Tuesday 17 June 2014

how to clean vomit from carpets and upholstery?

Though not one of the more enjoyable moments in life, vomit happens. It can be somewhat difficult to remove the stains and many times more so the smell.

However, stain removal can be accomplished with some help, usually with everyday items that can be found around the house.


Steps to Clean the carpet:

1. Start by removing as much of the vomit as possible. Use a dust pan or other scraper to remove as much as possible. For smaller messes, a spoon will work.
2. Next, blot the area with old rags or paper towels to absorb the moisture.
3. Cover the area with baking soda or corn starch. Either of these products will soak up the excess moisture.
4. Allow it to set on the area for 10-15 minutes.
5. Vacuum away the baking soda or corn starch with a vacuum.
6. Next, you will treat the area for the odour and/or stains that may be present.
7. Apply an enzyme-based cleaner. These are readily available in the cleaning aisle or with the pet supplies. These cleaners break down the odour-causing proteins so they can be removed completely. They are effective in removing stains as well.
8. Apply a liberal amount of cleaner to the area.
9. Blot it with a clean cloth or paper towels to remove the cleaner and the stain.
10. Repeat as necessary.
11. Once the area is clean, allow it to air dry completely.
12. Vacuum the dry surface to restore the texture.

Additional Tips and Advice
- For best results, clean the carpet immediately. The longer the vomit sits, the further it will soak into the carpet and underlay and will be more difficult to remove.
- After vacuum the area, dispose of the contents and replace the bag. This will help prevent odours and bacteria growth inside the vacuum cleaner.
- If a wet vac or carpet shampooer is available, it will make the cleaning task faster easier and more effective.

For more severe vomit stains contact your local professional cleaning company