First off, if you're landing on this page - I'm sorry that you're here. It can't be good. But welcome. I'm going to share some ways to get rid of puke smell in your home because.. well.. it's truly awful. Some people can be brought to vomit themselves simply from the smell of someone else's so it's best to neutralize those odors as soon as possible. Here are some things you can try!
1. ACT QUICKLY
First things first - the sooner you can clean up the vom, the less smell will set in. If you didn't have a Vommat (you wouldn't be here if you did), here are the first steps you should take:
- Remove Solids: Use paper towels or a spatula to scoop up any solid matter. I hate even mentioning this but it's a fact of life, right? Let's be adults here.
- Blot Liquids: Use absorbent materials like paper towels or old cloths to blot up as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the vomit deeper into fabrics. Just some gentle blots but try to get up as much as you can without too much squishing.
2. CLEAN THE AREA
Different surfaces will require different cleaning methods and the smells may settle in them differently:
Carpets and Rugs
- Blot the Stain: Use a clean cloth or paper towels to blot up excess liquid.
- Apply a Cleaning Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with one part water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Blot Again: Blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb the cleaning solution and the odor.
- Rinse: Use a damp cloth with plain water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
- Dry: Pat the area dry with a towel and use a fan to speed up the drying process.
Upholstery
- Blot the Stain: Similar to carpets, blot up excess liquid.
- Use Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb odors.
- Vacuum: Vacuum up the baking soda and inspect for remaining odors.
- Spot Clean: If needed, use a mixture of mild dish soap and water, and gently blot the stain with a cloth.
Hard Floors
- Wipe the Area: Use paper towels or a mop to wipe up the vomit.
- Clean with Vinegar Solution: Clean the area with a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.
3. DEODORIZE THE AREA
After cleaning, it's important to deodorize to fully remove the smell. Here are some deodorizing options that you probably already have in your home:
Baking Soda
- Sprinkle Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the affected area and let it sit overnight.
- Vacuum: In the morning, vacuum up the baking soda. This should help absorb any remaining odors.
White Vinegar
- Spray Solution: Mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the area and let it dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate, taking the vomit odor with it. Winning!
Coffee Grounds
- Freshly brewed coffee grounds can absorb odors. Place a bowl of grounds near the affected area and replace them every few hours.
Activated Charcoal
- Place Bowls Around: Place bowls of activated charcoal near the affected area. Charcoal is excellent at absorbing odors and can be left in place for a few days.
4. FRESHEN THE AIR
To ensure your home smells fresh, consider these additional steps:
Essential Oils
- Diffusers: Use an essential oil diffuser with scents like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus to freshen the air.
- Spray: Create a spray by mixing a few drops of essential oil with water and spritz around the room.
Open Windows
- Ventilation: Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate and help dissipate any lingering smells.
Air Purifiers
- Use an Air Purifier: An air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove airborne particles and odors, keeping your home smelling fresh and clean.
And now let's get back to the beginning, before you had to embark on this quest at all. Have you heard of a Vommat? It's an ecofriendly disposable sheet designed to help protect surfaces in your home from vomit. They're super soft to lay on, highly absorbent and absolutely watertight. And while they absorb the vom... guess what else they absorb? Bingo, odors! So prepare yourself for next time (though I hope you'll not need them) and order some Vommats today to keep in your hall closet or bathroom.
Time and time again they've taken the edge off a vomiting episode in my home and I want to help you in yours!