A How-To on Cleaning Up Vomit

More Clean, Less Ick

We’ve all been there. It’s the middle of the night, and you hear a suspicious but familiar noise from the hallway. Or you’re just about to walk out the door, and you smell something coming from the living room floor as your dog looks guilty. Whether you’re caring for a child with the flu or a sick pet, we’ve seen it all – and we’re here to walk you through how to quickly clean up even the grossest of messes.

Act Quick, But Don’t Panic

The sooner you address the mess, the easier it'll be to clean. It’s important to disinfect the area quickly, especially if caring for a person with a contagious illness.

First, gather your materials: Paper towels, a trash can, disinfectant spray, baking soda - and gloves (always nice to have on hand for jobs like these!) Next, follow the steps below:

• Carefully scoop up as much of the vomit as possible and toss into the trash.
• Blot the affected area with paper towels or rags. Rubbing will only spread the mess and make it harder to clean. Use water if needed.
• Spray the area with disinfectant. Let it sit for the recommended time listed on the bottle.
• Once the disinfectant has done its job, sprinkle baking soda over the area to absorb any remaining odors.
• Vacuum up the baking soda and wipe away the remaining residue.
• Open a window or turn on a fan to air out the room.

What If I Don’t Have Time to Clean Immediately?

If you simply don’t have time to clean up the mess immediately, it’s fine. Just be sure to follow these quick steps for an easier clean later:

• Pour baking soda on the vomit and place a rag or towel over it until you can return.
• Once you’re back, scoop up as much of the vomit as you can and throw in it away. Use a dry rag to absorb any more liquid.
• Sprinkle the area with baking soda.
• Let the baking soda sit for a bit then vacuum.
• Rinse the area with water and use rags to absorb anything else you missed. Don’t scrub too hard, or it’ll leave the area fuzzy, depending on the material.
• Wash or toss your rags.

Just Another Mess to Tackle

Life gets messy – that's why we’re here to help you keep your home clean and comfortable. While cleaning up vomit isn't anyone's idea of a good time, with a little preparation and a good attitude, you can handle it like a pro.

Contact your local Merry Maids today to learn more about our cleaning services.