How to Clean Vomit Off a Mattress

Vomit is one of the more disgusting messes to clean up, and notorious for leaving a long-lasting odor. However, you can have your mattress restored shortly by following the steps below.

• An organic powder (select one):
  • Sawdust
  • Cornstarch
  • Flour
• A spoon
• A Ziploc bag
• A dustpan
• Club soda
• An enzyme-digester
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

1. For particularly liquid vomit, pour an organic powder over the vomit to help absorb the liquid.¹
2. Use a spoon or spatula to scoop the vomit into a Ziploc bag² or dustpan³.
3. Use carbonated water on paper towels or a sponge to wipe away as much of the remaining residue as possible.⁴ The carbonated water helps to lift the stain.⁵
4. Thoroughly spray the area with an enzyme-digestant cleaner of your choice, such as Simple Solutions Stain and Odor Remover⁴ or Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover.
5. Follow the directions on the bottle of your selected cleaner. The usual process for enzyme-digesters is to allow the area to soak in the cleaner and air dry. The enzyme-digester will continue to eat all of the organic material until it is gone.⁴
6. Sponge water or club soda onto the area and blot away the liquid to remove the residue from the cleaner.
7. If any smell remains, sprinkle the area with baking soda. Allow the baking soda to sit for several hours, then sweep away the baking soda.²
8. Instead of using baking soda, you can spray the area with a diluted vinegar solution to remove the smell.⁶

• If using the enzyme-digester near children, be sure to select one that is non-toxic.
• Do not treat the vomit with any harsh chemicals prior to using the enzyme-digester, or the enzyme-digester will likely become less effective.⁴

1. Clean It Fast, Clean It Right by Jeff Bredenberg
2. Amazing Kitchen Cures by Joey Green
3. Haley’s Cleaning Hints by Graham and Rosemary Haley
4. Pet Clean-Up Made Easy by Don Aslett
5. Joey Green’s Cleaning Magic
6. Practical Household Uses of Vinegar by Margaret Briggs