How To Clean Throw Up Out Of A Mattress

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Introduction

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night to find that your once pristine mattress has been soiled by throw up. Whether it’s due to a stomach bug, food poisoning, or just a wild night out, dealing with vomit on your mattress can be a nightmare. But fear not! With the right supplies and a little know-how, you can clean up the mess and restore your mattress to its former glory.

In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of cleaning throw up out of a mattress. We’ll cover everything from gathering the necessary supplies to removing the stain and eliminating any lingering odor. So grab your gloves, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started!

Step 1: Gather Supplies

Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. Having everything prepared beforehand will ensure a smooth and efficient cleanup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Disposable gloves or rubber gloves: These will protect your hands from coming into direct contact with the vomit and any potentially harmful bacteria.
• Paper towels or disposable absorbent pads: These will help to absorb and remove the initial mess.
• A plastic bag or trash bag: This is where you’ll dispose of the soiled paper towels or pads.
• A mild dish soap or laundry detergent: This will be used to make a cleaning solution.
• A clean cloth or sponge: This will be used to apply the cleaning solution and scrub the stain.
• Baking soda: This will help to neutralize any odors.
• A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment: This will be used to remove any residue after cleaning.
• A waterproof mattress protector (optional): Consider investing in a waterproof mattress protector to prevent future accidents from seeping into the mattress.

Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Remove Excess Vomit

Now that you have your supplies ready, it’s time to tackle the first task: removing the excess vomit from the mattress. This step is crucial in order to prevent the vomit from spreading further and causing more damage.

Start by putting on your disposable gloves or rubber gloves to protect your hands from any potential contamination. Then, carefully remove any solid or semi-solid pieces of vomit using paper towels or disposable absorbent pads. Be gentle during this process to avoid pressing the vomit further into the mattress.

If the vomit has already dried, you can use a blunt object, like the edge of a spoon or a plastic knife, to gently scrape off the dried pieces. However, be extremely cautious to avoid damaging the mattress surface.

Dispose of the soiled paper towels, pads, or any solid waste in a plastic bag or trash bag. Seal the bag tightly to prevent any unpleasant odors from spreading.

Once you have successfully removed the excess vomit, you’re ready to move on to the next step: making a cleaning solution.

Step 3: Make a Cleaning Solution

After removing the excess vomit, it’s time to prepare a cleaning solution that will effectively remove the stain and sanitize the mattress. Here’s how to make a simple yet effective cleaning solution:

1. In a small bowl or bucket, mix together 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap or laundry detergent with 2 cups of warm water. Be sure to use a gentle detergent that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or bleaches that could damage the mattress.
2. If the vomit stain is particularly stubborn or has an accompanying odor, you can add a sprinkling of baking soda to the cleaning solution. Baking soda is known for its odor-neutralizing properties and can help eliminate any lingering smells.
3. Gently stir the mixture until the soap or detergent is well-dissolved and the baking soda is evenly distributed.

Once your cleaning solution is ready, proceed to the next step: cleaning the stain.

Step 4: Clean the Stain

Now that you have prepared the cleaning solution, it’s time to tackle the vomit stain on your mattress. Follow these steps to effectively clean the stain:

1. Using a clean cloth or sponge, dip it into the cleaning solution you prepared earlier. Make sure the cloth or sponge is damp, not dripping wet.
2. Gently blot the stained area of the mattress with the cloth or sponge. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain vigorously, as this can push the vomit deeper into the mattress or spread the stain further.
3. Continue blotting the stain in a gentle, circular motion, working from the outer edges towards the center. This will prevent the stain from spreading.
4. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can apply a bit of pressure while blotting. However, be cautious not to press too hard to avoid saturating the mattress.
5. After several minutes of blotting, you should start to see the stain gradually lifting. Continue the process until the stain is completely removed or significantly lightened.

Once you have successfully treated the stain, it’s time to move on to the next step: rinsing the mattress.

Use a mixture of water and mild dish soap to blot and clean the affected area. Then sprinkle baking soda to absorb any remaining odor and moisture. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.

Step 5: Rinse the Mattress

Now that you have successfully cleaned the vomit stain, it’s important to rinse the mattress to remove any residue from the cleaning solution and ensure that no soap or detergent is left behind. Follow these steps to properly rinse the mattress:

1. Fill a clean bucket or basin with cold water.
2. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the cold water.
3. Gently blot the previously stained area of the mattress with the damp cloth or sponge. This will help remove any remaining cleaning solution.
4. Continue blotting the area until you can no longer detect any soap or detergent residue.
5. Repeat the rinsing process if necessary, using a fresh cloth or sponge and clean water.

After rinsing, allow the mattress to air dry completely before moving on to the next step: removing odor.

Step 6: Remove Odor

After cleaning and rinsing the mattress, it’s common for a lingering odor to remain. To eliminate this unpleasant smell, follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and will help neutralize any remaining odors.
2. Gently rub the baking soda into the fabric of the mattress using a clean cloth or sponge. This will help the baking soda penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
3. Leave the baking soda on the mattress for at least a few hours, but ideally overnight. During this time, the baking soda will absorb the odor.
4. After the designated time has passed, vacuum the mattress thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner that has a brush attachment. This will remove the baking soda along with any trapped odor particles.

Once you have completed these steps, your mattress should be odor-free and fresh. It’s time to move on to the final step: drying the mattress.

Step 7: Dry the Mattress

After cleaning, rinsing, and removing any lingering odor, it’s crucial to allow the mattress to dry completely to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. Follow these steps to ensure your mattress dries properly:

1. First, gently press down on the mattress with clean towels or absorbent pads to remove any excess moisture.
2. Next, open windows or turn on fans in the room to promote air circulation. This will help speed up the drying process.
3. It’s also beneficial to point a fan directly at the mattress to increase airflow and aid in drying.
4. If possible, prop the mattress up on its side to allow air to circulate around all sides, including the bottom.
5. Avoid exposing the mattress to direct sunlight or using excessive heat sources, as this can damage the fabric and materials.
6. Leave the mattress to air dry for at least 24 hours, or until it feels completely dry to the touch.

Once the mattress is fully dry, you can put on clean sheets, pillowcases, and any other bedding items, and enjoy a fresh and clean sleeping surface.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to keeping your mattress clean. Consider investing in a waterproof mattress protector to protect against future accidents and spills. Regularly vacuum and rotate your mattress to keep it in top condition.

By following these steps and taking proper care of your mattress, you can ensure it remains fresh, clean, and comfortable for years to come.

Conclusion

Dealing with throw up on a mattress can be a distressing situation, but with the right approach, it’s possible to restore your mattress to its original, clean state. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can effectively remove the vomit stain, eliminate odor, and ensure a fresh sleeping surface.

Remember to gather all the necessary supplies before starting the cleaning process, including gloves, paper towels, cleaning solution, and baking soda. Take your time to remove excess vomit, make a cleaning solution using mild dish soap or laundry detergent, and gently clean the stain with a cloth or sponge.

After cleaning, be sure to rinse the mattress thoroughly with cold water to remove any cleaning solution residue. To get rid of lingering odors, apply a generous amount of baking soda and vacuum it off once it has had time to absorb the odors.

Lastly, allow the mattress to air dry completely before putting on clean sheets and bedding. This will help prevent the growth of mold or mildew. Additionally, consider using a waterproof mattress protector to safeguard against future accidents and spills.

By following these steps and implementing regular mattress maintenance, you can ensure that your mattress remains fresh, clean, and comfortable for years to come. Sleep tight!