How do I get rid of vomit stains on cotton?

Scrape off any excess vomit, rinse with cold water, soak in a cleaning solution, apply white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, rinse with cold water again, and wash as normal.

What if the stain doesn't come out after washing?

Soak the fabric in a solution of two parts vinegar and one part water for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing it. You can also try using an oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean) along with your regular laundry detergent, or using a laundry pre-treatment spray or pen to target the stain before washing.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Vomit > Cotton

Getting Rid of Vomit Stains on Cotton: A Step-by-Step Guide

Accidents happen. And when they do, vomit stains can be difficult to remove from clothes - but fortunately, they can be done! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get rid of vomit stains on cotton fabrics.

Updated 07 Mar 2023

By Mateuzs Kowalski

Step 1: Scrape off any Excess Vomit

First, scrape off any excess vomit that may still be present on the surface of the fabric. Using a dull knife or spoon, gently scrape away as much of the vomit as possible without pushing it further into the fabric.

Step 2: Rinse with Cold Water

Once you’ve scraped away the excess, rinse stained fabric with cold water. This will help prevent the stain from setting into the fabric.

Step 3: Soak in a Cleaning Solution

Next, prepare a cleaning solution by combining one teaspoon of a mild detergent with a cup of cold water. Soak stained fabric in this solution for 15-30 minutes.

Step 4: Apply White Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide

To the stained area, apply a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. You can also use laundry detergent or a spray-on enzyme cleaner if they’re available. Allow the solution to sit on the fabric for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Rinse with Cold Water Again

Rinse the stained fabric with cold water again to help remove the cleaning solution and any remaining vomit. Make sure to wash away all traces of the solution so that it doesn’t cause discoloration.

Step 6: Wash as Normal

Finally, wash the fabric as usual. You can use the same cycle as before, but use a mild detergent or a detergent specifically formulated for removing stains. Hang fabric to dry once the washing is complete.

Additional Tips

If the stain persists after washing, try soaking the fabric in a solution of two parts vinegar and one part water for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing it.
For tough vomit stains, try using an oxygen-based bleach (such as OxiClean) along with your regular laundry detergent.
You can also try using a laundry pre-treatment spray or pen to target the stain before washing.

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