Not only did the state of health fail, but also the consequences must be eliminated. If the puddle of vomit is not properly dealt with, it can ruin various surfaces or leave permanent stains on them, and it will be almost impossible to get rid of the smell. This is why it is important to react immediately in such a situation. Cover the stain with absorbent material such as baking soda or cornstarch, then sprinkle with a strong disinfectant and leave the room to ventilate. When done, both the stain and odor should be almost gone.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Blot the vomit
Step 1. Protect yourself from germs
Before approaching a puddle of vomit, be sure to properly protect yourself. Put on a pair of thick rubber dishwashing gloves and cover your face with something if possible. Make sure that no part of your body comes into contact with vomit.
- If you have a weak stomach, it is a good idea to apply menthol ointment, peppermint oil, or another strong-smelling product to the area under your nose.
- Keep small children and pets away from vomit until you have time to clear it up.
Step 2. Scrape off the bulk
Use a disposable plate, cardboard, or folded piece of newspaper to scoop up any thick vomit. Try to collect as much solid and semi-solid mass as possible. This will greatly facilitate the following cleaning steps. Make sure you have a trash bag on hand to dispose of the vomit and the items you used to remove it.
- It is not recommended to use a rubber spatula, plastic scraper, or other utensil unless you are ready to throw it away afterwards.
- Take out the trash as soon as you are done to minimize the risk of germs spreading.
Step 3. Sprinkle absorbent material on the stained area
Sprinkle some baking soda, cat litter, or cornstarch on the damp spot. Cover the entire area, being careful not to miss any open areas. Leave the powder on for 15-20 minutes to absorb as much vomit as possible.
- These products are especially useful for treating vomit stains on carpet and upholstery where more areas need to be hidden.
- If you are unable to immediately remove vomit, you can skip manual cleaning and apply the absorbent layer immediately.
Step 4. Vacuum the remaining vomit
After the powder dries everything, vacuum the spot with a vacuum cleaner several times at high power. This should help clear up most of the vomit. However, there may still be stains and odors on fabric surfaces that need to be removed.
- The dust collector and brush will make it easier to get into the carpet fibers.
- To complete the cleaning, lightly sweep over hard surfaces with disinfectant wipes or a cloth dampened with soapy water after vacuuming.
- Remember to shake dry vomit out of the vacuum cleaner when you're done (ideally, throw everything in a separate trash bag).
Method 2 of 3: Remove the stain
Step 1. Buy or make a cleaning solution
Enzyme-based cleaners break down proteins, acids and bacteria while disinfecting and removing odors. You can find them at most drug stores, pet stores, or hardware stores. Or you can make your own cleaning product using basic household items.
- In online stores with delivery throughout Russia, you can find many good and proven enzyme cleaning products, for example, Simple Solution or Nature's Miracle.
- To make a basic cleaning solution at home, mix two cups of warm water, half a cup of distilled white vinegar, one tablespoon of clear liquid dishwashing liquid, and two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol in a small bucket or spray bottle.
Step 2. Apply the cleaner to the contaminated surface
Spray generously on the stain, including the outer edges where germs may have begun to spread. Let the detergent soak in for about five minutes. It will start killing germs immediately. In case you don't have a spray bottle, dip a rag or sponge in the cleaning solution, squeeze out and blot the area around the stain.
Be careful not to damage your carpet or delicate upholstery. Excessive moisture can damage certain materials or increase the likelihood of mold or rust
Step 3. Actively blot the stain
Press with a cloth or sponge on the stain to thoroughly disinfect everything. Do not rub or scrub the stain in the early stages, as it may smudge even more. As you work, alternate all the materials you use.
- Colored stains are especially difficult to remove and must be handled with care so that things don't get out of hand.
- Walking once may be enough to clear vomit from harder surfaces such as tiles, laminate flooring, wood, or metal.
Step 4. Repeat until the vomit is completely gone
Squeeze out a rag or sponge and apply a fresh coat of cleaner. Continue patting the stain until it is gone. At this stage, you will most likely have to rub harder to remove every last trace from the surface.
- It can take a significant amount of time and effort to get rid of the stain completely, however, don't give up. The longer you work on it, the less noticeable it will become.
- In case of vomit stains on clothes, follow the same steps, then put all the clothes in the washing machine and wash at a high temperature as soon as possible.
- Wash any towels and rags you use to get rid of vomit. Used sponges should be thrown into the trash immediately.
Method 3 of 3: Eliminate odor
Step 1. Sprinkle the surface with baking soda
Cover the soiled area while it is still damp to help the baking soda adhere better to the vomit. If possible, place another object (such as a bucket, bowl, or plastic basin) on top of the stain so that it is completely covered. This way, most of the odor is absorbed rather than escaping into the air.
This step is worth doing even if you originally used baking soda to soak up your vomit. A second application is likely to be needed to get rid of more persistent odors
Step 2. Let the baking soda soak overnight
Sodium bicarbonate will take several hours to absorb odor-producing vomit. Until then, you have no choice but to be patient.
Wait for the baking soda to harden and turn into dry lumps before vacuuming over it
Step 3. Ventilate the room
Spray your room with a powerful air freshener or homemade equivalent made of a mixture of water, fresh citrus juice, and essential oils. Leave a door or window open whenever possible to encourage air circulation. Most of the odor should dissipate within a couple of hours.
- Turn on a ceiling fan or air conditioner to get rid of overpowering odors. Do not turn on the heater, which can intensify and accentuate odors.
- Scented candles can also help improve indoor air quality.
Step 4. Vacuum the dried mass
Vacuum the area at different angles, using different nozzles as needed. Run your hand over the stain to make sure there is no baking soda left anywhere. After you vacuum the dirty area a second time, it will be difficult to tell if there was a stain in the first place.
- Use your handheld or Shop-Vac vacuum cleaner to remove baking soda from your vehicle interior or other hard-to-reach areas.
- Before using the vacuum cleaner again, be sure to empty the contents into a trash bag to get rid of any clots.
Advice
- Take slow, shallow breaths through your mouth as you brush to avoid causing nausea.
- Place vomited clothing, toys, and other items in a trash bag to keep vomit from dripping.
- Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap after cleaning your vomit.
- Be sure to clean up all tools, items, and things that may have gotten vomited.
- If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to remove stubborn vomit stains from carpet, upholstery, and other heavy fabrics.
Warnings
Vomit can contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that transmit disease. For your own safety, always use proper equipment before starting to get rid of vomit, and make it a rule to disinfect the area in addition to simply removing the original mass
You will need
- Rubber gloves
- Mask
- Disposable scraper
- Absorbent powder (baking soda, cornstarch, cat litter, etc.)
- Water
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Mild liquid dish detergent
- Rubbing alcohol
- Enzyme cleaner
- Baking soda
- Rag or sponge
- Vacuum cleaner
- Paper towels
- Air purifier