Cleaning vomit can be gross.
We quickly assume that if an item can fit into the machine, it can handle it.
However, if you want to keep your washer in the best condition, you need to be careful with how you use it.
See Also: What If You Hate Your Bed?
So, Can You Put Bed Sheets with Vomit in the Washing Machine?
You can. But it isn’t advisable. If you put clothes with vomiting in the washing machine, it can be messy and smelly. Not to mention the hard particles can destroy the machine.
You should first remove the solids using a paper towel or damp rag, especially if it is fresh vomit. If you’re dealing with a dried knife, you can use the side of a spoon or use a butter knife to get rid of the vomit from the fabric.
Once you remove the solids, use an enzymatic stain remover to treat the remaining stains. Then launder the item as soon as you can. Remember, if the fabric stays with the stains for too long, it will be hard to remove them. Laundering will help remove the stains and the smell. But if they stick around after washing, you can give your clothes a second spin in the washer.
How Do You Remove Vomit Stains from Non-Launderable Fabrics?
Working with vomit with a washable material is easy.
But it’s another story when the vomit is on a non-washable fabric like a wool suit or coat.
- You can start by doing the same steps to remove the debris as washable clothes.
- Then, you can remove the solids and treat the stains using liquid soap or laundry detergent.
- What’s crucial is to use the detergent sparingly and introduce water sparingly. You should aim for low suds and low moisture.
- Once you remove all the vomit from the fabric, rinse the area with cool water by holding it under running water or dab the area with a clean cloth that you’ve dipped in water.
- Then press the area between a towel to dry it and lay your cloth flat to air dry it.
Can You Wash Cloth Diapers in the Washing Machine?
The best thing about washers is that they are designed to handle huge messes from babies.
Generally, bodily fluids cannot damage the washing machine.
Usually, baby poop remains water soluble until they start eating solid food. So that means you can wash them in the washer, meaning you don’t have to worry about poop removal.
Once your baby starts eating solid foods, it’s recommended that you remove any solids from their diaper before throwing them in the washing machine.
What Other Things Should I Never Put in a Washing Machine?
Besides clothes with vomit particles, several other things should also not go to your laundry machine. These include;
1. Lingerie
The underwear and its hook and eye can easily damage the insides of your washer.
Your bra may just be $20, but it may create a mistake costing up to $600.
Additionally, it is not advisable to put lace materials in the washing machine as they can get damaged.
If you cannot hand wash it, think of using protective mesh bags that keep your garments clean and machine safe.
2. Running Leather Shoes
Some sneakers are machine washable.
However, note that washing your sneakers in the machine can shrink the shoe and affect its functionality on the road.
Whether or not you wash your sneakers in the washer is up to you. But never put shoes with leather accents into your machine.
Dining can damage the leather. Although hand washing is time-consuming, it is the best option for these shoe types. Remember to air dry them afterward.
3. Baby Socks
Ask any parent, and they will agree that baby socks usually disappear at an alarming rate.
But HGTV now says the washing machine could be among the causes of the disappearance.
Since baby socks are so tiny, they can be sucked into the vents and hoses on the washer and dryer.
Also, the socks inside the washer can lead to costly repairs. Instead, you should buy a laundry bag to corral the small socks safely.
4. Suits
Suits are usually made of high-quality fabric that can shrink or tear when placed in the washing machine.
It is best to take them to a dry cleaner, and in between your drop-offs, you can use a steamer to remove wrinkles from your suit.
5. Clothing Covered with Pet Hair
While we enjoy cuddling with our pets, they often leave hair on our clothes that are not so desirable.
You may quickly throw your hair-covered pants in the washer to remove the hair.
But don’t be so quick. First, remove the hair using a brush or a lint roller before putting it in the washer.
Remember that when hair gets wet, it clumps and can stick to the sides of your washing machine. This can spread it to the next laundry load and clog your pipes when you run it down your drain.
6. Flammable Stains
Please do not put clothes with gas, paint thinner, or other combustion spills in the dryer.
The heat inside can cause the stain to combust, leading to a fire. Instead, opt to spot treat these stains using a solvent-based stain remover for at least ten minutes.
Then, when machine washing, do it separately so that the toxic stains aren’t transferred to other clothes.
Alternatively, you can rub a paste of baking soda with water, hand wash it then leave it to dry.
How Can You Make Your Home Vomit Friendly?
1. Invest in Plastic Bags
These are excellent options for people with motion sickness.
Anytime someone feels like puking, you need to take them out and throw them in the bin.
You can also buy a disposable glow stick and place it at the bowl or bucket’s bottom to allow the patient to see the target easily at night.
2. Create Vomit-Friendly Beds
When changing sheets, you should make a bedding sandwich.
Simply put a sheet set on a waterproof mattress pad and add another mattress pad, then another sheet.
If someone vomits at night or by accident, you only need to take off the top layer, remove the solid chunks and throw it in the washer.
3. Build a Barf Box
Clear the same in your laundry and bathroom to place a vomit first response kit.
Then, put old sheets, old towels, and washcloths, and have a clean bucket or bowl for each of your family members in a tote bag.
Then add to the box and always restock after someone gets ill.
Conclusion
Although you can wash clothes that have been vomited on with a machine, it’s wise to remove the solid chunks before throwing them in the washer.
Remember to use some detergent as well to remove the odor.