Step 6: Dry area 

Finally, allow the area to dry overnight. To speed up the drying time, open a window, turn on a fan, or run your AC or HVAC system. 

Preventing future vomit incidents 

While vomit happens, especially in households with pets or kids, there are steps you can take to hopefully prevent future bouts of illness from damaging your carpet. 

Regular carpet maintenance 

• Vacuum your carpet weekly to keep it free of dirt and debris. This will make it easier to deep clean, if needed. 

• Use carpet protectant, such as a stain-resistant treatment or spray, to create a barrier that makes future cleanups easier. Many BISSELL® carpet cleaning formulas, such as the one we recommend in this article – PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain Urine Eliminator Formula – come with StainProtect® Technology, which penetrates deep into the carpet fibers to protect against additional stains. 

• Deep clean your carpets regularly – at least twice a year, if not monthly, using an upright carpet cleaner to remove buildup and refresh carpet fibers. 

Tips for quick response 

• Keep essential cleaning supplies easily accessible for emergencies, such as paper towels, disposable gloves, Oxy-based cleaners, and a portable carpet cleaner. 

• Act immediately when you realize someone has been sick, as a quick response makes it less likely for stains and odors to set deep into your carpet. 

• Use cold water, as hot water can set proteins in vomit, making it harder to remove from carpet. 

• If you’re cleaning by hand, blot, don’t rub, to avoid pushing stains and odors deeper into the carpet, and always blot from the outside in. 

Common mistakes to avoid 

• Avoid using hot water, which can set stains. 

• Do not rub the stain, as it can damage the carpet fibers. 

• Always dry the area completely, as moisture left behind can cause persistent odors and lead to mold issues. 

Conclusion 

Acting quickly and using the right tools is key to cleaning vomit from a carpet effectively. Whether you use store-bought products or a simple homemade solution, following these steps will leave your carpet fresh and stain-free. 

Frequently asked questions 

What product cleans vomit from carpet? 

The best product for cleaning vomit is an Oxy-based carpet cleaning solution, which breaks down organic matter and effectively removes both stains and odors.  We like this combination: spray with OXY Stain Pretreat for Carpet & Upholstery to get the formula working right away, then pull out your Little Green® HydroSteam® Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner and fill it with PET PRO OXY Spot & Stain Urine Eliminator Formula to fully remove the vomit smell and stain.   

Is it better to clean vomit wet or dry? 

It’s best to clean vomit while it’s still wet, acting quickly to prevent it from setting deep in the carpet fibers and padding. However, if the vomit is already dry, using a carpet cleaning machine will allow you to rehydrate the stain so it can be loosened and fully removed. 

How long does it take to get vomit smell out of carpet? 

The smell of vomit can linger due to a combination of gastric acids, enzymes, food, and bacteria, making it stubborn to remove from carpet. Generally, the smell can last for a few hours with proper cleaning. Using an enzyme or Oxy-based cleaner can speed up the deodorization process to remove any vomit odors. If vomit smell lasts beyond several days, professional carpet cleaning may be required.