How to Clean Dog Vomit from Carpet: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning up after a pet accident on your carpet can be an unpleasant chore. But with the right approach, you can effectively remove dog vomit stains and residue from carpet fibers.

In this guide, we provide professional tips on tackling fresh and dried dog vomit messes on carpet. Follow these steps to restore your carpets and eliminate unpleasant odors.

Act Quickly for Fresh Dog Vomit

When possible, begin cleaning vomit stains on carpet immediately while the mess is still fresh and moist. This prevents the stain from setting and makes removal much easier.

Step 1: Remove Solids

• Use a spoon, spatula or piece of cardboard to scoop up any solid chunks and remove them.
• Wipe the area with paper towels to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Avoid rubbing, which can push vomit deeper into carpet fibers.

Step 2: Rinse With Vinegar

• In a spray bottle, mix:
  • 1 part white vinegar
  • 1 part warm water
• Lightly mist the affected area and let sit 5-10 minutes.
• Vinegar helps neutralize odors and residue.

Step 3: Clean With Dish Soap

• In a spray bottle, mix:
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon mild, clear dish soap
  • 1 cup warm water
• Spray the stained area and let sit 5 minutes.
• Dish soap helps detach remaining bile and stomach acids.

Step 4: Blot and Rinse

• Blot stained area with clean white towels to absorb moisture.
• Spray again with clear water and blot thoroughly.
• Avoid excessive rubbing, which can damage carpet fibers.

Step 5: Absorb Odors

• Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the stain.
• Let sit 15-30 minutes to help absorb odors.
• Vacuum up baking soda once dry.

Tackling Dried Dog Vomit on Carpets

For vomit stains that have dried on the carpet, removal takes a bit more effort but is still possible.

Step 1: Loosen Solids

• Use a dull knife or spoon to gently lift up any dried chunks you can remove.
• Softened dried vomit by misting the area lightly with water.

Step 2: Apply Enzyme Cleaner

• Use an enzyme-based pet stain remover, following label instructions.
• Enzymes break down organic compounds like those in vomit.
• Apply liberally and allow to soak 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Blot and Scrub

• Blot stained area with clean white towels to absorb moisture.
• Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush as enzyme cleaner soaks.
• Avoid excessive friction which can damage carpet fibers.

Step 4: Rinse and Blot

• Once stain appears gone, rinse cleaned area with fresh water.
• Blot with towels until no more moisture transfers.
• Let spot air dry completely before walking on carpet.

Step 5: Repeat if Needed

• If any stain or odor remains, reapply enzyme cleaner and repeat process.
• Dried vomit often requires multiple cleaning sessions.

Helpful Tips for Dog Vomit Carpet Cleaning

Follow these tips for optimal results removing dog vomit from carpeting:

• Act as soon as possible while stains are fresh.
• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing aggressively at fibers.
• Always do a spot test of cleaners on inconspicuous carpet area first.
• Use lukewarm water; avoid hot water that can set stains.
• Lift debris with soft spatula or dull knife to avoid mashing into carpet.
• Rotate towels frequently to prevent re-staining while blotting.
• Vacuum once fully dry to lift embedded particles loosened by cleaning.

Homemade Recipe to Remove Dog Vomit

If you don’t have commercial cleaners on hand, try this simple homemade carpet cleaner that lifts dog vomit stains:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon clear dish soap
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Instructions:

1. Mix water, dish soap and vinegar in a spray bottle.
2. Lightly mist over stain and let soak 5 minutes.
3. Blot stained area with clean towels until no more moisture transfers.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over stain and let sit 20 minutes.
5. Once dry, vacuum thoroughly to remove baking soda and lifted stain residue.

When to Call a Professional Carpet Cleaner

For best results on severe, extensive or dried vomit stains, contact a professional carpet cleaning service.

Pro carpet cleaners have powerful truck-mounted hot water extraction tools, strong vacuum suction and heavy-duty cleaners that can deep clean carpets and salvage badly soiled areas beyond the capacity of residential methods.

Signs it’s time to call the pros:

• Vomit stains cover a large area
• Stains have soaked down to the carpet backing or pad
• Dried vomit has hardened and crusted on the fibers
• DIY efforts fail to eliminate stain or smell
• High value carpets you want restored by experts

With some diligence and the right techniques, you can rescue your carpets from the messy effects of dog vomit. For more stubborn stains, trust professional carpet cleaners to renew your home’s carpets.