If you’re a cat owner, cleaning up vomit is at the top of the list of unpleasant tasks. It may seem daunting, but cleaning up the mess with the right tools (and maybe a pair of rubber gloves) is possible. How you clean up the mess will depend on where your cat vomited and the stained object you need to clean. Here are three methods for successfully cleaning up cat vomit to help you remove the mess as quickly as possible.
The 3 Ideas & Tips to Clean Up Cat Vomit
1. Removing Vomit From Carpet

- Dawn dish soap
- Baking soda or cornstarch
- White vinegar
- White cloth
- Warm water
- Pet stain remover (optional)
Start by scraping as much vomit off the carpet as you can using a paper towel and rubber gloves. Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch onto the stain to soak up as much of it as possible. Baking soda has the added advantage of neutralizing odors, so it is the best option if it’s a particularly smelly spot! Leave this on for 10 to 15 minutes before continuing.
Mix 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 cups of warm water. Apply the solution to a clean white cloth and blot until all the liquid has been absorbed. You can use a paper towel for this step if necessary, but microfiber cloths work best because they are more absorbent.
Finally, sponge the stain with cold water and blot it to dry.
As a follow-up, use a stain remover for the carpet and vacuum to ensure no stains or smells are left behind.
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2. Removing Vomit From a Washable Fabric

- Prewash laundry stain remover, like Shout or Resolve
If your cat has vomited on your clothing or your bedding, don’t fret. Check the care tag of your item first to get the washing instructions. Then, follow these simple steps:
- Scrape off the excess vomit.
- Treat the stain with a prewash stain remover.
- Wash the item in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.
Important Tip: Check your fabric when it comes out of the wash, and don’t immediately put it into the dryer. If the stain hasn’t come out completely from the wash, you can re-treat and re-wash the fabric until it’s gone. Once you have run the stain through the dryer, the heat will set it for good and make it extremely difficult to remove. If you are unsure whether you got the stain out, always air dry the item so you can re-wash it.
3. Removing Vomit From Upholstery

- Pet stain and odor remover for upholstery
- White cloth
If your cat has vomited on your couch, your best bet for cleaning is to use a stain and odor remover designed for upholstery. Enzyme cleaners are more effective than formulas that only mask the odors. The enzymes break down the proteins in the vomit to leave your upholstery clean and smelling fresh.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions to get the best results. Scrape off any excess vomit and blot the stain with a clean, white cloth. Repeat the stain remover application, alternating with blotting, until it is fully removed.
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Conclusion
Cleaning up cat vomit is a dirty job, but it can be easier when you have the right tools in your arsenal. Regardless of where your cat vomits, there is a way to clean it. As with most stains, the sooner you get to it, the better, so it’s best to be prepared and know what to do when it happens.
See Also:
- Why Did My Cat Throw Up? Vet-Reviewed Reasons
- Arm & Hammer Stain & Odor Eliminator Review: Pros & Cons
Featured Image Credit: ANASTASIIAKU, Shutterstock