How to Clean Vomit Stains and Freshen Your Mattress
Nobody likes to think about vomit stains, especially when it’s on something as important as your mattress. But if you’ve had an accident and want to get rid of the stain quickly, here are the steps you need to take.
Updated 07 Mar 2023
By Blaž Stančič
What You Need
- Clean white cloths
- Baking soda
- Vacuum cleaner
- Warm water
- Mild detergent or enzymatic cleaner
Step-by-Step Process
- Remove all bedding from the mattress.
- As soon as possible, scrape up any dried particles with the edge of a spoon or other blunt object.
- Using a damp cloth and warm water, blot area until the stain begins to dissolve.
- Sprinkle baking soda over stain and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove baking soda and any residue.
- If remaining stain persists, use a mild detergent or enzymatic cleaner.
- Use a clean cloth and warm water to blot the affected area, followed by a damp cloth to rinse.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove baking soda and detergent residue.
- Allow the mattress to air-dry completely before replacing the bedding.
Tips for Preventing Future Vomit Stains
- Keep a plastic-backed absorbent pad on mattress—these can be easily washed after a vomit incident.
- Place a waterproof mattress protector underneath the bedding to keep vomit from seeping through to the mattress.
- For small children, place a towel over their pillow before they go to sleep to help catch any accidents.