Vomit is a difficult stain and odor to deal with, especially when it comes to clothes. The smell of vomit can linger even after washing the clothes, making them unusable until the smell is completely gone.
The good news is that there are several ways to get rid of the vomit smell from your clothes. In this article, we will discuss effective methods and tips on how to get vomit smell out of clothes after washing.
Understanding Vomit Smell
Vomit is composed of several acidic substances that can leave an unpleasant odor when they come in contact with clothes. The smell becomes even stronger if the vomit is left on the clothes for a long time. The longer the vomit sits on the fabric, the harder it becomes to remove the smell.
Precautions Before Washing Clothes
Before washing clothes that are stained with vomit, there are a few precautions that can be taken to ensure a successful removal of odor.
* Wear gloves to protect your skin and avoid contact with the vomit.
* Try to remove as much vomit as possible before washing the clothes.
* Do not use hot water as it can set the stain and make it harder to remove the smell.
* Do not use fabric softener as it can trap the smell in the clothes.
Removing Vomit From Clothes
The first step in getting rid of the vomit smell from clothes is to remove any visible vomit on the fabric. This can be done by gently scraping off any solid pieces of vomit with a spoon. Be careful not to rub the vomit into the fabric.
Washing Clothes
Once the solid pieces of vomit have been removed, the clothes can be washed. Start by running them under cold water, which helps to remove any remaining vomit.
Next, use a laundry detergent that is formulated for tough stains and odors. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can trap the vomit smell in the clothes. Run the washing machine on a cold cycle, as using hot water can set the stain and make the smell harder to remove.
Tips for Effective Wash
To ensure an effective wash, consider the following tips:
* Use enzyme-based detergents specifically designed for vomit stains.
* Saturate stains with a pre-treatment stain remover before washing.
* Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle to help break down lingering smells.
Removing Lingering Smell from Dry Clothes
If the vomit smell is still present after washing and drying clothes, there are a few things you can try.
* Air the clothes outside for several hours to help remove the odor.
* Place the clothes in a plastic bag with several fabric softener sheets overnight to help remove the smell.
* Put the clothes in a dryer with a clean, damp towel and run it on low heat for 15 minutes.
Using Home Remedies for Odor Removal
There are several home remedies that can be used to remove the vomit smell from clothes.
* Mix equal parts of baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for several hours before washing the clothes.
* Add 1 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle to help remove odor.
* Soak clothes in a mixture of 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 gallon of water for several hours.
Removing Vomit Smell from Different Fabrics
Different fabrics require different methods for removing vomit smells.
* For natural fabrics like cotton, use cold water and a laundry detergent designed for tough stains and odors.
* For synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, use lukewarm water and a laundry detergent designed for tough stains and odors.
* For delicate fabrics like silk, use cold water and a mild detergent specifically designed for delicates.
Removing Vomit Smell from Non-Washable Clothes
For non-washable clothes like suits, coats, and jackets, there are still ways to remove the vomit smell.
* Place the non-washable item in a plastic bag with 1 cup of baking soda. Seal the bag and let it sit for several hours before shaking out the baking soda.
* Use a fabric deodorizing spray on the affected area.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help remove vomit smells from clothes:
* Treat the stain as soon as possible to prevent the vomit from setting into the fabric.
* Avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain and make the smell harder to remove.
* Test any detergents or stain removers on a small inconspicuous area of the fabric before using it on the affected area.
Preventing Future Vomit Accidents
While it is impossible to prevent all vomit accidents, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage:
* Always keep a cleaning kit on hand to quickly clean up any vomit accidents.
* Use a waterproof mattress cover on your bed to protect your mattress.
* Keep a spare set of clothes in your car or bag in case of an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does vomit smell linger on clothes even after washing?
– Vomit is composed of several acidic substances that can leave an unpleasant odor when they come in contact with clothes. The odor becomes even stronger if the vomit is left on the clothes for a long time.
2. Can I wash vomit-stained clothes with hot water?
– It is recommended to wash vomit-stained clothes with cold water, as using hot water can set the stain and make the smell harder to remove.
3. How can I remove vomit smell from delicate fabrics like silk?
– Use cold water and a mild detergent specifically designed for delicates to remove vomit smell from delicate fabrics like silk.
4. How do you prevent vomit accidents?
– Always keep a cleaning kit on hand to quickly clean up any vomit accidents. Use a waterproof mattress cover on your bed to protect your mattress. Keep a spare set of clothes in your car or bag in case of an emergency.
5. Are there any home remedies for removing vomit smell from clothes?
– Yes, there are several home remedies that can be used to remove vomit smell from clothes, including baking soda paste, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide solution.
