Not well, eaten too fast, or consumed the wrong thing? There are plenty of reasons why a pet might vomit inside your home, and it’s the way of the world that it’ll be on your carpet rather than the hard flooring it would be simpler to clean up.
It’s not one of life’s most pleasant tasks, but cleaning cat or dog sick off the carpet can be hassle-free. Find out how below – and don't miss more tips on how to clean a carpet in our guide.
- Best carpet cleaner: which machine should you buy to clean your rugs and carpets
How to clean pet sick from a carpet
Good news! You've got much of the cleaning kit in your cupboard already (and if not, a dash to the shops will kit you out – it's not complicated).
1. Scrape up as much of the vomit as you can. A bit gross, but using a plastic kitchen spatula and piling it into a pile of toilet roll will work – and you can flush it down the loo (and put the spatula in the dishwasher).
2. The golden rule? Don’t rub at what’s there as you’ll push it into the carpet.
3. Then sprinkle baking soda on to any stain that’s left, leave for 10 minutes and vacuum.
4. Next, mix a good squirt of washing-up liquid, a tablespoon of white vinegar and around half a litre of warm water, and use the solution to blot and lift the stain with a clean cloth.
Join our newsletter
Get small space home decor ideas, celeb inspiration, DIY tips and more, straight to your inbox!
5. Apply cold water on a second white cloth to rinse, and leave to dry.
6. Repeat steps three to five if necessary.
- Best ways to clean up after dogs (we've got tons more tips)
- Best ways to clean up after cats (we're looking at you, Tibbles)
Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes – long enough to see fridges become smart, decorating fashions embrace both minimalism and maximalism, and interiors that blur the indoor/outdoor link become a must-have. She loves testing the latest home appliances, revealing the trends in furnishings and fittings for every room, and investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper. For Realhomes.com, Sarah reviews coffee machines and vacuum cleaners, taking them through their paces at home to give us an honest, real life review and comparison of every model.
-
How to clean windows without streaks — 5 easy steps that cleaning pros always follow
Our tried and tested guide that will leave nothing but streak-free shine
By Eve Smallman Last updated
-
The latest Shark sale deals are perfect for pollen-proofing your home — with up to $150 off our favorite vacuums
Frequent cleaning is a must when hay fever strikes. These Shark sale deals on vacuums have arrived just in time for allergy season
By Danielle Valente Published
-
Tineco Floor One S7 steam wet-dry vacuum review — spotless floors with minimal effort
Explore the multifunctional abilities of the Tineco Floor One S7 steam wet-dry vacuum
By Camryn Rabideau Published
-
Amazon vacuum cleaners to nab during the retailer's Big Spring Sale — save up to 60% off our go-to small-space finds
Checking out the savings on Amazon? Vacuum cleaners are a must-buy in their Big Spring Sale
By Danielle Valente Published
-
The Home Edit Walmart cleaning collection has just debuted with finds from $3
Spring cleaning, anyone? The Home Edit Walmart cleaning collection will make the task organized and seamless
By Danielle Valente Published
-
How to clean carpet on stairs — 3 simple steps to a spruced up staircase
Once you learn how to clean carpet on stairs, your front entryway will never look more impressive
By Andy van Terheyden Published
-
The Home Depot backyard and patio cleaning supplies we're stocking up on before spring
Don't forget the outdoors when spring cleaning — The Home Depot backyard cleaning buys from $11 will assist
By Danielle Valente Published
-
The Shark Detect Pro vacuum and other models are on sale for St Patrick's Day — perfect picks for your spring clean
Whether you're eyeing the Shark Detect Pro Vacuum or Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum, shop the St. Patty's Day sale
By Danielle Valente Published