An accident on the couch can happen quickly, and often the sour smell of vomit lingers stubbornly in the fabric.

Vomit on your couch is not only unpleasant, but it can also leave a persistent sour odor that penetrates deep into the upholstery. In this article, you’ll learn how to effectively remove that smell, tackle a stubborn vomit odor, and carefully clean a vomit stain without damaging the fabric.

Do you also struggle with other odors in your home, such as cat urine smell? Then check out our page remove cat urine smell for a detailed explanation on neutralizing stubborn odors.

Why is vomit odor in your couch so persistent?

Vomit contains stomach acids, proteins, fats, and bacteria. This combination causes that typical sour smell. When vomit seeps into the upholstery and the foam of your couch, the odor often lingers, even if the stain is no longer visible.

Many people first try to remove the smell with a standard all-purpose cleaner or a perfumed spray. This often only masks the odor temporarily, because the source remains deep in the fabric.

Step 1: Remove the vomit as quickly as possible

The faster you act, the less chance the odor has to settle. This is the first step to getting your couch fresh again.

1. Carefully remove all solid parts with kitchen paper, a spatula, or a spoon.
2. Blot the area dry with absorbent paper. Do not rub, to prevent the vomit from penetrating deeper into the fabric.
3. Gently wipe the area with a slightly damp cloth and lukewarm water.

Do you have a removable cover? Always check the washing label before putting it in the washing machine. Sometimes spot treatment of the couch is better to avoid damage.

Step 2: Carefully clean the upholstery

Once the initial mess is removed, it’s time to carefully clean the upholstery.

• Use a mild soapy solution (for example, gentle soap in lukewarm water).
• Always test the solution on an inconspicuous area first.
• Blot the area gently, without soaking the fabric completely.

Often the stain already looks better after this step, but the smell usually hasn’t disappeared yet. To solve that, you need to neutralize the source of the odor in the fibers.

Step 3: Neutralize the odor with a biological product

To effectively remove the odor, you need a product that tackles organic contamination at the source. A biological odor and stain remover works best for this.

Recommended product: Ecodor Odor and Stain Remover (formerly EcoPet). This product works on a natural basis and breaks down odor molecules without damaging the fabric.

How to use Ecodor Odor and Stain Remover on your couch

1. Shake the bottle briefly before use.
2. Spray the area generously so the liquid can penetrate well into the fabric.
3. Also treat the edges around the stain.
4. Let the couch air dry. Do not rinse.
5. Repeat if necessary if the odor has penetrated deep into the foam.

Because the product breaks down the source of the odor, this is an effective way to make your couch fresh again.

Step 4: Don’t forget the foam of your couch

Vomit often penetrates not only the top layer, but also the foam underneath. That’s why it’s important to let the product work deeply.

• Lightly massage the fabric so the liquid penetrates deeper.
• For removable cushion covers, also treat the inside.
• Let everything dry completely before using the couch again.

Step 5: Let it dry properly

• Ensure sufficient ventilation.
• Let the couch dry naturally.
• Do not use a hairdryer or heating to avoid damage.

Common mistakes

• Scrubbing hard – this pushes the contamination deeper into the fabric.
• Using air fresheners – these only mask the odor but don’t solve it.
• Aggressive cleaning agents – risk of discoloration.
• Using too little product – deeply absorbed odors require more treatment.

Frequently asked questions

1. How often should I treat it?

For a fresh stain, one treatment is often sufficient. If the odor is already in the foam, repeating may be necessary. See: Ecodor Odor and Stain Remover.

2. Does this also work on other furniture?

Yes, the same method works on most fabric furniture. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

3. Does this also work for other odors?

Yes, the product also works for urine, feces, and other organic odors. More info on the page remove cat urine smell.

Summary

An effective approach consists of:

• Quickly removing the vomit.
• Carefully cleaning with lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Neutralizing with Ecodor Odor and Stain Remover.
• Treating the foam if necessary.
• Letting the couch dry properly.

With these steps, you can effectively remove vomit odor and make your couch clean and fresh again.