How to Get Vomit Smell Out of a Couch

Co-authored by James Sears and Madeleine Criglow

Last Updated: March 28, 2022 References

It's no fun when someone vomits on a couch, but accidents happen. If this happened to you, your child, or even your pet, you likely cleaned up the aftermath as fast as possible. One thing that might still be lingering is the smell. As strong as the vomit stench may be, there are actually a lot of ways to get rid of it. This article has a list of some methods you can try, along with information on which solutions will work best for couches made of fabric, suede, and leather.

1

Baking soda

This absorbs the odor and is safe for leather and fabric couches. Sprinkle enough baking soda to cover the affected area on your couch. Then, let the baking soda sit for 1 hour to give it time to soak up the odor. After that, vacuum up the baking soda. Once you're done, your couch should be smelling fresh and clean once again.^{[1]
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Expert Source

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 28 August 2019.}

2

Baking soda, scented liquid soap, and hydrogen peroxide

Opt for this method if the stench is particularly strong. This option is safe for fabric couches with an S or SW tag (this means that the couch can be cleaned with a solvent).^{[2]
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Research source} Mix 2 cups (470 mL) hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) baking soda, and 2 drops of liquid dish soap together. Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the smelly parts of your couch and let it air dry. This method should have your couch smelling good as new in no time.^{[3]
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- The S or SW tag is usually found on the bottom of your detachable seat cushions.^{[4]
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- If you don't have a spray bottle on hand, try temporarily emptying out a spray bottle with a different cleaning solution, cleaning it, and filling it up with your homemade solution.
- After spraying the area with the cleaning solution, your couch should be dry within 24 hours.^{[5]
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3

White vinegar and water

Go for this method to remove the smell from leather and suede couches. First, check that your couch has an S or SW tag (meaning it can be cleaned with a solvent).^{[6]
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Research source} Then, mix 4 US quarts (3.8 l) of warm water with ¹⁄₂–1 cup (120–240 mL) of white vinegar.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 15 October 2019.} Pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Allow the solution to dry and it should make your couch smell much fresher than before.^{[8]
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4

Odor removal spray

Spray an odor-eliminating product where the vomit was. To really get rid of the smell (and not just cover it up), opt for an unscented odor-eliminating product. Purchase the product online or at a home improvement store in your area. Before you spray the product, make sure your couch has an S or SW tag. Then, spray it on your couch over the affected area according to the product instructions. Wait for it to dry and your couch will likely be smelling a whole lot better.^{[9]
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- Alternatively, use a pet odor eliminator spray to get the job done. Products like Nature's Miracle can work wonders to remove the smell of vomit.^{[10]
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  Research source} You might also try Febreze Fabric Pet Odor Eliminator or Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator. To use, spray the product on the affected area and let it dry.

5

Coffee grounds

Due to their rich, strong smell, coffee grounds work well as a deodorizer. Pour dried coffee grounds into a cheesecloth and place them in the room with your couch. This can help you freshen up the whole space after an accident.^{[11]
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- Use a segment of pantyhose if you don't have a cheesecloth. Pour the coffee grounds into the pantyhose and tie it closed on both sides to secure the grounds inside.
- Alternatively, try setting a cup of coffee beans on a table in the room. This can help mask the smell of vomit in the air as you wait for it to dissipate.^{[12]
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6

Opening your windows and doors

Fresh air can help get rid of the smell. If you've tried an at-home method and the smell is still lingering, make sure to open all the windows and doors in that room. This will freshen up the space and get rid of the smell of vomit (and cleaning solution).^{[13]
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7

Deodorizing your couch cushions outside

Sunlight can kill off any lingering germs on your cushions. A study published by Microbiome Journal found that sunlight exposure is able to destroy bacteria on surfaces.^{[14]
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Research source} If your couch has removable couch cushions, leave them outside in the sunlight for 6 hours. Direct exposure to the sun's rays will disinfect the cushions and make them smell nice and clean once more.^{[15]
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8

Air freshener

Use this along with another cleaning method. Once you've applied baking soda, white vinegar, or any other previously listed method to your couch, spray air freshener throughout the room to ensure that the smell is totally gone. If you're not sure what to use, try Febreze. As an alternative, go for Lysol.^{[16]
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- Avoid simply spraying the air freshener without pairing it with another method. These sprays are usually not strong enough to completely eliminate the vomit smell on their own.

9

Fabric softener and water

Dilute fabric softener in water to freshen up the air. If you've tried a removal method on the couch and the smell is still present, try leaving a bowl of fabric softener and water in the room overnight. Pour 1-2 cap fulls of fabric softener into a bowl of water. Then, place it on a table in the same room as the couch and let it sit overnight. The next morning, the room should smell much better!^{[17]
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10

Upholstery steam cleaner

This works for solvent and water-safe couches. If at-home methods don't work, rent a upholstery steam cleaner. First, check your couch's label for the letters "SW" (this means it's solvent and water safe). Then, search online for a steam cleaning service in your area and rent a steam cleaner. To use the machine, fill it up with water according to the instructions. Then, clean the pillows and cushions first. Once you're done, clean the couch's frame in segments.^{[18]
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- If you see an "X" on the couch label, that means it's not safe to steam clean.
- Make sure you use a device meant for upholstery steam cleaning, not carpet.
- To ensure that you're using the device correctly, follow the instructions (your device should come with a manual).
- Steam clean your couch's frame in segments to give time for the water to dry. Cleaning the whole frame at once will drench your couch in water, which ups the risk of water damage.

11

Professional cleaning services

Try this as a last resort. If you've cleaned up the vomit and tried other methods with no success, hire a professional to get the job done. Search online for a professional steam cleaning or upholstery cleaning service in your area. If you have a leather or suede couch, ask if they have services to clean these types of materials. Usually, cleaning companies offer special services to safely clean leather and suede.^{[19]
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Expert Source

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.}