Didn't Make It To The Toilet? Safe, Efficient Solutions To Clean Up Vomit From Carpet And Rugs

11 July 2016
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From food poisoning or stomach infections to a more involved gastrointestinal illness, vomiting is a common side effect of many health issues. If you have ever suffered with a virus or gastrointestinal illness, you most likely understand how vomiting works. In most cases, you will not have the time or skill needed to avoid vomiting outside of your bathroom, so learning how to clean up this unappealing mess is smart. In addition to the overall mess, you should also worry about the presence of bacteria, parasites, and viruses in the vomit. Without safe, efficient cleanup of the vomit, you may spread the illnesses around your home. Using these tips, you can remove vomit from your carpet and rugs in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

Corn Starch Solution

As soon as you or a family member vomits on your carpet, remove the bulk matter using paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels and bulk matter in a plastic bag, and place them in an outdoor trash can.

After removing the bulk of the vomit, spray the area with a solution containing corn starch and hot water. Add ¼ cup of corn starch to a spray bottle with 2 cups of hot water. Shake the bottle to mix before spraying a generous amount of the solution onto the soiled area of your carpet. Scrub the solution into the carpet fiber using a soft-bristled brush.

When you are finished scrubbing, spray more of the solution onto the carpet and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Place a few paper towels onto the area to blot up the remaining liquid. Allow the carpet to dry before vacuuming to freshen up the carpet fibers.

The corn starch will dissolve away any leftover vomit while the hot water removes discoloration to prevent stains.

Vinegar Solution

Vinegar is also an effective option for cleaning up vomit from your carpet and rugs. Not only does its aroma mask the unattractive smell of the vomit, but vinegar also contains acidic properties that are antibacterial and antiviral. Using a vinegar solution to clean up the vomit will decrease your risk of permanent odors and stains while also killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Remove the bulk of the vomit using paper towels as soon as possible. Dispose of the bulk and paper towels in a bag and place them in your outdoor waste bin. Combine 2 cups of white vinegar with 1 cup of hot water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix the ingredients before spraying the solution onto the affected area.

Allow the vinegar solution to sit and soak into the carpet fibers for 30 minutes before blotting up the excess using paper towels. If you still notice a smell or discoloration from the vomit, spray more of the vinegar solution on the carpet. Use a brush to scrub the vinegar and hot water into the carpet before blotting up the excess with clean paper towels.

Baking Soda

Removing the vomit from your floor immediately after the accident occurs is best, but that is not always possible. If the vomit has dried into your carpet or rug, a more involved cleaning will be necessary. To remove dried vomit and stains from the carpet, consider using the following steps:

  1. Use a putty tool to scrape the dried vomit from your carpet. Dispose of it in a plastic bag and place it in your outdoor trash can.
  2. Mix 2 cups of hot water and ½ cup of baking soda in a spray bottle. Shake to mix.
  3. Spray the baking soda solution onto the carpet. Allow to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Use a sponge to scrub the baking soda solution deep into the carpet.
  5. Use paper towels to blot up the leftover solution.

Fast removal of the vomit from the floors in your home is imperative to prevent stains and the possible spread of illness. With these solutions, you can clean up vomit from your carpet and area rugs in a safe, efficient manner. If you need help getting stains or smells out of your carpet, contact a professional carpet cleaning company for assistance.