Welcome back! This month brings our recent three-part feature, “Stain removal for Sexually Active Adults”, to a close. In the past, we’ve examined cleanup tips for urine, blood, and semen, and will now wrap up our series with a look at fecal and vomit stains.
Vomit Stains
Like most stains encountered in a sexual way, vomit stains are organic in nature, being composed of natural protein. Of the stains we’ve looked at so far, vomit is probably the most difficult to deal with, as each stain can be very different based on its original composition.
As with most stains, cleaning up is much easier when starting with a fresh stain. If the vomit is still liquid and has not dried, blot up as much as you can and avoid working the stain further into the fabric or carpet. If the vomit has dried, use a hard-bristled brush or a scraping tool to remove as much as possible.
Washable garments should then be pre-treated with stain remover or a solution of warm water and enzymatic detergent (remember your Seventh Generation?). Since vomit dries on a fabric, you’ll need to use warm water as opposed to the normal cold. After the pre-treatment, run your clothes through the washing machine, and then air-dry. Remember to avoid using a dryer until you are sure the stain is completely out.
After the solids are removed, vomit on carpets can be treated first with a stain remover such as Up & Out Stain Remover. Next, mix a solution of enzymatic detergent and warm water, and sponge the area until you don’t lift up any more stain. Finally, mix a solution of 1 tablespoon ammonia with 1 cup of warm water, and sponge the area again until no more stain comes up.
Carpets can easily mildew, so you’ll want to make sure that all the liquid is pulled back out of the carpet. Fold a clean towel into a thick pad, and place it on top of the stain. Use a heavy object to weigh the pad down. Once the pad has absorbed as much liquid as possible, let the spot air-dry.
Fecal Stains
Fecal matter shares some characteristics with vomit, in that the composition can be very different with each expulsion. Also shared is the first step in cleanup: removing the solids. Since fecal matter can frequently contain parasites or other nasty germs, make sure you wear gloves throughout cleanup!
Use an old spoon or spatula to remove any solids. Next, mix a solution of ammonia and warm water (2 tablespoons ammonia to one cup water) and blot the stain. Rinse the spot well with cold water.
If ammonia does not completely remove the stain, try a solution of your enzymatic detergent and warm water, or a product such as Nature’s Miracle.
Fecal stains can create lasting odor problems. In addition, animals have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and may return to the same place to urinate or defecate if odors are not completely removed. You may wish to treat your stain intermittently with baking soda: sprinkle dry baking soda over the old stain, let it sit overnight, and then vacuum it up.
In September, BHT will be classing our features up, and beginning a series on wine varietals and selection. Cheers!
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