So you’ve got vomit on your upholstery! Luckily, you’re not the first to find yourself in this situation, and there are plenty of ways to get rid of that smell. Here are the best methods to remove the vomit smell from upholstery and how to prevent further damage from the stain.
Blot the vomit with paper towels
First and foremost, use paper towels or a clean cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. This is important because you want to prevent seepage into places where it may be more difficult (or impossible) to remove later. Before going on, soak up as much liquid as you can—but don't rub too hard, or you'll transmit the stain. Once there’s no more liquid pooling, let your cleaning solution soak in for about 5 minutes; it will break down all those molecules so they can be easily removed.
Use a mixture of club soda and hydrogen peroxide
Upholstery
Cleaning is used to clean stains and dirt in your car's interior. To get
rid of that smelly vomit odor in your seats:
- Mix a solution of 50Percent water
and 50% club soda with some hydrogen peroxide.
- Pour it directly on any spots or
stain you want to remove; be sure not to use it too close to plastics, leathers,
rubber, and electrical components.
- Set aside for a few minutes
before blotting with clean cloths or paper towels.
- Repeat as needed if there are any remaining marks after drying until you no longer see any signs of staining or odor.
Soak the affected area in baking soda and water overnight
Baking soda is a powerful odor-eliminator. Sprinkle baking soda on any affected area of your furniture, and let it sit overnight. You should be able to wipes away any stains or smells with a moist cloth in most circumstances. If you’re worried about staining wood surfaces, try rubbing a few drops of oil into them before you begin your cleaning efforts. This will help slow down further absorption of liquids onto your furniture and may help protect it from future accidents. Wipe down with water: After letting any excess baking soda sit for an hour or so, use wet towels or a sponge to wipe down all surfaces affected by liquid—including surrounding areas that absorbed odors.
Clean off dried blood (if any) with warm, soapy water
The
first step in cleaning any upholstered piece of furniture is to make sure it’s
thoroughly clean and that all traces of what got spilled, be it paint or
coffee, have been removed. To do so:
- Spray warm water on stains or
areas where liquid has dried. If there’s dried blood on your couch, blot
away as much as you can with paper towels and use a few drops of laundry
detergent mixed with hot water.
- Scrub thoroughly until no more
stain remains; then wipe with a damp towel.
- Rinse using cold water.
- Pat dry using towels—preferably white—to avoid staining your fabric pieces (if any).
Vacuum the area
Start
by vacuuming the area with a wet-dry vacuum. Remove any visible solids and
spray down with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Keep your carpet as
dry as possible during the cleanup, which will help minimize odor coming back
later. The vinegar will neutralize any odors left in your carpet fibers, so try
not to mop it up unless you're sure all of it is gone (this could allow residue
to remain). After you've finished using your vacuum, make sure you dispose of
its contents appropriately — do not dump it back in with regular household
waste. Most vacuum cleaners have a bag or canister that can be easily disposed
of or replaced after an incident like this.
Conclusion
Upholstery cleaning is a significant part of protecting your home. Without it, you may lose your investment in your carpet or couch. Fortunately, there are many method you can use to keep it clean and healthy—including professional carpet cleaning as needed. If you want more helps to figure out how best to maintain your upholstery, call on a couch master for their advice.
