How to Clean Dog Vomit on Hardwood: 4 Effective Methods
As a dog parent, you will inevitably have to clean up dog vomit, and if you have hardwood floors, they can just as easily fall victim to your dog’s illnesses as any other surfaces in your home. While most dogs prefer to get sick on the carpet, it doesn’t always work out that way. Dog vomit can dull the finish on hardwood floors if not cleaned promptly; dog vomit is acidic, and it’s not your hardwood floor’s friend.
If you want to learn how to remove dog vomit from your hardwoods, you’ve come to the right place. In the guide, we will list the steps you’ll need to take to remove the dog vomit for good.
Before You Start
It’s a good idea to gather all the items you will need to complete the job before you start. For this somewhat unpleasant job (someone needs to do it!), you need the following:
- Gloves (latex if you’re not allergic)
- Lots of paper towels
- Cloths (preferably microfiber)
- Dishwashing liquid
- Mop and bucket
- Enzyme cleaner
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Spray bottle
- Water
The most important product you'll need is a pet-safe cleaner to ensure all bacteria has been effectively lifted and the area has been successfully disinfected.
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The 4 Ways to Clean Dog Vomit Off Hardwood
Now that you have gathered the necessary tools try to soak up as much of the vomit as possible before you begin, being careful not to rub the puke into the surface of the hardwood. Note that these suggestions are for sealed floors.
1. Remove the Vomit
You will want your gloves on from here on out. Get your paper towels or cleaning cloth. As we’ve discussed, you will want to remove as much of the vomit as possible before doing anything else. Ensure you remove any chunks, and don’t smear them on the surface. Focus on soaking up the liquid rather than scrubbing. Continue dabbing the liquid until you feel you have absorbed as much as possible.
2. Mop With Dishwashing Liquid
Next, dab a little of the dishwashing liquid onto the spot. You can use a spray bottle if the area is not that big. Mop the floor with a wet mop until the dishwashing liquid is gone.
3. Sanitize the Floor
You can either use an enzymatic cleaner or hydrogen peroxide to rid the area of the smell and remove bacteria. If you go with hydrogen peroxide, be sure to use it safely. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial and antiviral cleaning agents that naturally sanitize, lift, and remove stains and odors.
To use safely, you’ll need to dilute the peroxide—mix 1 cup of peroxide and 2 cups of water. Pour into the spray bottle and shake. Test an inconspicuous spot before spraying on the vomit area to ensure the peroxide will not blemish your floor. If you choose an enzymatic cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully.
4. Dry the Area
Use your microfiber cloths to dry the area thoroughly. If you find an odor lingering and a stain still present, repeat the process.
In Conclusion
As a pet parent, you know that accidents will happen. As a rule, it’s best to clean accidents before they set too long. Sometimes, however, that’s not possible. If dog vomit sits for a while on your hardwood floor, it may be harder to remove. You may need to repeat the steps a few times to eradicate the stain, and if you can’t seem to remove it, you may want to consider calling a professional.
Featured Image Credit: Stokkete, Shutterstock
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Rachel Giordano is a writer and musician living in Pensacola, Florida, with her partner and their two dogs, Aero, a Border Collie/Sheltie mix and Sophie, a Boston Terrier. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and loves writing about animals of all types. When she’s not writing about pets, she loves to write suspense/thriller novels. A musician by night and writer by day, she enjoys educating the public about the needs and requirements of animals, big and small.
