How to Get Cat Vomit Out of Hardwood: 4 Effective Steps
It’s very distressing when any member of your family vomits, but it can be alarming when it’s your cat. Cats sometimes get into things they aren’t supposed to, and it could be a sign they ate something toxic when they vomit.
Vomit is acidic and can stain, not to mention any substances that are in the vomit. How exactly do you clean your floor when your cat vomits on it? Let’s check out what you’ll need and how to make your hardwood floor as clean as new.
Before You Start
First, you should clean your hardwood floor as soon as possible when your cat vomits on it. The longer the vomit lingers, the more the acids soak into the wood and discolor it.
You’ll need some supplies to clean the area, which you probably already have on hand. Gather these items and come back ASAP.
You Will Need:
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How to Get Cat Vomit Out of Hardwood in 4 Steps
1. Clean-Up & Dispose of Vomit
First, use your scrap cardboard or paper plate to scoop up as much of the solid matter within the vomit. Use an old rag that you can throw away afterward, or consider heavy-duty paper towels. After, place rags or paper towels down to soak up as much of the liquid vomit and bile as possible.
2. Pretreat the Area
Even if you do nothing else on this list right after your cat vomits, perform this step. Baking soda will soak up as much of the liquid vomit and bile while deodorizing the area. Vomit has a distinctly unpleasant smell that tends to linger, so this is vital if you don’t want to smell vomit for weeks afterward.
Liberally sprinkle baking soda all over the area where your cat vomited. If you still see wet spots, sprinkle some more. Allow this baking soda to dry before you vacuum it up and move on. Empty your vacuum cleaner immediately to avoid vomit smells in the future.
3. Clean the Area
Next, thoroughly wet a rag with hydrogen peroxide or an enzyme spray and press it to your floor. If the vomit has begun to stain the wood, the stain will transfer itself to your rag, and the peroxide will clean your floor. Don’t leave the rag pressed on the floor for too long, as it may discolor the wood. Only apply the rag long enough to lift the stain.
4. Sanitize & Dry the Area
Especially because this is a pet-related situation, you’ll want to follow up with a hefty application of pet enzyme cleaner. The cleaner will remove any animal odors or other scents that survived your peroxide cleaning
Typically, you simply spray the area and then wipe it dry. If you’re in doubt, search for enzyme cleaners specifically formulated for hardwood flooring. Cleaners not designed for hardwood might discolor the finish, so be careful if you opt for a different cleaner.
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Conclusion
Cat vomit on hardwood is by no means the end of the world, and with a bit of knowledge and elbow grease, you can easily remove the stains and odors. You can try the old homemade method or save a bit of time and go with an enzyme cleaner. Either way, we hope you’ve solved the problem!
Featured Image Credit: ANASTASIIAKU, Shutterstock
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Christian started writing for a local newspaper as a teenager, and he's been involved in the publishing industry for most of his adult life. Combining his love of writing with a passion for animals, he is currently the Director of Editorial at Pangolia and the Editor-in-Chief at Catster.
Christian lives in the Philippines with his wife, son, and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper.
