Whether you're the person throwing up or the one cleaning up afterwards (worst case scenario: you're both), getting sick is no fun for anyone. But the longer you wait to tackle a vomit stain, the more it's going to set, and the more you're going to get grossed out by it.

Vomit is a protein stain. Protein-based stains are left by animal-based products or secretions like egg, milk, blood and other bodily fluids. These can coagulate and set into fabric fibers at relatively low temperatures, so it's important that you never clean them with hot water. Another thing you want to avoid when dealing with a protein stain is chlorine bleach because it will chemically react and leave the spot looking yellow and feeling stiff. Similarly, hydrogen peroxide can cause discoloration even on white fabrics and carpet.

Baking soda is a particularly popular cleaning method used to clean vomit from carpet. While this is widely known as nature's deodorizer, its small particles can cause permanent damage to both your carpet and your vacuum cleaner. Since the powder is so fine, remnants of it can sink through the carpet and padding and remain on top of the floor underneath. The fine particles can also clog the pores of your vacuum's bag or HEPA filter, which can drastically reduce suction power. On top of all this, baking soda dust can potentially seep through your vacuum's filtration system and get sucked into the motor.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a cleaner and degreaser that powers out stains on washable surfaces like fabric and carpet. As an added bonus, it deodorizes while it cleans, removing unpleasant odors and leaving behind a sassafras, lemon or lavender scent.

Directions for Removing Vomit Stains:

We recommend you wear gloves to protect yourself from germs.

Clothes

1. Remove solids. Remove excess vomit with paper towels or a slightly damp rag. You can also use a butter knife or spoon. Dump the mess into a dense plastic bag.
2. Rinse with cold water. Turn the garment inside out and rinse the stained area with cold, running water.
3. Prepare your Simple Green solution. Mix 2 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 2 cups of water in an empty spray bottle.
4. Apply Simple Green. Spray your cleaning solution thoroughly onto the stain.
5. Blot the stain. Blot the area with a clean cloth.
6. Repeat, if necessary. Repeat steps 2 through 5 until the stain is gone.
7. Wash as usual. Wash with your usual laundry detergent. Dry only when the stain is completely removed, otherwise the heat will set it permanently.

For dry-clean-only garments, follow step 1 above. Then blot the stain gently with a clean, white cloth dampened with cold water. Follow up with a dry cloth and take the garment to your dry cleaner as soon as possible.

Carpet

The trick to getting vomit stains out of carpet is to work from the outer edges toward the center of the stain to prevent it from spreading.

1. Remove solids. Get excess vomit out of the carpet with paper towels or a slightly damp rag. You can also use a butter knife or spoon. Dump the mess into a dense plastic bag.
2. Prepare your Simple Green solution. Mix 2 ounces of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 2 cups of water in an empty spray bottle.
3. Apply Simple Green. Spray your cleaning solution thoroughly onto the stain.
4. Blot. Dab the spot with a clean cloth until there is no more stain to remove. Remember to work from the outer edge of the stain towards the center. Make sure you do not press the stain deeper into the carpet fibers.
5. Lift the stain. Cover the entire stain with a clean, dry towel, then set a heavy item on top of the towel. Let it sit until the liquid seems to be fully absorbed into the towel. Then launder the towel as usual.
6. Air dry.