How to Clean Vomit from a Mattress? [2023 Update]

#1 Wipe the Vomit Off the Mattress

The first thing to do is to actually get the vomit out of a mattress. Act quickly so that it won’t soak too deep into the mattress layers where it will be almost impossible to get rid of.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Put rubber gloves on. The vomit, along with being highly acidic, can contain germs and bacteria, so it’s better to minimize contact with it.
• Scrape the solid particles out. You may use a dustpan to remove the solids and flush them down the toilet. Then, wash the dustpan thoroughly under the tap water. Alternatively, you can take a paper plate — the one that is typically used for barbecue — and scrape the vomit with it. Place it into the trash bag and then tie it. Finally, you can take a couple of paper towels and collect the vomit by hand.
• Remove the bedding. Take off your sheets and pillows and throw them into the washer. Wash them according to care instructions, but it’s advisable to set an additional rinse cycle just to make sure that all the filth will be washed away.

If vomit has got into your pillow, don’t worry. Solid memory foam or latex pillows can be washed with lukewarm water and a soft cleaning detergent. Just be sure to allow them to completely dry before you put them back to bed.

Buckwheat or shredded fill pillows with a zipper can also be fixed by removing and discarding the spoiled filling. Also, you may want to take the remaining filling out and aerate it to eliminate the odor. Then, wash the encasement and assemble your pillow once it’s dry. 

“Using a scented solution, e.g. by adding peppermint or citrus to your washing detergent, can mask the residual odor until it dissipates completely.”

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#3 Deal With the Stain & Disinfect

Here comes the most important step of cleaning vomit off the mattress — removing a stain. 

There are several ways to do that: 

You can use a mild soap solution, a vinegar solution, or baking soda.

Let’s break down each of them.

Mild Soap Solution

To prepare the cleaning liquid, mix one part of mild soap with three parts of warm water in a container. 

Then, take a towel or rag and soak it in this solution. Spot clean the stain by blotting it until it disappears.

“Mild soap works well for removing oily particles and deodorizing the mattress, so it should be used as a first-line treatment for any stains.”

Let the mattress dry completely or use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the process.

Vinegar Solution

This method is somewhat similar to the previous one. 

Mix three parts of water with one part of vinegar. Use white vinegar, not the apple cider, because the latter is less concentrated and has a color that can make the stain more noticeable.

Soak the towel and blot the surface of the stain. Don’t rub too much and do not use too much solution as it can go deep into foam layers and damage them. 

Vinegar has good antimicrobial properties and is volatile, so it can remove the vomit odor as the solution dries.

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzyme cleaners use active components that can break down proteins, fats, and other organic particles, thereby removing the odor. You can purchase them in the store or even use a pet urine cleaner if you have one because it works in the same way. 

Generously sprinkle the cleaner above the stained area and let it dry. As it dries, you may feel that the odor becomes stronger — don’t worry, though, it’s the odor molecules that were hidden in the deep layers that are airing out. The smell will diminish as the solution dries.

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Oxygen Cleaners

Oxygen cleaners work similarly to enzyme cleaners, but they release active oxygen instead. These cleaners allow for a deep clean and dissolve the odor-causing agents in the mattress layers. 

Note that, unlike with enzyme cleaners, you need to sprinkle the cleaner only above the stained area and not let it soak too deep or damage the mattress materials. As with an enzyme cleaner, allow it to dry before you put the sheets on.

#4: Remove Odor

Finally, after you’ve cleaned vomit out of a mattress, you have to remove the odor. 

And here are some proven solutions to help you do that:

• Rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is volatile, so it can bind odor molecules and dissipate them into the air. Place some amount of rubber alcohol into a pulverizer and generously sprinkle it above the stained area. Let it completely dry and repeat if needed. Along with removing odors, rubbing alcohol also helps clean the germs and disinfect the area. 
• Baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and it can deal with the majority of foul odors, including vomit odor. All you need to do is sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda above the stained area and 2-3 inches around and let it sit for at least an hour. If you sprinkled soda on the wet stain, remove the lumps, but use a plastic bag or rubber gloves to do that, and vacuum your mattress. Don’t be afraid to use the whole pack or repeat the process several times if the smell persists.
• Cornstarch. Another great deodorizer is cornstarch. It can also soak in fats, which carry a lot more odor, along with absorbing liquid components. So if your mattress has a prominent smell, you can sprinkle a good layer of cornstarch above the stain and let it sit. Cornstarch also needs more time to soak in all the odor, so it’s best to leave it for at least three hours or overnight before vacuuming.
• New cover. Finally, you can encase a mattress in a waterproof mattress protector. This will not only protect it from any possible accidents in the future but will also lock the residual odor inside, thereby making a mattress more comfortable to sleep.

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#5 Dry It Out

And the very last step of cleaning your mattress is to ensure that it will completely dry. 

Because any residual moisture locked in the mattress layers can result in mold development. 

And given the fact that the vomit liquid can contain bacteria, you can easily turn your mattress into a germ colony by promoting a damp environment inside.

So, in order to dry your mattress completely, it’s better to leave it overnight in a ventilated room. If the weather permits, open your windows. Or, use a fan — place it pointing to the stained area so that it will help the moisture evaporate.

You can also use a hairdryer. Just be sure to set it on cold stream settings. If you use hot air, do not place the hairdryer too close to the mattress, as it can damage the foam. Keeping it 8-10 inches away is safe.

Have you tried any of these tips to clean your mattress? What were the results? Please share your experience below!