This Step-by-Step Guide Will Teach You How To Thoroughly Clean Your Mattress After Someone Has Thrown Up On It.

2023-01-10 00:03:29 - Patrick Gruce Patrick Gruce is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the tech and media industries, offering unique insights on the intersection of technology, media, and legal/regulatory issues through his background in journalism and law.

That's something that's happened to every single one of us at some point. There have been times when illness roused us in the wee hours, and we simply didn't have the energy to get out of bed and face the day. We don't care if this happened because of the flu or too much alcohol; we just know that it has happened to you or someone you know. Because these things also frequently occur in the lives of children and animals, that someone could have been them. Mattresses, unlike sheets and blankets, cannot be washed in a washing machine. You then have to ask yourself the most horrible question: "How am I going to clean this puke out of my mattress?" When will it be safe for sanitation to be restored? Is there any way to get rid of this abominable aroma?

Someone needs to clean up this mess, and fast.

Consider purchasing a mattress from a company like YogaBed or Novosbed that has a cover that can be removed and washed in the machine if this is a common problem for you. You need not worry, though; we have you covered even if your mattress does not come with a removable cover that can be washed in the washing machine. Here, we will detail the steps necessary to thoroughly clean, disinfect, and deodorize a bed that has been soiled by vomit.

Materials Required:

  • Discarded paper towels or soiled rags
  • Use of a paper plate and/or bowl
  • A delicate cleanser
  • Vinegar, white
  • Anisotropic alcohol rub
  • NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate)
  • Rubber gloves, a face mask, essential oils, a hair dryer, or a floor fan may be used instead.

Tips for Getting the Stain of Throw Up Off the Mattress:

Clean up the throw up To clean up the vomit on the bed, grab a bowl or paper plate. Pack it up in a garbage bag and discard it in the open air. If you prefer, you can use a dustpan and then flush the contents of the pan down the toilet. Don't forget to clean the dustpan when you're done. Having the odor linger in your home is not an option. Wear gloves if possible, or at least wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Clean the bed linens The bed must be stripped and the linens washed immediately. Absolutely everything, even if there was no vomit on it. All bed linens, such as a duvet cover, sheets, pillowcases, etc. This is because you need to eliminate any lingering odor and ensure that the rest of your bedding is free of any potential germs. It's best to wash it in hot water to eliminate the possibility of germs surviving the cycle.

Empty the remaining liquid and clean the area. To dab, pick up a paper towel or rag. Scrubbing can actually do more harm than good, spreading germs and rubbing remaining liquids deeper into the mattress fibers.

how to clean vomit mattress bed Make sure no color is transferred by using a white sponge like we did.

Sweep it up In a bowl, combine some warm water with a mild detergent. Spot-clean the area by dabbing it with the soapy water and a new paper towel or rag (not the one you just used, gross). Then, in a separate container, combine white vinegar with water at a ratio of 1:3. Apply more vinegar solution scrubbing to the mattress. Cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing the stains and odor will be facilitated by this. In any case, the solution will dry and the odor should go away. It's important to be careful not to soak your mattress in the solution, as this could cause the foam to deteriorate. Simply spray until the area is damp. Wait for it to dry, and then repeat as necessary to remove the stain. To hasten the drying process, you may also use a blow dryer or fan.

Add a teaspoon of non-moisturizing liquid dish soap to your water and white vinegar mixture for added strength.

Disinfect A light misting of rubbing alcohol on the mattress will help ensure that the area is free of any germs. Again, you don't want to overdo it because the odor should be subtle. A combination of rubbing alcohol and essential oils could be sprayed on the area if you're really worried. Air out the mattress with a fan and a window once more. You should wait at least 6 to 8 hours to be sure. Keep kids and pets away from the bed until the rubbing alcohol has dried.

The mess is almost cleaned up again.

Get rid of any lingering odor Baking soda can be sprinkled over the area if any lingering odors persist. Your mattress pad, protector, sheets, and other bed linens can be replaced on the bed at this point.

So close, yet so far Using the hose attachment, vacuum up the baking soda before washing the sheets (which should be within a week). All should be well with your mattress; it should look brand new.

Pro Tip Many people feel queasy when confronted with the sight or smell of vomit; if this describes you, try chewing gum or applying vapor rub to your nose before you begin the task. Putting on a mask could be useful as well.

You can also think about investing in a mattress protector to safeguard your bed from accidents like puking, urinating, or bleeding. You can find some inexpensive options that ought to do the trick on Amazon. Making preparations in advance is always recommended.

Memory Foam Mattress Care and Maintenance

If there's any silver lining to cleaning up vomit, it's that a memory foam mattress can be cleaned with the same tools as a traditional mattress. The good news is that a memory foam mattress can be cleaned in much the same way as any other mattress.  

Clean up the throw up. We know it sounds awful, but cleaning up the vomit from the bed is priority number one. Put on some protective gloves and use a paper plate or bowl to scoop up the vomit, then dispose of it in a trash can or outside in a plastic bag. While some may find it more convenient to use a dustpan and then flush the contents of the pan down the toilet, keep in mind that you will then need to disinfect the dustpan itself.

Get the sheets clean. Bedding should be removed from the bed and placed in the washing machine at this time. Even if you don't find any visible vomit on the bedding, you should still wash it to get rid of any lingering smells or germs. Bedding should be washed in hot water to help kill germs; this may require more than one load.  

Collect any leftover liquid and dispose of it. The following procedures are essential for memory foam mattresses, as the material readily absorbs liquids such as vomit and cleaning solutions. To remove any remaining vomit liquid, dab the area with an old rag or paper towel (do not scrub). Avoid pressing down on the foam or twisting the foam in an effort to extract liquid and instead dab at it gently.

Clear the area Now, grab a clean towel and some vinegar to finish the cleaning. It's not a good idea to spray the solution directly onto the memory foam mattress because it will absorb the liquid quickly and could cause damage. Instead, lightly spritz your rag with cleaner and blot the mattress. You want the blotted areas to be slightly damp, not dripping wet.  

Disinfect Apply alcohol and wait 6-8 hours for it to dry.

Mattress dry To prevent the memory foam from soaking up the cleaning solution, simply hold a blow dryer over the top of the mattress while it's on a low heat setting. Use a fan if necessary, but make sure the mattress is completely dry before replacing the sheets. Efface any lingering scent The baking soda can be left on the mattress for about a week before being vacuumed up and washed with the sheets the following week.

When Staining Carpets With Pet Poo

No matter the cause—your furry friend overate or got a stomach bug (poor thing)—there is one thing you should do differently if your pet throws up. A cleaning product like Simple Solution, designed specifically for pet waste, can be found at any pet store or large commercial retailer like Walmart or Target. Once the animal's vomit has settled, about ten minutes, scoop it out with a paper plate or bowl and use it. Then, repeat the steps we just outlined while using paper towels to soak up as much water as possible.

Nearly seventy-one percent of U.S. adults let their pets sleep with them, per a survey by mattress manufacturer Novosbed. Cleanup is a bigger concern for pet owners with dogs and cats because of this. There is a 71% chance that you will find pet urine on your mattress if you are one of the people who let their pet sleep in bed with them. Here are some measures you can take to avoid mishaps in bed.  

  • Your pet dog or cat may show symptoms of illness before he or she will get on the bed. Social withdrawal, lethargy, excessive panting, and aggression are all signs that your dog or cat may not be feeling well. Not eating normally or having regular bathroom habits are additional indicators of illness.  
  • Maximize mealtimes if your pet suffers from stomach upset. In addition, if you feed your pet on a regular schedule, you'll have a better idea of when it needs to eat and go to the bathroom. Accidents in the bed can be avoided, for instance, if you feed and take your pet outside to use the restroom a few hours before bedtime.  
  • You should continue to keep an eye on your pet's condition and symptoms as a gauge for when you can let it back into your bed. In order to avoid any potential mishaps, it may be best to wait a little longer if the person is still showing signs of feeling ill. If your dog's eating and behavior patterns return to normal, this is a good sign that he or she is doing better. Another indicator that your pet may be ready to return to bed is the absence of house accidents despite the presence of illness symptoms.

Protecting Your Mattress

A mattress protector is an excellent safety measure to take into consideration. A mattress protector's primary function is to prevent stains from reaching the mattress in the first place. A mattress protector, unlike a regular mattress, can be cleaned by simply being thrown in the washing machine and dryer after an accident. A mattress protector serves two purposes: it keeps your mattress clean and it adds years to its lifespan.

Types

  • The protector encases (or zips around) your entire mattress, protecting it from head to toe. In many cases, a zipper serves as the closure for the protector.
  • Similar to how a fitted sheet fits a mattress (tucked in at the bottom with pocketed corners), a fitted mattress protector is a common choice.
  • This protector has elastic straps that wrap around the four corners of your mattress, keeping it in place while you sleep. This helps secure the cover to the bed.

Materials

Cotton, polyester, polyurethane, vinyl, and even down can all be found in mattress protectors. Mattress protectors can be constructed entirely of one material, or they can combine several different materials. There are also single-layer and double-layer mattress protectors available. However, if you have pets, vinyl or polyurethane may be the best choice due to their watertight qualities. Both the benefits and drawbacks of each option are detailed below.

  • Cotton - The cotton plant produces fibers that are completely natural and chemical free. A cotton mattress cover is hypoallergenic and allows for air circulation, which is ideal for hot sleepers and those with allergies. Cotton is more expensive and wears out and shrinks more quickly than other materials.  
  • Polyester is a practical fabric choice because its fibers resist stains and wrinkles and don't weigh much. It's long-lasting, but it doesn't feel as soft as cotton and it clings to damp skin.  
  • In cold and dry climates, down is the preferred insulation material. Additionally, down has the benefits of being lightweight, durable, and airy. Cleaning it, however, is not the simplest task, as it requires unique attention. Additionally, down is not hypoallergenic and is more expensive than synthetics.  
  • Vinyl - Vinyl is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It resists stains and can be cleaned quickly and easily. It's important to do your homework, though, because not all vinyl is created equal. Some labels produce vinyl that looks and sounds cheap.  
  • Polyurethane - Like vinyl, polyurethane is extremely durable and stain-proof, making it a breeze to maintain. The main drawback of polyurethane is that its quality degrades quickly as it ages.
Encasement Fitted Elastic Coverage Total protection The upper and outer surfaces Top Comfort Offers little in the way of supplementary ease of use Because it fits like a fitted sheet, it's the most cozy option. Lightweight and typically crafted from cotton Comfortable and breathable; constructed from durable silicone elastic.   Protection  Usually impervious to moisture Guarantees the safety of one's entire household Standardly, they are resistant to water and liquid spills. This mattress protector keeps the top from getting dirty and wet, but it doesn't cover the sides.

Safety Measures for Nausea and Throwing Up

There are a number of options for alleviating nausea and avoiding vomiting if you're experiencing it. In some cases, however, these methods do not appear to alleviate the nausea. If that occurs, medical attention is required. Here are some ways to keep your stomach in place and avoid getting sick all over your bed.  

  • If you're experiencing stomach pain, try drinking lots of cold, clear fluids like water. In addition, the cold can help put your stomach to sleep, so drinking cold fluids or eating ice can help with nausea and stomach pain.  
  • Eat simple, bland foods — Sticking to a bland diet can ease stomach discomfort. Ingestion of foreign substances is a common source of stomach distress. In order to calm your stomach, try eating some plain bread or chicken and rice.  
  • If you're trying to soothe an upset stomach, staying away from sugary and fatty foods is crucial. Eating fatty, sugary, or fried foods can make your condition worse.  
  • Eat slowly and cautiously at first so you can monitor your stomach's response to food. Bloating is often the result of eating too quickly, which allows more air into the stomach.
  • Like sticking to a bland diet, it's best to avoid surprising your digestive system with extremes by combining cold and hot foods.  
  • Don't guzzle your liquids; instead, take it easy for a while to get a sense of how your stomach is reacting and whether or not the nausea is subsiding.
  • It's best to wait at least two hours after eating before engaging in any moderate-to-intense activities. If you're already feeling queasy and nauseous, ramping up your activity level too quickly may make it worse.
  • If you're feeling nauseous, you shouldn't brush your teeth right away because the taste and smell of toothpaste and other dental products can trigger nausea. Waiting at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth is recommended.
  • If you're experiencing stomach trouble, eating something new might be to blame. In order to feel secure in your stomach, get a good night's sleep, and ensure adequate nutrition, it may be best to stick to foods you are familiar with and have eaten before.

Concluding Remarks

Your mattress could be soiled with puke for a variety of reasons. Cleaning up vomit from a mattress won't be as much of a chore if you have a removable, machine-washable mattress cover. If you don't have a cover that can be washed, no worries; you can get rid of vomit with some mild detergent, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and a lot of paper towels. To get rid of vomit from a mattress, you must first remove it, then clean, disinfect, and dry the mattress, sheets, and blankets. Investing in a mattress protector, especially if you have a dog or cat, may prevent you from having to clean your mattress in the future.

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