How To Remove A Vomit Smell From Fabric

Vomit leaves an unappealing odor. It's important to clean vomit up right away to prevent the smell from soaking deeper into the fabric. The combination of partially digested food and stomach acid are what create the foul odor. If left alone too long, the smell permeates the fabric fibers. If that happens, the smell becomes difficult to remove.

Step 1

Sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda over the fabric area. Let it sit for an hour.

Step 2

Vacuum or shake off the baking soda from the fabric.

Step 3

Pour vinegar over the spot until it's saturated. The vinegar won't harm the color. Let the vinegar dry. It will absorb the odors.

Step 4

Place the item in the washing machine, if possible, and wash normally.

Step 5

Pour two to three drops of laundry detergent in a mop bucket if you can't launder the item. Fill the bucket halfway with water. Dip a scrub brush in the mixture then scrub the fabric.

Step 6

Place two or three towels around the fabric and press the towels against the fabric to soak up the soap and to dry it.

Step 7

Empty the bucket down a drain and rinse the bucket and scrub brush.

Step 8

Fill a cereal bowl halfway with vinegar and place in the room if the smell is in the carpet or car. Let the bowl sit overnight, and then throw out the vinegar.