Accidents happen, and it's essential to be prepared for them. Whether dealing with a stomach flu, potty training a pet, or a food-related mishap, having the right cleaning products on hand is crucial. Different messes require different solutions, depending on the surface and personal preference for cleaning products.
Vomit and feces are organic stains, meaning they come from living organisms, similar to blood and urine. According to chemist and stain removal expert Dr. Martha Rogers from AJS Carpet Cleaning, each stain has a unique molecular structure that requires a specific cleaning solution for effective removal. Knowing which products to use for vomit and poop incidents is key. Here are the top five products to have on hand for such situations.
Best overall cleaning product
For the best overall cleaning product, consider using Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover Pre-Treat. This powerful cleaner is designed to tackle tough stains and odors, making it ideal for pet accidents, vomit, and other biological messes. Its advanced formula helps break down stains and eliminate odors, leaving your surfaces clean and fresh.
Though it markets itself as a pet stain cleaner, Bissell Professional Pet Stain and Odor Removing Formula spray is suitable for both pet and human messes, including feces and vomit, as well as blood and urine. That's because it's a bio-enzymatic cleaner, which is uniquely suited to organic stains. In cleaning products, enzymes are proteins that, when combined with certain bacteria, break down biological waste. Regular, non-bio dish soap and multipurpose cleaners simply help to dislodge fecal and vomit particles. That's why when you use them to clean bio stains, you may notice that a foul odor remains even when the stain is gone. Enzymatic cleansers, like Bissell Professional, actually break the particles down. This effect is very similar to the active cultures found in yogurt that can help break down solids in your gut, which eventually breaks down to be waste, a polite term we're using here for poop and vomit. That's why enzymes are vital in cleaning biological organic stains.
Bissel Professional spray can be used safely on carpets, fabrics, and upholstery at just $8 per bottle; this is a great deal and a must-have for your cleaning kit. After you've removed the excess of the mess, spray the area down with Bissel and blot, adding more product to keep the area moist until the stain fully releases, then let fully dry. Snag a bottle from Bissell for $7.99.
Cleaning up pet messes can be a hassle, but with the right products and techniques, it can be manageable. Here are some tips for cleaning poop and vomit stains:
Best non-enzymatic cleaner
If you prefer not to use enzymatic cleaners, OxiClean stain removal spray is a solid choice for cleaning poop and vomit stains from carpets, upholstery, and fabric. It doesn't contain bleach and can be used on most fabric types and colors. OxiClean is formulated with hydrogen peroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium hydroxide, making it effective on pet stains. Follow the instructions provided by OxiClean for best results.
Instructions:
- Remove excess poop or vomit before cleaning.
- Spray the area with OxiClean.
- Blot at the stain and repeat until fully lifted.
- Vacuum over the area to remove excess product and solid particles.
Get a two-pack of OxiClean from Amazon for $17.59.
Best for wet messes
If you're dealing with wet messes, consider using Zorbent Absorbent for effective cleanup. This commercial-grade product is designed to absorb liquids quickly and can be helpful in managing pet accidents. Follow the instructions provided by Zorbent for the best outcome.
When it comes to cleaning up messes, some can be more challenging than others, especially when they involve liquids. Whether it's on a carpet, couch, countertop, or hardwood floor, having an absorbent powder on hand can make cleanup much easier. Our top recommendation is the Zorbent clay powder cleaner. Originally developed for cleaning and waste removal at the Rocky Flats Nuclear Power Plant, Zorbent is an all-natural, non-toxic, and user-friendly product.
Unlike traditional cleaning methods that involve towels and liquids, Zorbent offers a one-step solution. Simply sprinkle the powder generously over the mess, then work it into the area until the mess is fully absorbed. Similar to baking soda, Zorbent can absorb both liquid and odors effectively.
What sets Zorbent apart from other clay cleaners is its reusability. You can use the powder until it reaches full saturation, allowing you to transfer excess powder from one spill to another, reducing product waste. You can purchase a bottle of Zorbent for $24.99 on Amazon.
If you find yourself dealing with poop or vomit on your clothing or linens, it's important to handle the situation properly. Start by removing as much of the waste as you can before putting the item in the washing machine. Remember, you need to clean the machines that clean for you too. When washing, consider using Dreft in place of your regular detergent. While colder wash cycles are gentler on fabrics, hot cycles are better for sanitizing and cleaning, which is crucial after dealing with bodily fluids. You can purchase Dreft Newborn Detergent on Amazon for $23.74.
