How to Remove Vomit Smell from Carpet, Furniture, Car, and More
May 9, 2024
source: ehow/Youtube
It happened to me a few months ago when my beloved dog had a little “incident” on my new area rug. I still remember the panic that washed over me as I realized that my once pristine living room had turned into a noxious zone. The acrid smell of vomit clung to the fibers like it was never going to leave, but I wasn’t about to give up my favorite spot to the smell monster.
Since then, I’ve become a bit of an accidental expert in dealing with vomit smells. Whether it’s in the car, on the couch, or that one-of-a-kind carpet, I’ve learned how to banish the odor effectively. Let me share my go-to recipe with you and some helpful tips from my personal mishaps along the way.
The Solution
Ingredients:
2 cups hydrogen peroxide
2 tsp baking soda
2 drops liquid dish soap
Instructions:
Mix the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap together until the baking soda dissolves completely. This combination is a powerhouse of cleaning potential that will take on any stubborn smell.
For stuffed animals, clothing, car seats, or carpets, thoroughly saturate the affected area with this mixture. I once used this on a particularly smelly plush unicorn (a gift from my niece) that had been splashed during a toddler’s unfortunate case of motion sickness. After a good soak in the solution, it was as good as new.
Press the area with towels or rags to soak up as much of the solution and remaining moisture as possible. You may need to repeat this process if the smell persists, but trust me—it works. Just keep in mind that with delicate fabrics, you should test a small, inconspicuous spot first to ensure there’s no discoloration.
Repeat the process if necessary. Sometimes, strong odors need more than one application. If your initial efforts leave a trace of smell, don’t hesitate to do a second round.
Sprinkle some baking soda over the treated area and vacuum it up later. This last step is key; baking soda neutralizes odors naturally and gives a final polish to the cleanup job.
Tackling Specific Spots
Carpet: After soaking up any liquid residue with paper towels or rags, generously apply the cleaning solution over the spot. Press with a towel to extract moisture and odor. Repeat until the smell dissipates. I once tackled a friend’s whole carpet this way after a rowdy party. You wouldn’t believe how well it worked!
Car Seats: Getting vomit out of car seats requires patience and elbow grease. My niece had an unfortunate incident during a family road trip, and this solution saved us all from having to smell the lingering odor for the rest of the drive. After soaking the area, press firmly with towels and repeat until the smell is gone. Let it air out by leaving the windows open.
Upholstered Furniture: I learned the hard way to blot, not rub, the stain. My poor couch looked like a crime scene after my first go at scrubbing. Blotting keeps the stain contained and prevents further spreading. Saturate the stain with the solution, and press with a towel or rag until the moisture is absorbed.
Clothing & Stuffed Toys: Delicate items like plush toys require a gentle approach. You might need to soak these in the solution and hand-wash them after. My niece’s unicorn plush survived without a hitch.
Additional Tips
Ventilation: Make sure to air out the room as much as possible. Open windows, turn on fans, and let fresh air circulate to speed up the drying process and help remove lingering odors.
Enzyme Cleaners: If the homemade solution isn’t cutting it, try a commercial enzyme cleaner. These are great for organic stains and odors.
Essential Oils: A few drops of essential oils can help mask any stubborn smells while also giving your home a fresh scent. Lavender and lemon are personal favorites.
Cleaning vomit smell isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, but with a little perseverance and the right mixture, you can tackle even the most daunting odors. And next time your pet (or relative) has an accident, you’ll have a tried-and-true plan to handle the situation like a pro. With this guide, you’ll be back to enjoying a clean and fresh-smelling home in no time!