How to Clean Dog or Cat Vomit From Carpet

Nothing jolts pet owners out of a sound sleep like that heaving sound dogs and cats make right before they are about to vomit. There's an unspoken rule that says they must do it on carpet, not on the easily cleaned kitchen floor. And getting pet-barf stains out of carpet can take some extra attention so it doesn't stain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Table salt
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Specialty pet cleaner
• Clean, light-colored towels
• Vacuum cleaner

1. Let's assume you need to clean up a fresh mess. First, practice holding your breath so the smell doesn't make you gag. Using paper towels or pieces of cardboard, scrape up as much of the mess as you can. Try not to rub the mess further into the carpet.
2. Then sprinkle salt thoroughly over the remaining stain. I can't remember where I first heard this tip, but it really works for the yellowish bile that can stain your carpet. Cover the whole mess with a damp, light-colored towel, and leave it for about two hours.
3. Vacuum up the salty residue, which hopefully has absorbed the stain. If there is still a mark remaining, use one of the commercial pet-stain removers or hydrogen peroxide. It is always a good idea to test these products in an out-of the way area first in case it bleaches your carpet.
4. When using any liquid cleaner, pour or spray it on. Then use light-colored towels, rags or paper towels to blot up the residue. Never rub it into the carpet fibers. Use the cleaner generously, and stand on the towels to press down as hard as you can, repeating until the towels come up clean.
5. If you find the pet vomit after it has dried, follow the same steps as above, except vacuum all the solid material up before sprinkling on the salt.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a wet-dry vacuum, it will be a perfect tool for cleaning up vomit, whether fresh or dried out.
• Occasional pet vomiting can happen because of fur balls or other mysterious, fairly benign reasons. If it is at all frequent, consult your vet.
• The above steps may be used on upholstery, too. Just be very, very careful with testing any cleaners first to ensure you don't ruin your fabric!