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How To Clean Vomit From A Fabric Couch

Updated: Nov 21, 2023

Dealing with vomit on a fabric sofa can be a challenging task, but with the right cleaning techniques, you can successfully remove the stain and odour.


Dealing with a vomit spillage isn't for everyone and it's a biohazard for a reason. For those not willing to undergo this task, not to worry, there are plenty of professionals willing to take on the job for you.


For everyone else, make sure you use the right safety equipment. Biohazard waste bags and gloves are highly recommended when dealing with sick, that includes family member vomit.


In this blog post, we will outline some steps to help you get vomit out of a fabric sofa.


Steps For Removing Vomit From Your Fabric Sofa


vomit on couch




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Step 1: Remove the Solid Matter


The first step in cleaning vomit from a fabric sofa is to remove any solid matter. You can use a plastic bag or paper towel to pick up the larger pieces of vomit.


Be sure to wear gloves and dispose of the solid matter in a sealed plastic bag. The last thing you want to do is spread any germs which could be the cause of harm for yourself or others.


Step 2: Blot the Area


After removing the solid matter, use a clean towel or paper towel to blot the affected area.


Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can spread the vomit and make the stain worse. Continue blotting until you have removed as much of the liquid as possible.


You can use a spray bottle of water to help loosen any ingrained vomit that can still be removed without going to the next step. This will make the other processes more effective.


Step 3: Apply a Cleaning Solution


To remove the vomit stain and odour, you will need to apply a cleaning solution. There are several household items that you can use to make a cleaning solution, including vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.


Here are some recipes for each:


Vinegar Solution: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, use a clean towel or paper towel to blot the area. Repeat the until the stain and odour is gone.


Baking Soda Solution: Sprinkle baking soda (Arm and Hammer works wonders) over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda. If the stain and odour are still present, mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a cup of warm water and apply the solution to the affected area. Use a clean towel or paper towel to blot the area.


Dish Soap Solution: Mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a cup of warm water. Apply the solution to the affected area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, use a clean towel or paper towel to blot the area. Repeat the process until the stain and odour are gone.


Buy an enzyme cleaner: If you would rather just buy a product that can deal with the vomit without making your own, you can buy an enzyme cleaner. Simple solution enzyme cleaner has over 30k positive reviews and 3x the power of normal enzyme cleaners that you can buy, making it a great option even for professional use!


Step 4: Rinse the Area


After using a cleaning solution, it is important to rinse the area thoroughly with water. Use a clean towel or paper towel dipped in water to remove any remaining cleaning solution from the fabric. Then, use a dry towel to blot the area and remove excess water.


Step 5: Deodorize the Sofa


If you notice an odour left behind from the cleaning solution, you can deodorize your sofa by sprinkling baking soda over the affected area and letting it sit for a few hours. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda.


In conclusion, removing vomit stains and odours from a fabric sofa requires prompt action, patience, and the right cleaning techniques.


By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can successfully remove the stain and odour and restore your sofa to its former condition. If all else fails, don't hesitate to call a professional cleaner for help.


How To Get Rid Of That Smell Of Vomit From Your Couch?


If you have cleaned the couch and see no visible stains but there is still a bad smell coming from it, you will need to do an extra step.


We recommend that you repeat the cleaning process once again to make sure that all of the vomit has definitely been removed.


Once you have completed that, apply baking soda mixed with a few drops of lavender oil. This will deodorise the stained area and suffocate any remaining vomit droplets that may be lurking on the surface.


If the smell of vomit still hasn't been removed, the next step is sure to work to penetrate deep into your couch's fibres and clean every inch of it.


Can You Steam Clean To Remove Vomit From A Fabric Couch?


Steam cleaning is a highly effective way of cleaning vomit stains from couches as well as carpets and mattresses. When we say steam cleaning here, we mean an actual steam cleaner and not hot water extraction.


You could use a hot water extractor if you have one, however, most homeowners will not have access to this.


Handheld steam cleaners will do just as good a job for stain removals, even the most difficult ones like the one we are talking about here.


Having a handheld steam cleaner is an absolute essential if you have carpets if you want to maintain them on your own properly. They aren't too expensive and can be used to tackle even the toughest stains, often without the need for a cleaning agent.


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Here is what you need to do to clean up sick from your couch with a steamer:


  • Clean up the majority of vomit with paper towels

  • apply an enzyme cleaner to the stain

  • Agitate the cleaner into the vomit stain with a soft brush and let sit for 10 minutes

  • Go over the stain with your steam cleaner, attach a microfiber cloth to the end of the steamer

  • Repeat the process of going over the stain with your steamer until the stain has lifted


How To Remove Vomit From A Suede & Micro-suede Couch


Cleaning suede requires a low moisture solution when cleaning because the fibres are really quite fragile. If you overuse any cleaning chemicals, damage to the suede is inevitable.


The best solution for cleaning vomit out of a suede couch is what we've just talked about, steam cleaning. This allows you to create a low moisture vapour which has excellent cleaning capabilities due to the heat being produced.


If you don't have a steamer, try this:


  • Blot up the excess vomit with a paper towel

  • Spray your enzyme cleaner directly onto a 'scrubber dubber'. These are excellent cleaning tools to be able to agitate and clean without a lot of water

  • get another clean cloth and wipe away the suds that had been created

  • Repeat the process until the water that suds that come up are not discoloured

  • Allow the area to dry

What About Cleaning Vomit From A Microfibre Couch?


vomit on a microfibre couch

The methods mentioned in this blog post are all safe for microfibre couches as well. You can steam clean a microfibre couch to remove the vomit, or you can use our cleaning process, it's up to you.


The only difference you need to be aware of when cleaning microfibre couches is that drying them as fast as possible is essential. This is because microfibre will carry water for a lot longer than other materials and needs help drying.


If you try to let it air dry, you risk causing mould and mildew growth as well as having a very smelly sofa.


Conclusion


Vomit can be a tricky stain to remove so be patient and follow the steps outlined for each fabric type mentioned.


If you are unsure about anything, don't hesitate to call in a professional. They will be more than happy to remove the stain for you and they have the tools to do a better job as well.

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