How to Clean Vomit Smell Off Your Couch [4 Best Ways]

It’s disgusting when your couch smells awful even after cleaning the vomit.

But buddy, sitting on a vomit-smelling couch can make you sick.

Because not only the smell is terrible but also it’s super unhealthy.

So, you should start taking some action.

How to clean the vomit smell off your couch effectively?

You need to choose the correct cleaning agent for your couch. If it’s safe to use chemicals, you can apply baking soda to the affected parts. You can also use vinegar, water, and scented detergent. You can apply a mixture of baking soda, scented liquid soap, and hydrogen peroxide. And lastly, you can steam clean your couch.

In this article, we’ve provided a step-by-step process for every method. You’ll be able to completely remove the vomit smell from your couch if you check out our article.

Now, let’s get into the details!

Use the Right Cleaning Agent

Before getting the puke smell off your couch cushions, you need to clean the area. However, not every cleaning agent would be friendly towards your couch. So, you must figure out the right type before jumping in.

Now, let’s say, your couch is a polyester couch. You’ll see a tag on your couch, with the code S. It means you can use solvent-based cleaners to clean your couch. Therefore, it’s safe to use chemicals.

Similarly, there are 2 more codes. The code W means you can only use water. SW means water or solvent-based cleaners can be used. Lastly, X means you need professional help to clean your couch. 

If it’s safe to use solvent-based cleaners, you can head on to our vomit odor removal methods.

4 Best Ways to Clean Vomit Smell Off Couch

Yes, there are several methods and opinions on which method is better. The same confusion takes place when it comes to choosing between Purdy and Wooster. However, this confusion can be solved through comparison and experience. So, let’s see the top 4 methods:

Baking Soda Method

Applying baking soda to the vomit will neutralize the smell. The steps below will help you to find out how baking soda does its magic-

Step 1: Apply Baking Soda to the Affected Area

First, sprinkle a good amount of baking soda on the affected part. Then, you must wait several hours for the baking soda to soak in properly. 

Step 2: Vacuum Up the Baking Soda

Now it’s time to use your wet dry vacuum cleaner. After the baking soda soaks into your couch, you must vacuum up the baking soda residue. Repeat the two steps until the smell is gone.

Vinegar Method

Vinegar doesn’t smell any better than vomit. Furthermore, you might think vinegar smells like vomit itself. 

So, how can it help?

Even if it smells terrible, it still does wonders for removing the vomit smell from your couch. It balances out the vomit smell and disinfects your couch. Vinegar also helps in cleaning fake stainless steel. 

Anyways, let’s look at the steps:

Step 1: Make a Mixture And Spray the Area

If you add only vinegar to vomit, your couch will smell even worse. For that reason, you need to make a balanced mixture. To make it you’ll need the following:

• 1 cup of vinegar
• 1 cup of water 
• 2 drops of scented detergent

Step 2: Air Dry the Couch

After spraying the mixture, leave your couch to air dry. You can place your couch under direct sunlight as well. Sunlight will kill the germs if there are any. As a result, your couch will be spot-free. Apply again if the odor is still there.

Hydrogen Peroxide Method

This is a DIY method. To be honest, DIY methods are great for removing vomit smell from your mattress, couch, and other furniture. Also, it doesn’t cause any discoloration.

Relax and move towards the details:

Step 1: Make a Balanced Mixture

It’s essential to know the exact amount to create the mixture. That’s why we’ve given how much of each ingredient you need to use:

• 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 2-3 drops of scent liquid dish soap

Now that you know the amount, mix the ingredients properly.

Step 2: Spray the Mixture and Dry the Couch

Once you’re done making the mixture, pour it into a spray bottle. Then, spray it on that area. Wait for several minutes. Repeat until your couch doesn’t smell anymore. Lastly, dry it with the help of direct sunlight or an air dryer.

Steam Clean Method

Steam cleaning can eliminate the most stubborn smells and stains from your couch. To steam clean, you’ll need a steam cleaner. 

So if you have one then follow these steps:

Step 1: Vacuum the Couch 

First, you need to vacuum the affected area. It’ll remove solid vomit chunks if there are any. Vacuum the cushions thoroughly to make sure all of the chunks are removed. 

Step 2: Steam Clean the Couch

After vacuuming, start the steam cleaning process. First, turn on the button that releases steam onto the affected area. Then let the machine wet the area. Drag the machine slowly to the affected parts. It’ll suck up the excess water and odor. If the cleaning is done, let the couch dry naturally. 

Now this drying time depends on the nature of your sofa. One of the advantages of having a one-cushion sofa is that it takes less time to dry. 

FAQs

What is the best way to clean the vomit smell?

Steam cleaning your couch is the best way. But it was also expensive. So, if you don’t have a steam cleaner, you can use the hydrogen peroxide method.

How to remove the puke smell from a polyester couch?

The vinegar method comes in handy for this. So, follow the steps of that method and you’ll get rid of the smell quickly.

How to clean the vomit smell off a leather couch?

The baking soda method is common to remove the vomit smell from any couch. Apply baking soda to the affected part to neutralize the smell.