Don't throw up your hands when tackling vomit stains
Last week my daughter, son-in-law and brand-new granddaughter arrived from Florida. To be honest, I could not wait to get my hand on the new arrival to our growing family.
I picked up my granddaughter; who is now almost 6 months old, brought her to my chest and gave her a big hug, in doing that I must have squeezed her to hard because she erupted like a volcano, spewing sour milk and undigested vegetable matter all over me and her. Afterward, she smiled broadly as if to say “I thought I would share that with you.”
To vomit is one of the most important adaptive functions the human body does to relieve itself from its harmful contents. This action keeps us from getting sick or dying from something we’ve eaten. I know cleaning up the stomach’s contents of a foul smelling stew of acids, enzymes and partially digested food can be revolting to those of use that have to clean it up.
In this week’s article I thought I would provide you with some tips that will make the cleanup process easier.
Vomit is like chlorine bleach because the acid contained in it can permanently change the color of fabrics and carpets. The following is provided for your review:
1. Immediately scrape up the bulk of it and flush the spot with water. Soak washable materials in a solution of 2 cups of laundry detergent and 2 tablespoons of clear ammonia for at least 30 minute in cold water.
2. If the stain still persists, soak the item in an enzyme presoak, such as Biz, to digest the stain, then launder in cold water.
3. On carpets and upholstery, flush with a solution of cold water and a bacteria/enzyme digester, such as Odor mute. This product can be found at most pet supply stores. The formula naturally changes the chemical makeup of the odor to eliminate it, not just mask the lingering smell. If you apply a detergent before the enzyme, you could set the stain and odor permanently.
4. If there is vomit on a hard surface floor, apply cat litter. It will absorb the liquid and eliminate the smell as well.
When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do? For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.
n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.