How to Clean up Vomit

Cleaning up vomit is not a task you are likely to relish but sometimes it's unavoidable. Do it properly to prevent odors, staining or the spreading of germs.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Paper Towels
• Paper towels
• Disinfectant
• plastic trash bag
• spatula

1. Clean up the vomit with paper towels, making sure that you don't rub it into the surface you are cleaning. Use a spatula to scrape away chunks.

2. Dispose of the vomit in the toilet. Put paper towels in a plastic bag and dispose of them in the trash - the towels might clog the toilet.

3. Wipe all surfaces clean.

4. Remove any soiled rugs, clothes or bedding and wash separately in hot soapy water. Dry items on the highest setting possible. (Do not put rubber-backed rugs in the dryer.)

5. Disinfect all hard surfaces (not carpeting or rugs) with a mixture of 5 tablespoons bleach and 1 gallon warm water. This treatment will both disinfect the area and remove odor.

6. Wash your hands thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of the bleach solution, you can use a disinfectant cleaner.

• See Related eHow, "How to Clean Vomit from Carpets" for instructions on how to deal with vomit on carpeting.

• Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up vomit.

• Do not touch your mouth or nose during the process of cleaning up someone else's vomit. You may catch the same bug.