How to Remove Vomit Smell from Carpet

Co-authored by Haim Shemesh

Last Updated: June 18, 2020

The smell of vomit can be hard to get out of carpet. Maybe you have vomit smell on your carpet after a wild night out or due to a sick child. To remove vomit smell from carpet, you can use baking soda or cornstarch. You can also apply a carpet deodorizer or use a steam cleaner on the smell to remove it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Baking Soda or Cornstarch

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Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Baking soda is a great deodorizer for carpet.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.} Sprinkle several tablespoons on the vomit smell on the carpet. Put a decent amount of the baking soda on the carpet so it can absorb the vomit smell.^{[2]
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2
Put cornstarch on the carpet. Another deodorizer you can find in your pantry is cornstarch. Sprinkle several tablespoons of cornstarch on the carpet so it can absorb the vomit smell.^{[3]
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Allow the baking soda or cornstarch to sit overnight. This will give the baking soda or cornstarch time to soak up the odor. If the smell is very strong, you can let the baking soda or cornstarch sit on the carpet for several days.^{[4]
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- If you have pets or children at home, cover the baking soda or cornstarch with a towel so it is not disturbed. You may also block off the area so it cannot be disturbed.
4
Vacuum up excess baking soda or cornstarch on the carpet. Once the baking soda or cornstarch has sat on the carpet overnight, vacuum it up. Use a vacuum that is safe for use on carpet.^{[5]
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- After you vacuum up the excess baking soda or cornstarch, you should check the area and notice there is no longer a vomit smell.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying a Commercial Carpet Deodorizer

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Get a carpet deodorizer at your local hardware store. Commercial carpet deodorizers can work well on vomit smell. Look for a carpet deodorizer that contains mostly natural ingredients and that will not stain or mark the carpet. You can buy carpet deodorizer online or at your local hardware store.^{[6]
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- If you are buying carpet deodorizer in person, ask a salesperson to recommend a brand for vomit smell.
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Sprinkle the carpet deodorizer on the carpet. Most carpet deodorizers come in a powder form. Spread the carpet deodorizer on the carpet. Apply one to two tablespoons of the deodorizer, or as much as needed to cover the area with the vomit smell.
- Check the label for suggestions on how much carpet deodorizer to apply.
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Let it sit overnight. Give the deodorizer time to absorb the vomit smell. If the smell is very strong, let the deodorizer sit on the carpet for two days.
4
Vacuum up the deodorizer. Once the deodorizer has had time to sit on the carpet and absorb the smell, vacuum it up. Then, check that the smell is gone on the carpet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Steam Cleaner

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Find a steam cleaner suitable for your carpet. A steam cleaner can be a great way to get a deep stain or smell out of the carpet, such as vomit smell. Steam will kill germs and bacteria in the carpet, thereby removing the odor. Make sure the steam cleaner is suitable for use on your carpet type. Steam cleaners can reach high temperatures that can melt some fabric fibers.^{[7]
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- Check your carpet care guide before you use a steam cleaner on it to ensure it is safe for use on the carpet.
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Apply the steam cleaner to the carpet. Fill the steam cleaner with detergent or white distilled vinegar. Vinegar is a good option for deodorizing the carpet. Then, run the steam cleaner over the area on the carpet with the vomit smell. This will steam the area, removing any odors.^{[8]
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- Push and pull the steam cleaner over the carpet to steam it and clean it.
- Once you are done, let the carpet dry completely. The vomit smell should be gone.
3
Get the carpet professionally cleaned.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 12 May 2020.} If you are nervous about using a steam cleaner on the carpet, consider getting it professionally cleaned. A professional cleaner will know how to address the vomit smell on the carpet and remove it. You can look up professional carpet cleaners online or ask people you know with carpet to recommend a good cleaner.

Expert Q&A
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Question

Will baking soda work to remove the vomit smell from my carpet?

Haim Shemesh
Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist
Haim Shemesh is a Carpet and Rug Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration, a business based in New York City. Haim specializes in Oriental, Persian, handmade, and antique rug cleaning and repair. He also conducts rug restoration along with fire damage care. He has over 17 years of experience in the carpet cleaning industry. Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration has been awarded Angie's List Super Service Award in 2017 and 2018. Their clients include Staples, Ace Hotel, Momofuku, Banana Republic, and more.

Haim Shemesh

Carpet & Rug Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

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Yes, baking soda will work fairly well to get the smell out of your carpet. However, for a more thorough clean you may want to hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Question

How do I get cat puke off a carpet?

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It's important to act quickly to reduce the chances of staining and odor. You can use either a homemade solution or a commercial cleaner; both options are explained fully in the wikiHow: How to Clean Pet Vomit from Carpet.
Question

How do I clean a smelly carpet?

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Cleaning a smelly carpet depends on what has caused the bad odor, such as vomit, pet urine, spilled food, etc., so try to determine what the cause of the odor is first so you can choose the most effective cleaning method. For step-by-step help with cleaning the odors from a smelly carpet, check out the wikiHow: How to Get Bad Smells out of a Carpet.