How to Get Dog Puke Out of Carpet: Expert Tips and Solutions

If you have a dog, you know that cleaning up after an accident on the carpet is an inevitable part of pet parenthood. But with the right products and know-how, you can get rid of even the most stubborn dog puke stains and smells.

First, blot up as much of the liquid as you can with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towels. Then, mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one tablespoon of white vinegar and one cup of warm water. Use this solution to saturate the affected area, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes before blotting and rinsing with water.

While there are lots of home remedies and commercial products to choose from, we're going to focus on expert advice from professional cleaning companies and veterinarians. With their help, you'll discover tried-and-true methods, special products, and even some tips for preventing dog vomit stains.

With this information, you'll be ready to tackle even the most stubborn stains and get your carpets back to looking and smelling fresh and clean in no time.

Other Ways to Get Rid of Dog Vomit Stains in Carpets

When it comes to dog vomit, time is of the essence. Good Housekeeping recommends using a spoon to remove as much vomit as possible from the carpet and then sprinkling baking soda on the area to help absorb any remaining liquid and odor. After 15-30 minutes, you can vacuum up the baking soda.

For a homemade cleaning solution that works well, Apartment Therapy suggests mixing 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap, and 2 cups of lukewarm water. Use a clean towel or sponge to blot the solution onto the stain, working it in with a circular motion. Then, rinse the area with cold water and blot it dry.

The vinegar in the solution helps to neutralize odors, and the dish soap helps to break down the stain. If the stain is set in, you can let the solution sit on the area for a longer period of time or use a soft-bristled brush to work it in. Just be careful not to scrub too hard on high-pile or delicate wool carpets, as this can cause damage.

If the odor lingers after cleaning, The Spruce notes that you can also use an enzyme-based cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or baking soda to help eliminate the smell. With a little bit of work and some items you likely already have at home, you can get rid of most fresh dog vomit stains in your carpet.

Commercial and Specialized Cleaning Products

If you’re dealing with particularly tough dog vomit stains and odors on your carpets, commercial and specialized cleaning products can be especially helpful. Simple Green notes that enzymatic cleaners are a great option, as they contain highly active natural microorganisms and enzymes that work to break down organic matter at the molecular level, removing odors. Some of these products, like the Simple Green Advanced Dog Bio-Boost Stain & Odor Remover, are even able to remove old or set-in stains.

Meanwhile, Unique Pet Care explains that bio-enzymatic cleaners with bacteria that produce enzymes have the added benefit of the bacteria doubling in population every 20 minutes, which means that they’re constantly producing more enzymes to break down the stain and odor. This self-replicating cleaning process can be especially helpful for stains and odors that have soaked deep into your carpet.

When you’re looking for a commercial product, Hepper suggests that you take into account the severity of the stain, the type of carpet you have, and your personal preferences. Liquid solutions, powders, and sprays all have their own benefits in terms of how easy they are to use and how targeted their application can be. However, with the right specialized cleaner, you’ll be able to conquer even the most challenging dog vomit stains and odors on your carpets.

How to Clean Dog Vomit From Upholstered Furniture

If your dog has vomited on your upholstered furniture, like a sofa or chair, you'll need to take a different approach than you would with carpet. As noted by The Spruce, vomit is made up of protein stains, acids, and other substances that can be absorbed deep into the fibers of upholstery.

When it comes to upholstery, Sunrise Chem-Dry says that you should use enzymatic cleaners or hydrogen peroxide-based solutions that are specifically made for upholstery. These products contain natural microorganisms and enzymes that get to the root of the organic matter, which can help remove stains and odors. However, make sure that you don't oversaturate the upholstery, as this can lead to damage to the cushions and padding.

It's also important to make sure that you follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning the specific type of upholstery, as using the wrong cleaning method can lead to discoloration and other problems. In fact, according to Today.com, if you're dealing with vintage or delicate upholstery, it's best to hire professional cleaners, who have the tools and knowledge to safely remove stubborn vomit stains.

If you use the right products and techniques, you should be able to remove the vomit from your upholstered furniture and get it back to its original condition.

How to Prevent Dog Vomit on Carpets and Furniture

If you want to avoid cleaning up dog vomit on your carpets and furniture, you'll need to take a proactive approach. According to The Dodo, dogs are more likely to vomit on carpets because they don't want to soil their primary living space. To help prevent this, WagWalking suggests monitoring your dog's diet and removing any non-food items, toxins, or plants that could cause irritation.

You can also help prevent vomiting by slowing down dogs that eat too quickly. According to WikiHow, you can use a slow feeder bowl or elevate your dog's food bowl to make it more difficult for your dog to eat too quickly. You can also use positive reinforcement training to help your dog eat more slowly and mindfully by rewarding them when they eat calmly.

If your dog continues to vomit, make sure to talk to your vet to rule out any medical issues. However, with the right preventative measures and training, you can help ensure that your dog doesn't vomit on your carpets and furniture.

Professional Carpet Cleaning and Other Things to Keep in Mind

While DIY solutions and store-bought products can help with many dog vomit stains, there are situations where professional carpet cleaning services may be the best option. First Class Green Cleaning suggests using enzyme-based carpet cleaners, which can be used to treat any remaining stains or smells that weren’t removed by at-home methods. Professionals also have access to equipment like hot water extraction and truck-mounted systems that can clean and deodorize carpets more deeply.

This is particularly important when it comes to more delicate or valuable carpets, like wool or oriental rugs, as using the wrong cleaning methods can cause irreversible damage. As Merry Maids explains, not cleaning and deodorizing carpets and upholstered furniture properly can also have lasting effects, as it can cause stains and smells to become more set in.

By acting fast, using the right cleaning solutions, and knowing when to call in professionals, you can make sure that you’re able to get rid of dog vomit on your carpets and upholstery, and that your home will be fresh and clean once again.

Just remember that acting quickly and making sure that you’re as thorough as possible will help you avoid long-term damage and make sure that your home is a comfortable place for you and your pets.