The Best Way To Clean Vomit Stains On Your Mattress

When you, your child, or your pet has been sick, cleaning vomit off bedding — and stains off the mattress beneath — can be a frustrating and gross job. Luckily, you should be able to remove the stain with some water, dish soap, and vinegar. You can then get rid of the odors with baking soda. If there were sheets on the bed at the time of the accident, carefully remove for washing before evaluating the stain underneath.

The reason this method for cleaning your mattress is so effective against vomit stains is the way the different cleansers work together. Dish soap is extremely helpful in getting rid of greasy stains and cleansing the area because it is a surfactant, while vinegar has some disinfectant properties that can kill certain bacteria or viruses. Additionally, baking soda is known for absorbing odors, especially acidic-based scents because it is alkaline, but it can also soak up grease. By using these cleansers, you can remove the stain from your mattress without using harsh chemicals. If a slight smell is left behind or if you're concerned about sanitizing your bed, you may want to use an enzymatic cleaner or hydrogen peroxide in addition to these other products.

First, you'll need to put on gloves. Remove the soiled bedding to see how much of the vomit has made its way onto your mattress. If there are any solids on the mattress itself, use paper towels to carefully pick them up without squishing them into the fabric. Now, lightly dab the area with a cloth to remove as much of the liquid as possible. For stains that have started to dry, use a wet cloth to blot the area and begin to lift the stain.

Once you've gotten off as much of the vomit as possible, fill a spray bottle halfway with vinegar, add a squirt of dish soap, and fill the rest with water. Mist the cleaning solution over the stained surface, making sure not to get it too wet. If you don't have a spray bottle, mix your cleaner in a bowl, dampen a cloth with it, and lightly blot the area again. It's important not to oversaturate your mattress, as the moisture could soak into the material and cause issues with mold or mildew. Allow your solution to set for several minutes before using a dry rag to soak up the liquid. Now, dump baking soda over the entire affected surface and leave it there for a minimum of 30 minutes, up to several hours. Once it has dried and absorbed the odors, simply vacuum up the powder.

Tougher stains might not yield to just dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda, and if you believe the vomiting was caused by a virus, you'll want to ensure those germs are killed by not only washing your bedding but disinfecting it as well. For mattresses that still seem to have an odor even after baking soda has been applied, enzymatic cleaners that fight protein stains can get rid of the awful smell. Apply the cleaner to the stain, leave it for a few minutes, and dab it away.

For those concerned about germs spreading throughout their household or lingering on their bed, hydrogen peroxide is great for killing a variety of viruses and bacteria, and will also help remove any odors. Spray a very small amount of the antiseptic over the stain and let it dry. When using hydrogen peroxide on your mattress, it's best to spot test a small, inconspicuous area first, as it may cause damage or discoloration.