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How to Keep Your Couch Clean When Kids Are Sick
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No doubt that finding one of your kids has come down with a stomach bug has ruined your day but the last thing you want to worry about when they're sick is cleaning up the mess—especially if that mess ends up on your couch. Whether it's vomiting, spills from electrolyte drinks, or just general sick-day chaos, keeping your couch clean and germ-free can feel impossible. But with a few smart strategies, you can protect your furniture and make cleanup easier. Here are some ideas!
1. Use a Protective Layer
One of the best ways to keep your couch clean when kids are sick is to cover it with a watertight protective barrier. This is where a Vommat comes in handy. Our eco-friendly, highly absorbent disposable sheets act as a shield, absorbing the mess while preventing liquids from seeping into your couch cushions. When a sick kid yaks on a Vommat, you just throw the whole thing away and lay out a fresh one.
If you don’t have Vommat on hand, here are some things you can try:
- Large towels or blankets (but expect to do extra laundry and they're not watertight)
- Waterproof mattress protectors (these too will need to be washed)
- Plastic shower curtains (though they’re not absorbent and are loud to lay on)
2. Create a Sick Zone
Kids love to lounge on the couch normally but especially when they’re sick. To minimize the spread of germs, create a designated “sick spot” with all their essentials nearby and encourage them to stay put. The essentials will differ depending on what they're sick with but think things like drinks and tissues so they don't have to travel far if they need them. For parents, find a good spot for other essentials like a thermometer and fever reducer.
3. Act Fast on Spills
If things get wild and you didn't have a Vommat or other protective barrier laid out, quick action is key. For fabric upholstery:
- Blot (don’t rub) the spill with a dry cloth.
- Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to gently clean the area.
- Sprinkle baking soda on lingering odors and vacuum it up after 15 minutes or when dry.
For leather or faux leather:
- Wipe up the mess with a damp cloth.
- Use a gentle leather cleaner if needed.
- Follow up with a disinfecting wipe to kill germs (but note which viruses your wipes are good for, they don't all kill everything!).
4. Keep the Air Fresh
Sick days that include vomiting can bring unpleasant smells and soft surfaces like couches can capture the odors. Keep your living space fresh by:
- Running an air purifier to filter out airborne germs.
- Cracking a window for fresh air circulation.
- Using a natural odor eliminator like baking soda or a vinegar-water spray to surfaces that had contact with vomit.
- Simmer a pot of water with lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, or cloves.
- Make a DIY room spray with water, a splash of vinegar, and a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, or lavender (which have antibacterial properties).
- Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in the room to absorb odors.
5. Be Ready for Next Time
Once the dust settles and your child is feeling better, get cleaned up to avoid reinfection.
- Wash removable cushion covers if possible.
- Disinfect armrests, remote controls, and other high-touch surfaces.
- Order Vommats.
We hope your little is feeling better soon and that no one else goes down. Good luck!