As a dog owner, dealing with the occasional episode of your dog vomiting on your carpet can be stressful. Not only do you need to act quickly to prevent stains and odors from setting in and making it harder to wash, but you also want to ensure that your carpet remains clean and fresh.
This comprehensive cleaning guide on how to get dog vomit out of carpets will provide a step-by-step approach to dealing with these accidents effectively.
Whether you are faced with fresh stains, dried vomit, or stubborn odors, we’ve got you covered with various proven methods and techniques.
Immediate Steps For Cleaning Dog Vomit
Before we start, we encourage you to read and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions on your carpet to know how best to clean it and avoid damaging it.
Moreover, spot-test your cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous part of the carpet to ensure it doesn’t discolor.
When dog vomit, spit up, or bile ends up on your carpet, taking immediate action is essential to prevent the breeding of bacteria and the smelly fluid from seeping deeper into the carpeting and reaching the padding. The more it soaks, the harder it becomes to remove. Here’s what you need to do:
#1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies, such as:
- Disposable gloves
- A scrapper, spatula, old spoon, stiff cardboard, or paper plate
- Paper towels
- A plastic scraper or spoon
- A clean cloth or sponge
- Mild liquid detergent
- Cold or cool water in a bowl or bucket
- Spray bottle
- Garbage bags
#2. Remove Solid Matter
Please put on your gloves, use a plastic scraper or spoon to gently scoop up any solid matter with the spatula, old spoon, or paper plate, and discard them into the garbage bag. Tie the garbage bag tightly to avoid spilling its contents and further staining your carpet.
When removing the solid bits, avoid pressing them into the carpet fibers to avoid setting in the odor and giving you more work.
#3. Blot The Stain
Take paper towels or a clean cloth and blot the vomit stain gently. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this may cause it to spread or penetrate deeper into the carpet fibers.
Continue blotting and replacing the towels until you’ve absorbed as much liquid as possible; the last paper towel should come off the carpeting dry before you proceed. Dispose of the dirty paper towels in a garbage bag.
Alternatively, if all this seems too queasy, use a wet vacuum to remove the moisture from the carpet.
Different Cleaning Solutions For Dog Vomit Stains
If the stain is not too severe, you can adopt a few homemade cleaning techniques to remove the odor from your carpet, provided they contain pet-safe ingredients like baking soda.
However, not all cleaning agents in your home can be mixed. For example, combining vinegar and hydrogen peroxide forms a highly corrosive peracetic acid, which can irritate the skin and eyes.
Examples of two effective methods you can use at home to clean dog vomit stains from your carpet include the following:
#1. Water And Mild Detergent Solution
- Create a mixture of cool or cold water and mild liquid detergent in a sizeable bowl or bucket.
- Apply the solution to the stained area using a clean cloth or sponge.
- Dip the sponge in the cleaning solution, wring out the excess fluid, and gently rub the stain with it, working from the outer edges towards the center until the stain is gone. This technique will prevent the spread of the stain and odor outside the soiled area.
- Repeat this process as necessary, then rinse the area with clean water and blot it dry.
- Keep the room well ventilated, and consider turning on the fans to speed up drying. Cover the area with an inverted laundry basket as it dries.
#2: Vinegar And Baking Soda
- Make a paste by combining baking soda and water.
- Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to sit overnight. Cover the area with an inverted laundry basket to keep pets or kids away from the area.
- The baking soda will darken or change color as it draws out moisture and odor from the carpet. Therefore, consider adding a fresh layer to replenish its potency after a while.
- To avoid damaging your vacuum cleaner, allow the baking soda to dry and vacuum it up.
- In a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, and agitate the bottle by swirling it for the solution to mix well.
- Spray the vinegar solution onto the stain – liberally douse the area with the cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes, and blot the area again with clean towels or paper towels.
- White vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps break down the vomit’s organic compounds and make them easier to wash. It also has anti-bacterial properties, helping to sanitize your carpet.
- Finally, rinse the area with water and blot it dry. Keep the room well-ventilated by opening the windows and turning on the fans to speed up drying. Allowing the spot to dry entirely before restoring traffic discourages mold and mildew growth.
Note: You may need to repeat these steps for the best results.
How To Remove Old Vomit Stains From Carpet: Specialized Cleaning Methods For Tough Stains
You may need specialized cleaning methods for more stubborn dog vomit stains. Depending on its consistency and color, the vomit will be hard to remove from your carpeting.
For example, dried stains are more challenging to remove than fresh ones.
- To remove old stains from your carpet, flush the soiled area with cold water to loosen and soften the stains’ grip on your carpet fibers.
- Wet the area will also reduce friction as you remove the stuck debris with a scrapper, spatula, old spoon, stiff cardboard, or paper plate, ensuring you don’t tear your carpet.
- Blot with paper towels or a dry towel to remove the excess water. Then, scoop as much solid waste as possible and discard it into the garbage bag.
- Proceed to apply the best carpet cleaner for dog throw-up, such as:
Hydrogen Peroxide For Stubborn Stains
Hydrogen peroxide can effectively tackle tough stains, but exercise caution, especially on colored carpets. The number one tip to follow when using hydrogen peroxide is to dilute it.
Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with water in a spray bottle at a ratio of one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water.
Test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first. If there is no color change, spray the solution onto the stain. Let it bubble for a few minutes, then blot the area with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse with water and blot it dry.
Enzymatic Cleaner For Organic Stains
Enzymatic cleaners like Nature’s Miracle enzyme cleaner or Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain and Odor Eliminator are effective against vomit as they are specifically designed with bacteria and enzymes to break down organic matter and remove it from your carpet.
Dog vomit usually consists of digested foods, undigested foods, digestive acids like hydrochloric acid, and mucus. The enzymes eat up the proteins and organic matter in the stain and convert them into water and carbon dioxide.
They also kill microbes and leave no residue, making them ideal for cleaning dog vomit stains.
Please read the product’s label to review the ingredients and confirm they are safe for your dog and carpet. But keep the pets away from the area after applying the enzymatic cleaner.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the enzymatic cleaner to the stain. Allow it to sit for the recommended time, ensuring it remains moist. Blot the area with a clean cloth or sponge, then rinse with water and blot it dry.
With the above in mind, avoid applying cleaners like SpotOut or Resolve to wool carpets. Oxygen bleach can make them brittle or discolor them permanently.
Steam Cleaning For Deep Cleaning
Steam cleaning your carpet can remove stains and odors. Use a steam cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions; however, here are the general steps to follow:
- Start by pre-treating the vomit stain with a suitable carpet cleaner to remove as much stain and odor as possible.
- Steam clean the affected area to clean any remaining dog throw up from carpet, ensuring thorough coverage. You may need to go over the soiled area several times to remove the odor.
- Allow the carpet to dry completely. This will prevent mold and mildew growth.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Steam Cleaning Your Carpet
Pros – Steam cleaning your carpet is a reliable way of removing stains, odors, and dirt. In addition, the high heat and steam eliminate disease-causing microorganisms.
Cons – It is best applied as a last resort, as the high heat can cause the stain and odor to set in the carpet. The heat can permanently embed proteins, bodily fluids, and odors in the carpet.
The high heat can also shrink the carpet fibers.
How To Clean Dried Dog Vomit From Carpet With A Carpet Cleaning Machine
Certain persistent stains cannot be cleaned from your carpet with only common household items. In such circumstances, a carpet cleaner can help eliminate all the pesky vomit stains and odors from your carpet.
Most carpet cleaners, like the Kenmore 600 Series and Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush work like steam cleaners or rely on water extraction units to flush soapy water into the carpet at high pressure and extract the dirt and stains from the carpet. The dirty water is drawn back into the machine.
You can either hire a professional to operate the carpet cleaning machine or do the work yourself. Here are the tips to keep in mind:
- Determine the ideal cleaner solution to use in the carpet cleaner. Some machines come with a recommended type of cleaning agent.
- Once you have added the soap to the cleaner’s tank up to the required level, plug the carpet cleaner into a power supply and turn it on to test it for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area.
- If the carpet doesn’t change color after some time, pass the cleaner over the stained area to completely remove the stains and odors. You may need to go over the stain twice or three times.
- If you are cleaning an extensive area, you may need to refill the tank with a clean solution and empty the dirty solution.
- Switch off the machine and empty the cleaner’s two tanks after cleaning the stain.
- Allow the area to dry. Open the room’s windows and turn on the fans to keep it well-ventilated and speed up drying. You can also use a fan.
How To Get Dog Bile Out Of Carpet
Whenever your dog vomits while still hungry, the vomit will present a foamy, yellow (or sometimes greenish) liquid. This is bile, which is unlike normal vomit. As such, whenever you notice a bright yellow stain on the carpet, know that you’re dealing with bile, not just any typical vomit.
That said, how to clean yellow dog vomit from a carpet is quite similar to how you clean normal vomit. However, you need to remove the stain expeditiously, as bile is corrosive and very staining.
To remove the yellow or greenish stain, you must focus on eliminating the odor- and stain-producing organic compounds in the vomit. An enzyme cleaner will work best on bile.
Apply a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner and let it sit as long as required by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Allow the area to dry. Open the room’s windows and turn on the fans to keep it well-ventilated and speed up drying. You may need to apply the enzymatic cleaner multiple times.
Dealing With Lingering Odors
You may still face lingering odors even after successfully removing the dog vomit stain. Here’s how to combat them effectively:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that helps absorb odors. It is a mild alkali, and since dog vomit is largely acidic due to low-pH digestive juices like hydrochloric acid, it neutralizes the odor and stain on your carpet.
Therefore, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the affected area. Allow it to sit on the carpet for several hours, preferably overnight.
Keep your dog away from baking soda, which can be risky when accidentally consumed in large quantities. You may have covered the area with an inverted laundry basket.
Wait till the baking soda is dry and clumpy, then vacuum the area thoroughly the next day to remove the baking soda and any trapped odors. The baking soda will lift the odor as you vacuum it. It will also absorb the moisture from the carpet.
Carpet Deodorizers or Pet-Specific Odor Neutralizers
Most ordinary cleaning products can remove the stain but only mask the odor for some time.
When the mess on your carpet becomes moist or warm, it begins to smell again – a sign that the organic compounds in the vomit are still decomposing and giving off the annoying whiff.
However, carpet deodorizers or pet-specific odor neutralizers are designed to eliminate pet-related odors. We recommend buying a suitable enzymatic cleaner and following the instructions provided on the product for the best results.
When To Call A Professional
It is best to seek professional carpet cleaning services if the carpeting needs special care and cleaning procedures.
For example, shag carpets are generally thick and are made with a deep or high file, meaning they have long and tall fibers. Due to the extra space and thickness, stains and dirt can easily stick to the carpet’s fibers. Experts recommend professional cleaning for this type of carpet.
Tightly-woven carpets like fine line and Berber may be stain resistant; however, hiring a professional to clean dog puke out of carpets is the best way forward. They are often expensive and take an extended time to dry.
Hiring professional carpet cleaners gives dog owners access to expert skills and effective equipment like water extractors and fans to speed up drying.
Conduct sufficient background research to select an honest, expert carpet cleaning company.
Establishing Why The Dog Is Vomiting
Although the cause is relatively unknown, dogs seem to prefer throwing up on the carpet or rug to the bare floor or their sleeping area. Some animal behaviorists say it is because carpets feel soft and absorbent.
Nonetheless, if your dog throws up twice or more in one hour or every week, consider the possibility of being sick.
Besides frequent vomiting, look for other signs like lethargy, dehydration, diarrhea, blood or bile in the vomit, weight loss, etc.
Sicknesses to worry about include food intolerance or allergies, parasitic infections, inflammatory bowel illnesses, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Much like cats, your dog can also vomit due to dietary indiscretions, where the dog ingests hairballs while grooming itself or other foreign objects. Swallowing grass or small leaves can upset the dog’s stomach and cause it to vomit.
Your dog can also vomit when it is constipated or eats too much food too fast, causing regurgitation.
Conclusion: How To Get Dog Vomit Out Of Carpet
With the information and techniques provided in this ultimate cleaning guide, you can effectively tackle dog vomit stains on your carpet.
Remember to act promptly, choose the appropriate cleaning method based on the severity of the stain, and be thorough in your cleaning process.
Additionally, practicing preventive measures such as proper pet diet, training, and access to outdoor areas for relief can help minimize future accidents. By following these tips, you can maintain a clean, fresh, and odor-free carpet in your home.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use bleach to remove dog vomit stains from my carpet?
A: It is not recommended to use bleach on your carpet, as it can cause discoloration or damage the fibers. Choose safer cleaning methods like water and mild detergent or specialized carpet cleaners.
Q2: What if the dog vomit stain has dried on the carpet?
A: For dried vomit stains, start by gently scraping off any dried residue with a plastic scraper or spoon. Then, follow the general cleaning methods mentioned in Section 2 to tackle the stain. You may need to repeat the process multiple times and be patient with stubborn dried stains.
Q3: Are there any natural alternatives for cleaning dog vomit stains from carpet?
A: Yes, there are natural alternatives you can try. Baking soda mixed with water can help lift stains and absorb odors. Vinegar diluted with water is also effective in stain removal. However, it’s essential to test these solutions in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they don’t cause any discoloration.
Q4: My carpet still smells even after cleaning the vomit stain. What can I do?
A: Lingering odors can be challenging to eliminate. Besides using baking soda or carpet deodorizers, you can try using an odor-neutralizing spray specifically formulated for pet odors. These products work by breaking down the odor-causing molecules. Ensure that the spray is safe for your carpet and follow the instructions provided.
Q5: Can professional carpet cleaning services remove dog vomit stains completely?
A: Yes, professional carpet cleaning services can be highly effective in removing dog vomit stains. They have specialized equipment and expertise to deep-clean carpets and tackle stubborn stains. If the stain persists or you prefer professional assistance, consider hiring a reputable carpet cleaning service.
Q6: How can I prevent my dog from vomiting on the carpet?
A: While accidents happen, you can take some preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of dog vomit on your carpet. Make sure your dog has a balanced diet and doesn’t overeat. Avoid sudden dietary changes that can upset their stomach. Provide access to fresh water and discourage your dog from eating potentially harmful substances. Additionally, proper training and regular exercise can contribute to your dog’s overall well-being and reduce the chances of vomiting incidents.
