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Just about everyone has experienced vomit on the bed at some point, or know someone that has. Whether it’s an animal, yourself or a friend, it happens from time to time, as unpleasant as it can be. Especially when it’s in your own bed, where you sleep every night so let’s get right into how to clean vomit from mattress.
If you have ever experienced vomit in your bed, you probably haven’t forgotten that smell. Which is why it’s important to act fast and start cleaning it up immediately. Stains and odors are more time consuming, but, with the right game plan, you’ll be back to sleeping in a clean bed in no time! Here’s how to clean vomit from mattresses.
Simple Steps How to Clean Vomit from Mattress
First, here is what you’ll need:
- Gloves
- Napkins
- Garbage bags
- Disinfectant cleaner
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Water
- Lavender
- Steam cleaner
- Shaving cream
Step #1: Clean It Up
Remove the vomit from your covers or sheets immediately and open a window if possible. You want to try and get some fresh air circulating in the room.
You can use napkins, plastic bags, or something plastic to scrape it up with. You can use anything as long as it gets the job done!
Once you remove all the vomit, place it into a garbage bag, and put it outside so the smell doesn’t linger.
Step #2: Do the Laundry
Remove the sheets and, if you have one, your mattress pad. Shake it out, but make sure to do it outside just in case there’s still pieces of vomit left behind. Then, place the sheets into the washer and turn it on to the highest temperature. Put the laundry soap in and start washing.
Step #3: Soak Up the Liquid on the Stained Area
There will most likely still be liquid left on the mattress, so it is best to grab a dry cloth or rag and use it to soak up the remaining liquid from the vomit.
To do so, avoid smearing it. Blotting is the best method as you don’t want to spread it into the mattress more, which would make it harder to clean.
Step #4: Sanitize
Much like cleaning any other type stain off of a mattress, there will be a series of similar steps when it comes to vomit.
If you have a steam cleaner, use it. This will lift any stain and odor right out of the mattress. After steam cleaning, you can proceed with spraying a bottle of 50/50 white vinegar and water. Or, you can use a specific cleaning agent. If you don’t have a steam cleaner, feel free to skip over that part and go right to using a white vinegar mix or cleaning agent.
Another option is using vodka or hydrogen peroxide, but make sure they are diluted beforehand.
You can also use shaving cream! All you have to do is put some shaving cream onto the stain and gently rub. Let it sit for twenty minutes, blot, and let it air dry. Then continue to spray it over with 50/50 vinegar or sprinkle baking soda on top. If using baking soda, make sure to vacuum it up after.
Step #5: Say Goodbye to Any Odors
Much like disinfecting or sanitizing, you can rid your room of the odor by using a cleaner that leaves a nice smell behind, or you can sprinkle baking soda all over the area that is stained.
Once you sprinkle the baking soda, let it sit overnight if possible.
You can also use the 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water, lavender oil, or eucalyptus oil. You can spray these mixtures directly onto the stain but do not dampen the area. Remember to always air dry afterwards.
Step #6: Finishing Touches
Once the mattress has been air-dried and left overnight, take the freshly cleaned sheets and mattress pad once they have been dried at a high temperature and make the bed.
FAQs About Mattress Cleaning
Can You Clean Urine Off a Mattress Like You Would Clean Up a Vomit Stain?
Yes, you can clean urine off a mattress like you would clean a vomit stain. As long as you have a good cleaning product that sanitizes appropriately, the steps would be the same.
What If You Can’t Get the Odor Out of the Room?
If you can’t get the odor out of the room, check to see if there’s a way to get fresh air circulating in the room. You can also get some candles going, as well as a humidifier. Make sure to leave the baking soda on for at least twelve hours if it’s a big stain.
However, if you did a thorough clean, chances are the odor is still lingering due to a lack of airflow.
Are there Natural Ways to Clean the Mattress?
Yes, there are plenty of natural ways to clean the mattress. This includes the 50/50 white vinegar mix as well as using diluted essential oils.
Bottom Line
Messes are inevitable at times, but, if treated promptly and with the correct steps, you should be able to diminish any trace of the accident. Make sure to be prepared and always have the tools on hand that will help you when something like this arises.