Mattress Guides

How to Clean Vomit from Mattress

Few parenting moments feel as urgent (or as gross) as walking into your child’s room at night and discovering vomit on the mattress. It’s stressful, messy, and the smell can make the situation even worse. But don’t panic. The good news is that you can clean vomit from mattress completely, remove stains, and eliminate odors using simple household items, as long as you act quickly and follow the right steps. This guide explores exactly what to do, step by step, so your mattress is fresh and clean again by morning.

Key Takeaways

• Act fast. The quicker you clean vomit, the easier it is to remove stains and smells.
• Blot, don’t rub. Gently blot to absorb moisture. Rubbing pushes vomit deeper into the mattress.
• Use the right cleaner. Enzyme cleaners, vinegar solutions, or hydrogen peroxide work best for stains and odor removal.
• Remove odors fully. Baking soda is the most effective way to absorb lingering smells. Let it sit as long as possible.
• Prevent future messes. Use a waterproof mattress protector and teach kids to tell you when they feel sick.

Act Fast: What to Do Right After the Mess

When you see vomit on a mattress, act quickly. The longer it sits, the more deeply it penetrates. Vomit is acidic and can cause stains and strong smells if not cleaned right away.

Here’s what to do first:

Wear gloves and protect your hands

First, put on disposable rubber or plastic gloves before touching anything. This critical step protects your skin from bacteria and prevents the spread of germs, particularly important if the vomit resulted from a virus. Disposable gloves are preferable to reusable ones since you won’t need to clean them afterward.

Scoop and blot the vomit gently

Next, carefully remove the solid material using a paper plate, a cardboard edge, or a plastic spatula. Use a scooping motion rather than pressing down, as pressing could drive the vomit deeper into the mattress. 

Once solids are removed, use paper towels or clean cloths to blot the affected area gently. The goal is to absorb as much moisture as possible without pushing it further into the mattress fibers.

Remove bedding and isolate the mess

Immediately strip all bedding, including sheets, comforters, and mattress covers. Set these aside for separate washing later. This step isolates the contaminated materials and allows you to focus on treating the mattress directly.

Remember to remove solid particles from bedding before washing to prevent clogging your washing machine.

Avoid rubbing or spreading the stain

Perhaps the most crucial technique to remember is blotting instead of rubbing. Start from the outside of the stain and work inward to prevent spreading the vomit and making the affected area larger. Rubbing drives the substance deeper into mattress fibers and spreads the stain further afield. Instead, apply gentle but firm pressure to lift the moisture out of the mattress.

The urgency of this cleanup cannot be overstated. Vomit contains butyric acid, enzymes, and bacteria that you don’t want lingering on sleeping surfaces. Furthermore, once vomit seeps into the mattress and dries, both stains and odors become significantly more difficult to eliminate.

Deep Clean the Mattress: 3 Proven Methods

After you remove as much vomit as possible, you need to deep clean the mattress. Vomit can soak into the mattress and leave stains and bad smells.

Here are three effective ways to clean vomit from mattress.

1) Enzyme cleaner method for organic stains

Enzyme cleaners excel at breaking down biological matter, such as vomit, blood, and urine. These specialized formulas contain natural, enzymatic bacteria that activate on contact with organic matter. For best results, spray the enzyme cleaner directly onto the affected area until damp but not saturated. 

Allow the solution to penetrate for at least 30 minutes. This gives the enzymes time to break down the proteins in vomit completely. Subsequently, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove residual moisture. Enzyme cleaners work effectively on most mattress materials, eliminating stains and neutralizing odors.

2) Vinegar and dish soap method for natural cleaning

For those preferring natural alternatives, combine equal parts water and white vinegar (1 cup each) in a spray bottle. Moreover, adding a teaspoon of liquid dish soap enhances the solution’s grease-cutting ability. 

Spray this mixture onto the stained area until damp, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Afterward, gently blot with a clean cloth. The vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer and disinfectant thanks to its acetic acid content, while dish soap breaks down the vomit components without leaving harmful residues.

3) Hydrogen peroxide method for stubborn stains

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful option for persistent stains, thanks to its antibacterial properties and mild bleaching effect. Apply undiluted hydrogen peroxide to the stained area using a spray bottle. Alternatively, mix it with baking soda and a drop of dish soap for enhanced cleaning power. 

The solution often bubbles as it works. This reaction helps lift the stain from the mattress fibers. Once the bubbling subsides, blot the area thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely.

When to repeat the process

Depending on stain severity and age, multiple cleaning applications may be necessary. Old vomit stains typically require repeated treatments as they’ve had time to set deeply into mattress materials. 

Consequently, if discoloration or odor persists after the first application, repeat your chosen cleaning method. In particularly stubborn cases, alternating methods can yield better results than repeating the same approach.

How to Get Vomit Smell Out of a Mattress

Even after removing visible stains, lingering vomit odors often remain trapped within mattress fibers. Getting rid of these unpleasant smells needs specialized deodorization techniques beyond basic cleaning.

1) Use baking soda to absorb odors

Baking soda is one of the most effective household deodorizers for mattresses. Using a hand sifter, generously sprinkle baking soda over the entire mattress surface, focusing on previously affected areas. The longer baking soda sits on the mattress, the more effectively it absorbs moisture and odor. 

Allow it to remain for at least 1 hour. Overnight application yields the best results for stubborn smells. Vacuum thoroughly once dry, noting that multiple vacuum passes may be needed to remove all baking soda from seams and creases.

2) Spray vinegar solution for deodorizing

White vinegar excels at neutralizing stubborn odors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the affected area, being careful not to saturate the mattress, which could lead to mold. 

The vinegar’s acetic acid naturally breaks down odor-causing compounds while disinfecting the surface. Despite its initially strong smell, the vinegar odor dissipates as it dries, taking the vomit smell with it.

3) Let the mattress air dry completely

Proper drying prevents moisture-related problems, such as mildew. Use fans to increase air circulation around the mattress. Memory foam mattresses, especially, require a thorough drying time, as they can become permanently damaged if they absorb excessive moisture. Ensure 100% dryness before replacing sheets or mattress protectors.

4) Optional: Add essential oils or disinfectant spray

For enhanced freshness, add a few drops of essential oil to your baking soda mixture before application. Effective sleep-promoting options include lavender, chamomile, ylang-ylang, and vanilla. 

Alternatively, lightly apply a commercial disinfectant spray or even vodka as a natural disinfectant. Open windows first for proper ventilation.

Clean the Bedding and Prevent Future Accidents

Cleaning the mattress is important, but you also need to clean the sheets and blankets. Washing them properly helps remove germs, stains, and bad smells.

How to clean vomit from mattress sheets and blankets

First, rinse away any solid particles prior to machine washing to prevent clogging. Many parents find using a showerhead or garden hose effective for this initial rinse. For severely soiled items, running a pre-rinse cycle in the washing machine removes remaining particles.

Use hot water and oxygen bleach safely

Select hot water and a heavy-duty cycle along with appropriate laundry detergent. For white cotton or polyester sheets, Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach works effectively, whereas colored sheets benefit from oxygen-based bleach alternatives that won’t fade fabrics. Finish by tumble drying on high heat to further reduce bacteria.

Invest in mattress protectors or encasements

Waterproof mattress protectors create a barrier against fluids, stains, and odors. They come in two primary types:

• Fitted protectors cover five sides with elasticized corners
• Full encasements provide six-sided protection against liquids and allergens

For households with children, keeping two protectors available allows for immediate bedding replacement during nighttime accidents.

Teach kids what to do in case of nausea

Children might not recognize nausea, often describing it as a “stomachache”. Instruct kids to seek help whenever they feel sick. According to pediatricians, keep a basin nearby in case of vomiting. Call a doctor if vomiting continues, is accompanied by fever, or persists with other concerning symptoms.

FAQs about Clean Vomit from Mattress

1. Can I use bleach to clean vomit from mattress?

No. Bleach is too harsh and can ruin mattress fabric, plus fumes are unsafe indoors. Stick to vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide.

2. How do I remove dried vomit stains from a mattress?

Rehydrate the stain with warm water + vinegar solution, let it sit 10 minutes, then blot. Afterward, apply baking soda overnight.

3. What kills the vomit smell completely?

Baking soda is the most reliable odor remover. For stubborn smells, repeat the baking soda step twice and ensure the mattress is fully dry.

4. Can I use a steam cleaner on vomit stains?

Not recommended. Heat can set protein stains and push moisture deeper into foam. Blotting and baking soda work better.

5. How long does it take for a mattress to dry after cleaning?

Usually 6–12 hours, depending on airflow. Fans and dehumidifiers speed it up.

6. When should I replace the mattress instead of cleaning it?

Replace it if:

• Vomit soaked deep into the memory foam
• The smell persists after multiple cleanings
• Mold begins to develop

7. Is hydrogen peroxide safe for all mattresses?

It’s generally safe for white or light fabrics but may cause slight discoloration. Always test on a hidden area first.

8. How do I disinfect a mattress after vomit?

Vinegar has mild disinfecting properties. For stronger sanitation, use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray after cleaning and ensure full drying.

Conclusion: Parents Can Handle This

Cleaning vomit from a mattress is never fun, especially when you’re already dealing with a sick child. But with the right steps, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Act quickly. Blot gently. Neutralize thoroughly. Dry completely.

Follow this guide, and your mattress will look and smell like nothing ever happened. And most importantly, focus on comforting your child. The mattress can be fixed.