How to Remove Vomit from Clothes – Stain, Acid and Smell

Vomit is protein, acid and smell all at once

Vomit is a complex stain. It contains partly digested food and proteins, which make up the stain itself, stomach acid, which can affect the colour of some fabrics if left, and odour compounds that cling to the fibres. So wiping it over and hoping is not enough: you need to remove the solids, break down the protein, and neutralise the acid and the smell – in the right order and with cold water.

First step: remove the solids, do not rub

Start by getting all the solid matter off before you add water. If you rub, you only press the food and acid further into the fabric.

1. Gently scrape off the solids with a blunt edge – the back of a knife, a spoon or the edge of a card.
2. Turn the garment inside out and rinse from the back under cold running water, so you flush the stain out of the fabric rather than through it.
3. Blot with a clean towel to lift liquid; do not rub.
4. Use cold water only – hot water sets the protein and locks in the smell.

Soak cold with enzymes

The protein in vomit is best broken down by enzymes, not by heat or strong detergent alone. A biological (enzyme) detergent is therefore the most important tool for the job.

1. Dissolve a biological or enzyme detergent in lukewarm (not hot) water.
2. Soak the garment for at least an hour – longer if the stain has had time to set.
3. Then wash at the highest temperature the care label allows.
4. Check that both stain and smell are gone before drying; do not tumble dry until then.

Neutralise the acid and the smell

Even once the stain itself is out, the smell and a little acid can linger. The stomach acid should be rinsed out quickly, because over time it can affect the colour of some fabrics. A thin layer of bicarbonate of soda mixed into a paste can be applied to draw out odour and neutralise acid; let it dry and brush it off. A little vinegar in the rinse also neutralises smell – but test on a hidden area first. Air-drying in the sun helps further against both smell and discolouration.

Baby spit-up, wool and delicate fabrics

Some situations call for extra care, and certain garments should not be treated with strong methods at home.

• Baby spit-up is mostly milk protein – the same cold enzyme method applies, and the sour milk smell only goes once the protein is broken down.
• Wool and silk tolerate neither heat nor hard rubbing well; here gentle, cold treatment is essential.
• 'Dry clean only' on the care label means the garment should not be soaked at home.
• Do not tumble dry or iron the garment until stain and smell are completely gone – heat sets whatever remains.

Send the garment to us

If the garment is delicate or valuable, or the smell lingers after one attempt, you can send it to us. We assess the fabric and the stain and choose a gentle method to suit the garment and its care label, so the protein stain, the acid and the smell are all treated properly. If the garment also needs a small repair, we can take it at the same time. We take in garments from all over Norway – you order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions