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Vomit stains are an unpleasant and unsightly problem that many homeowners face. It can be challenging to get rid of these stains because they often soak deep into the carpeting and the pad below.
Old vomit stains are also almost impossible to clean out without the proper tools and techniques. The good news is that there are several methods for removing dried-on vomit from rugs and carpets. We’ll teach you how to remove old vomit stains from carpets in this blog post. We’ll also include our best carpet maintenance tips, so read on!
How to Remove Dried Vomit From Carpets With Vinegar
Removing vomit stains from carpets is indeed more tricky than cleaning fresh vomit. To help you out, here’s a step-by-guide on how to remove old vomit stains from carpets with white vinegar and water.
Step 1: Moisten the Stained Area
The first thing you need to do is prepare the affected area. Dip a clean cloth in cold water and moisten the stain. Then blot up as much of it as possible with a paper towel or a dry cloth.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Mix a solution of plain warm water and vinegar in a spray bottle. The vinegar and water solution will help loosen the stain and neutralize the vomit smell.
Pro Tip: You can add a few drops of dish detergent to your cleaning formula for tougher stains.
Step 3: Spray the Mixture Onto the Vomit Stain
Spray the mixture onto the puke stains and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, use a damp cloth to gently rub the stubborn stains. Avoid scrubbing as it can damage the carpet fibers.
Step 4: Rinse off the Treated Spot
Next, take a clean cloth dipped in cold water. Rinse off any remaining vomit residue. If some stain remains, repeat steps 3 and 4 on those spots until you have removed all traces of vomit from your carpeting.
You have to remove all traces of the gross stain as vomit can be a breeding ground for mold, making your room smell worse.
Step 5: Dry Your Carpet
After rinsing off the stained area, air dry your carpet thoroughly. You can use a wet and dry vacuum to suck up all the extra moisture. Ensure that your carpeting has dried thoroughly before allowing foot traffic.
How to Remove Vomit Stains With Baking Soda
When you are particularly sensitive to vinegar smell, you can still clean up an old vomit stain using a combination of baking soda and club soda. Here’s how:
Step 1: Prepare Your Stain Remover
Baking soda is effective for breaking up old stains. Club soda, on the other hand, is an excellent carpet deodorizer and will help hasten the vomit stain removal process.
Step 2: Blot the Stain
Then, spray water onto the stain. Use a clean rag or paper towel to blot up as much of the old stain as possible.
Step 3: Apply Baking Soda on the Stain

After that, sprinkle some baking powder onto the stained area. Let the powder soak up the stain for at least an hour. For tough stains, let the baking soda sit overnight.
Step 4: Dab Stain With Club Soda
Dip a clean cloth in club soda and squeeze out any excess liquid. Gently dab the damp cloth onto the affected area to remove the cleaning agent and any stain residue.
Step 5: Rinse off and Air Dry
With a clean cloth dampened with water, wipe off the spot to remove any traces of the cleaning solution. Then, allow your carpet to dry for several hours to remove all the moisture.
Step 6: Vacuum Your Carpet
Once your carpet is completely dry, you can use your vacuum cleaner to remove any of the baking soda you may have missed during rinsing.
How to Remove Dried Vomit With Hydrogen Peroxide
How do you remove vomit stains without a carpet cleaning machine or the budget for a professional carpet cleaner? You can try this fix!
- Mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with two cups of cool water in a spray bottle
- Apply the mixture to the old carpet stains, taking care not to oversaturate the spot.
- Let the stain remover sit for thirty minutes to an hour.
- Using a clean cloth, slowly rub the stained area.
- Blot up the moisture with a clean towel and allow the area to dry for several hours before walking on it again.
Pro Tip: Remember to do a spot test first. You want to make sure that this method is suitable for your carpet material.
How to Get Dog Vomit Out of Carpets
Dealing with vomit is never fun. If you have the misfortune of finding dog vomit on your carpet, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Vacuum Up All The Debris
Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the vomit and bits of food that may be tangled in the fibers of your carpet. This will make it easier to clean the stain and prevent any bad smells from lingering.
Step 2: Dab at the Stain With a Wet Towel
Dip a clean cloth into cool water and begin dabbing at the vomit stain. Do not scrub as this can damage the carpet’s fibers.
Step 3: Pour Some Hydrogen Peroxide on the Stains
Pour some of the liquid onto a cloth and gently dab it over the stain. This will help break down any stubborn stains, but make sure you don’t pour too much as this can damage your carpet fibers.
Pro Tip: You may need to do this step several times to remove the stain completely.
Step 4: Blot Up The Excess Moisture
Once you have treated the stain, use a dry towel to blot any extra moisture. This will help your carpet to dry faster and prevent any bad smells from lingering.
Step 5: Let Your Carpet Dry Thoroughly
After all the moisture has been removed, it’s time to let your carpet dry. Allow several hours for this process, and do not use any heaters as this will damage your carpet fibers.
Step 6: Deodorize Your Carpet
Vomit stains can have a nasty smell. To avoid any lingering odors, sprinkle some baking soda over the affected area and leave it to sit overnight. Vacuum your carpet the next day.
You can also deodorize the carpet with essential oils, a pet odor eliminator, an air freshener, carpet shampoo, enzyme cleaners, and other items.
If you follow these simple steps, cleaning vomit stains should be easier, even if you’re a beginner.
How to Get Rid of Vomit Smell From Carpets
If you have kids or pets, there’s a good chance that at some point, you will have to deal with puke stains on your carpeted floors. You’ll want to know how to remove stains and foul smells as soon as possible! Here are a few tips:
- Clean the carpet using any of the methods listed above.
- Use a non-toxic commercial deodorizer, enzyme cleaner, carpet shampoo, baking soda, essential oils, pet odor eliminator, and air fresheners if you notice a lingering smell.
- You also need to air out the room. Maintaining good ventilation in carpeted rooms improves the quality of indoor air. It will also help reduce the smell.
If none of these cleaning solutions work, you might have to call in a professional carpet cleaning service. But hopefully, one of these methods will do the trick so you can enjoy a fresher carpet.
Essential Tips for Carpet Stain Removal

Old vomit stains are tough to remove. To help you, here are essential tips that will make the task easier.
- Always wear protective gloves when you clean vomit stains. Choose between rubber or latex gloves, depending on your preference.
- Always have a plastic bag or trash bag ready. This will help you to collect the soiled items quickly.
- Never use a stiff brush when cleaning up carpet stains. This might damage the fibers of your carpet.
- It is better to dab or gently rub carpet stains instead of scrubbing them. Scrubbing will only push it further into the carpet and make it harder to remove.
- When using a carpet or fabric cleaner, read the product label carefully. Ensure it is suitable for your rugs and carpets. Do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to minimize the risk of damaging your carpets.
- Use a wet vac to remove any excess moisture and vomit residue, especially if you are dealing with old vomit stains. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from spreading in your home.
- Don’t use any harsh chemicals or cleaning solutions on the vomit stains. This could damage your carpet and make the stain even harder to remove.
- Don’t wait too long before trying to remove the stain. The sooner you treat it, the easier it is to remove it.
- Let your carpets dry thoroughly after cleaning up old vomit stains. A damp carpet will only foster mildew and mold growth. It will also produce a musty smell.
Removing Dried Vomit Stains From Carpets: FAQs
How to Clean Up Vomit From Carpets Without a Carpet Cleaner?
There are a few ways to clean up vomit from your carpet without using a carpet cleaner. One way is to use white vinegar to break down the vomit stain.
Additionally, you can use club soda and baking soda and dab on the affected area gently until the dried food particles come off. You can also spray the vomit with peroxide and wait for it to bubble before wiping it off.
Does Baking Soda Remove Old Stains From Carpets?
Yes, baking soda can be used to remove old vomit stains from carpets. To do this, use a mixture of one part water and three parts baking soda. Then spray or pour the solution on the stain before dabbing it with a cloth until clean.
How Long Does Baking Soda Need to Sit For It to Work?
Baking soda needs at least 30 minutes to work. To use it, pour baking soda over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming it up.
Can Hydrogen Peroxide Be Used on Colored Carpets?
Hydrogen peroxide cannot be used on colored carpets because it may bleach the color. There are many alternatives that are safe to use on colored rugs and carpets.
How Do You Get the Smell of Vomit Out of Carpets?

There are many ways to get the smell of vomit out of your carpet. One way is to use an enzyme cleaner or pet odor eliminator. Another way is to sprinkle baking soda over the stain, wait for at least 30 minutes, and then vacuum it up.
Can Old Vomit Stains Be Removed?
Yes, old vomit stains can be removed with the right methods. However, it might take some effort and time to remove them completely.
Does Vinegar Remove Old Stains From Carpets?
Yes, vinegar can remove old vomit stains from carpeted floors. To do this, use white distilled vinegar and spray it on the stain before blotting with a cloth or paper towel. Then rinse out the area with water. Also, don’t forget to let your carpet dry thoroughly before using it again.
What Are Some of the Best Ways to Prevent Vomit Stains?
One of the best ways to prevent vomit stains is to keep a close eye on your kids and pets when they are eating or drinking. You should also clean up messes as soon as possible to prevent the stains from seeping deep into carpet fibers.
What Can You Use on a Vomit Stain?
There are many effective ways of removing and preventing vomit stains. Some of these include using vinegar, club soda, baking soda, commercial cleaners or deodorizers for carpets, and essential oils. You can also use a wet vac to remove any remaining moisture.
Can You Use Dish Soap to Clean Up Dried Vomit Out of Your Carpet?
Yes, dish soap can be used to clean up old vomit out of your carpet. To do this, dilute the detergent in water and pour it over the stain. Then blot with a cloth or paper towels until the stain is gone. Rinse out the area with water when finished.
Worry-Free Carpet Maintenance
Vomit t stains happen, and they are tough to get out from carpeted floors. Luckily, you now know how to remove old vomit stains from carpets. Hence, you no longer have to worry about unsightly stains, and embarrassing vomit smells.
We hope you found this carpet cleaning guide helpful. Check out our other articles if you need more carpet maintenance tips.