How to Clean Cat Vomit from Carpet (Step-By-Step Guide)
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If your cat vomits on the carpet, it can be tempting to clean up right away. But before you get started, put your cat’s safety first. Make sure that your cat is breathing normally and has no other signs of sickness. Vomiting can have many causes1, and while most are minor, it can be a sign of something more serious. If there is blood in the vomit, contact a vet immediately.
Once your cat is safe, you can prepare for cleanup by gathering all the materials you need and clearing the space of anything that might get in your way (including the cat!) so that your work is easier and so that the mess doesn’t get tracked beyond its original spot. It’s advisable to wear rubber gloves and clothes that can get dirty.
Materials Needed
- Trash bag
- Rubber gloves
- Vinegar
- Water
- Laundry detergent (optional)
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning rags
- Baking soda
- Vacuum
- Enzymatic cleaner
The 6 Steps For How to Clean Cat Vomit from Carpet
1. Clean up Chunks
The first step when cleaning up vomit is to get any loose vomit off the carpet. Peel the chunks of vomit or thicker standing liquid that hasn’t soaked into the carpet and throw it away. Be careful not to press the vomit further into the carpet; it’s better to leave something behind than to saturate your carpet more than it already is!
2. Soak with Vinegar Solution
After you remove what you can, create a solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. We recommend 50% vinegar and 50% water. If your stain is partially dried, adding a small amount of laundry detergent to the bottle can help loosen it. Spray the stain liberally with the solution.
3. Wait, Blot, Repeat
Wait 2–3 minutes for it to soak in. Blot it with a cleaning rag, removing the vinegar and vomit. Hard scrubbing will push the stain deeper into the carpet; instead, use your rag to lift as much liquid as possible. You may need to do this several times to remove the stain as thoroughly as possible. Repeat as needed.
4. Add Baking Soda
Once you’ve removed as much of the stain as possible with vinegar, you can use baking soda to break down any remaining acid and get rid of lingering odors. Sprinkle the area with baking soda, creating an even layer across the stained area.
5. Come Back for Vacuuming
The baking soda needs some time to do its magic. Wait at least 15 minutes, although an hour or two is even better. Then, return to the scene of the mess with a vacuum and vacuum up the baking soda. Any lingering odors should go with it.
6. Know When to Use a Stronger Cleaner
Harsh chemicals usually aren’t necessary for carpet stains from cat vomit, but old, caked-on stains might not go away with just vinegar, soap, and baking soda. If you’ve tried all the steps above and the stain persists, consider switching to something formulated for carpet stains, like an enzymatic cleaner.
Our favorite enzyme cleaner for eliminating pet smells and stains is our very own Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray. It makes clean-up a breeze because it permanently removes even the very worst smells and stains (urine, feces, vomit, you name it!) from basically any surface you can imagine.
- ADVANCED ENZYMATIC CLEANER - Penetrates the most stubborn smells and stains at the deepest molecular...
- FOR ANY MESS, ON ANY SURFACE - This pet odor eliminator cleans your carpets, floors, furniture,...
Conclusion
Cleaning up cat vomit is never a fun task, but it’s necessary to maintain a sanitary environment and home. And, naturally, you feel bad that your cat vomited in the first place! However, we hope these steps get you started on cleaning up the unpleasant mess. Remember to tell your cat that it is not their fault they vomited on the carpet. Accidents happen!
Featured Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin, Shutterstock
