Cleaning up vomit

Video: How to clean up vomit - step by step guide

Content

To step
Part 1 of 3: Sucking up the vomit
Part 2 of 3: Treating the stain
Part 3 of 3: Deodorizing the area
Tips
Warnings
Necessities

As if getting sick wasn't bad enough, you still have to clean up the mess it makes. If not handled properly, a mountain of vomit can cause damage or permanent stains on various surfaces, and the odor can be virtually impossible to eliminate. That's why you have to respond immediately when illness strikes. Flood the area with absorbent material such as baking soda or cornstarch, then treat with a strong disinfectant and air the room. When you're done, both the stain and the odor should be much less noticeable.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Sucking up the vomit

Protect yourself from bacteria. Before you even get close to the mess, you want to make sure you are well protected. Wear thick rubber dishwashing gloves and, if possible, something to cover your face. Try not to let any part of your body come into contact with the vomit.
- If you have a weak stomach, it might be a good idea to put some menthol, peppermint oil, or some other strong scent under your nose.
- Keep small children and pets away from the mess until you have time to do something about it.
Scrape up the worst of the mess. Use a paper plate, piece of cardboard, or folded newspaper to scoop up thick pieces. Try to sweep up as much solid and semi-solid stuff as possible. This makes the later steps of cleaning much easier. Have a garbage bag handy to dispose of the mess, as well as the things you used to take it away.
- It is not recommended to use a spatula, plastic scraper or other utensils unless you want to throw it away afterwards.
- Dispose of the waste immediately when you are ready to reduce the risk of bacteria spreading.
Sprinkle the affected area with an absorbent substance. Shake some baking soda, cat litter, or cornstarch on the wet area. Cover the entire area and make sure not to leave any of the mess uncovered. Leave the powder in place for 15-20 minutes to soak up as much vomit as possible.
- These materials are especially helpful if you're treating puke stains on the carpet and upholstery, where there's more room for mess to hide in.
- If you can't get rid of the mess right away, you can skip the manual cleaning and go for the absorbent layer right away.
Vacuum up the remaining vomit. Once the powder has had a chance to dry, run over the area a few times on a high vacuum setting. This should get rid of most of the vomit itself. However, there may still be some residue on textile surfaces for cleaning or odors to remove.
- A brush or dusting brush on it makes it easier to vacuum deep between the carpet fibers.
- After vacuuming, go over hard surfaces with a disinfectant cloth or washcloth soaked in soapy water to finish it off.
- Don't forget to take the dried stuff out of the vacuum when you're done (ideally in a separate garbage bag).

Part 2 of 3: Treating the stain

Buy or make a cleaning solution. Enzyme-based cleaners break down proteins, acids and bacteria and disinfect and deodorize them at the same time. You can find these at most pharmacies, pet stores or household supply stores. You also have the option to make your own cleaning product with simple household items.
- Some of the most trusted brands of enzymatic cleaners are Simple Solution, Capture and Nature's Miracle.
- To make a simple household detergent, combine two cups of warm water, half a cup of distilled white vinegar, a teaspoon of clear dish soap, and two teaspoons of alcohol in a small bucket or spray bottle.
Apply the cleaner to the dirty surface. Spray generously on the vomit stain, including the outer edges where bacteria may have spread. Leave the cleaner on for about 5 minutes. He will immediately start to kill bacteria. Assuming you're not using a spray bottle, dip a washcloth or sponge in the cleaning solution, wring it out, and dab the area around the stain.
- Don't oversaturate your carpet and delicate upholstery. Too much moisture can damage certain materials or make it more likely for mold to form.
Pat the stain vigorously. Press the cloth or sponge into the stain to get the disinfectant in. Avoid scrubbing or sweeping in the first instance as this can spread the stain over a larger area. While you're at it, rotate with the tool you're using.
- Colorful spots are especially troublesome and should be handled with care to keep them from getting out of hand.
- Once over it may be all it takes to remove vomit from harder surfaces like tile, laminate, hardwood or metal.
Repeat until the puke is completely gone. Wring out the cloth or sponge and apply fresh detergent. Keep dabbing the stain until it disappears. You probably need to scrub a little more vigorously now to make sure every last trace of the mess comes off.
- It can take significant time and effort to blot out the stain completely, but be persistent. The longer it takes you, the better it will look.
- For vomit stains on clothing, follow the same steps and then toss the garment in the washing machine and wash it at a high temperature as soon as possible.
- Wash any towels and cloths you used to clean the mess. Used sponges should be disposed of immediately.

Part 3 of 3: Deodorizing the area

Sprinkle the surface with soda. Cover the affected area while it is still damp to make the soda stick more easily. If possible, place another object (such as a bucket, bowl, or plastic sink) over the stain so that it is completely contained. That way, more of the scent will be trapped instead of escaping into the air.
- You should even continue with this step if you originally used soda to soak up the vomit. A second application is likely to be needed to rid the area of more stubborn odors.
Let the soda soak overnight. It takes the soda ash a few hours to absorb the leftover residue that is causing the odor. In the meantime, there isn't much you can do other than be patient.
- Wait for the soda to harden into dry clumps before vacuuming it up.
Air the room. Spray the room with a powerful air freshener or a homemade version with water, fresh citrus juice and essential oils. If possible, leave a door or window open to promote ventilation. Most of the smell will disappear in a few hours.
- Turning on the ceiling fan or air conditioning can help reduce strong odors. Avoid the heating, which can make scents stronger and clearer.
- Burning scented candles can also help improve the air quality in the room.
Vacuum up the dry mess. Cover the area from multiple angles, with several pieces of vacuum cleaner as needed. Run your hand over the area to make sure you haven't missed any soda. After you vacuum a second time, it will be difficult to see that there was ever a stain.
- Use a handheld or all-purpose vacuum cleaner to get soda out of the inside of your car or other hard-to-reach areas.
- Make sure to toss the contents of the vacuum cleaner in the bin to get rid of the clumps before you use it next time.

Tips

While cleaning, take slow, shallow breaths through your mouth to prevent nausea yourself.
Put clothes, toys, and other things soaked with vomit in a trash bag to prevent them from leaking.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap after clearing up vomit.
Don't forget to clean all other tools, gear and objects that have been exposed to the mess.
If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to remove stubborn vomit stains from carpets, upholstery, and heavy textiles.

Warnings

Vomit can contain bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that transmit disease. For your own safety, always use proper protective equipment before cleaning up vomit and definitely disinfect the area other than just cleaning up the original mess.