Falling asleep can be tough—but it can be especially challenging if you’re not feeling well. Whether you have a common cold or a bout of the flu, feeling under the weather happens from time to time.
Unfortunately, you can’t avoid an unexpected stomach bug from hitting you, which means you may even have an episode of puking on your bed sheets, blankets, or worse, your mattress.
No one is immune to those not-so-fun human moments. Pets and small children may throw up in bed sometimes too. (Find out if you can get sick sleeping next to a sick person.)
Wondering how to get the vomit smell out of a mattress? This article will explain exactly how to get vomit out of a mattress and how to get vomit out of bed sheets.
How to get vomit out of a mattress
So, how exactly do you get vomit out of a mattress?
First of all, you’ll need some basic cleaning supplies like baking soda, dish soap or a mild detergent, and hydrogen peroxide, says Karina Toner, operations manager of Spekless Cleaning, a trusted cleaning company in Arlington, Va.
“These supplies are gentle yet effective for cleaning mattresses without causing damage,” she says.
After you’ve gathered all of your cleaning supplies, start by removing any solid residue with a spoon or spatula. Then, blot the area with paper towels to absorb excess liquid without pushing it further into the mattress fibers, explains Toner.
Next, Toner says to mix a tablespoon of dish soap with a cup of hydrogen peroxide. Gently dab the solution onto the vomit stain using a clean cloth, working from the outside in to avoid spreading it further.
Then, sprinkle baking soda over the damp area to absorb remaining moisture and neutralize odor. Let it sit for several hours or overnight.
But wait—what about that vomit smell? How do you get a vomit smell out of a mattress?
“I usually sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area after cleaning,” shares Toner. “Let it sit for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, then vacuum it up thoroughly.”
Toner says baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors and can help you get your mattress smelling fresh and clean.
While you’re cleaning your mattress, if you notice any other pesky stains, review this guide to the best ways to remove tough stains from your mattress.
How to get vomit out of bed sheets
Now that you know how to get vomit out of a mattress, including vomit smells and stains, let’s turn our attention to the next question: How do you get vomit out of bed sheets?
“For bed sheets, we still start by removing any solid residue with a spoon or spatula,” instructs Toner. “Then, rinse the affected area under cold water to remove as much vomit as possible.”
Toner suggests pre-treating the stain with a mixture of mild detergent and cold water before throwing it in the wash.
For cleaning supplies, Toner says you’ll need mild detergent, cold water, and oxygen bleach.
“Oxygen bleach is safe for most fabrics and effectively removes stains without damaging colors or fibers,” she explains. “You can also use baking soda to get rid of any lingering smells, just like when deodorizing your mattress.”
Next, simply soak the stained area in a mixture of cold water and mild detergent for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, launder the sheets in cold water with oxygen bleach added according to the product’s instructions.
FAQS
How do you clean vomit from a mattress?
When cleaning vomit out of a mattress, you’ll need some cleaning supplies like baking soda and an enzyme-based cleaner. Simply clean the spots of vomit, then blot the vomit spots out with rags or paper towels to absorb as much moisture as possible.
Next, pour on a generous amount of baking soda to absorb excess moisture and odors. Let the baking soda sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. For more serious stains, apply a pet stain product or enzyme-based cleaner or a liberal amount of dish soap/vinegar solution.
Afterward, absorb the liquid again and let the spots air dry. Repeat the whole process if any odor remains.
How do you get rid of the smell of vomit?
Baking soda is a great option to absorb any pesky vomit smells from your mattress. Toner has a few other recommendations as well.
“To combat the smell of vomit in general, you can also use white vinegar,” she says. “Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and disinfectant, making it perfect for neutralizing unpleasant odors.”
To use, simply dilute vinegar with water in a spray bottle and mist the affected area, recommends Toner. “Allow it to air dry, and the vinegar scent will dissipate, all while taking the vomit odor with it,” she says.
Personally, Toner loves using OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover for pre-treating stains on bed sheets and other fabrics before laundering. Though heavily targeted at pet owners, Toner also likes using the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner on upholstered surfaces to remove all kinds of wet stains.
Please note that Spekless is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned in this article.
Does vomit come out of bedding?
Yes, vomit, though annoying, can come out of bedding with a few basic cleaning supplies like cold water, mild detergent, and oxygen bleach.
For more bedroom cleaning advice, check out our articles on how to deep clean a mattress and how to get blood stains out of sheets.
