How to Clean Cat Vomit and Hairballs Out of Carpet

A hairball or a puddle of cat vomit on the carpet needs a gentle approach: lift it, blot it, clean the spot, rinse and dry. This guide quotes the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the IICRC, the Cornell Feline Health Center and the ASPCA at each step.

What a hairball is

The Cornell Feline Health Center describes what you are picking up as "a damp, cylindrical wad of undigested hair, moistened by bile and other digestive fluids." On size, Cornell says:

"Regurgitated hairballs are variable in size; though usually about an inch long, they can be as long as five inches and an inch thick."

For vomit stains, the IICRC, which certifies carpet cleaners, warns that "Vomit will contain stomach acids and possibly food or medicine dyes which could permanently stain carpet and textile fibers."

Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, Vomiting; Cornell Feline Health Center, The Danger of Hairballs; IICRC Consumer Floor and Furnishings Care Information (PDF).

Step 1: Lift the hairball or solids

Pick it up rather than pressing it into the pile. The CRI's Spot Solver entry for vomit says:

"Gently scrape up semi-solids with a rounded spoon. Break up solids and vacuum."

The IICRC's home steps also start here: "Remove as much solid matter as possible." For a bigger mess it adds: "Use a wet/dry vacuum to extract as much vomit as possible prior to any spot cleaning attempts."

Sources: Carpet and Rug Institute, Spot Solver: Vomit; IICRC tip sheet.

Step 2: Blot what is left

The CRI's spill advice on its cleaning page says:

"Blot liquids with a dry, white absorbent cloth or plain white paper towels (no prints or colors)."

"Using a printed or colored material may transfer ink or dye to your damp carpet."

The IICRC's matching step: "Blot the area (if still moist from the spill) with a dry absorbent cloth."

Sources: CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance; IICRC tip sheet.

Step 3: Test a hidden spot first

Whatever you plan to use, the CRI says "you should still pretest any cleaner on a scrap of carpet or in an out-of-the-way area of your carpet." Its vomit entry explains what to look for:

"Pretest any spot removal solution (for color transfer to the cloth or damage to the carpet) in an inconspicuous area. If a change occurs, select another solution."

Sources: CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance; CRI, Spot Solver: Vomit.

Step 4: Clean the spot

The IICRC's next steps for vomit are:

1. "Blot with a cloth dampened with clear water. Microfiber cloths are ideal for this purpose."
2. "If the stain remains, mix a few drops of liquid dish soap with a cup of water in a spray bottle and mist onto the area, and blot."
3. "Repeat until the stain disappears, making sure to blot between each application."

If you mix the CRI's version, keep it weak: "Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dish washing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water." The CRI also says to "Apply a small amount of the solution to a white cloth", then: "Allow to remain on the spill a few minutes. Be patient. Blot."

Sources: IICRC tip sheet; CRI, Spot Solver: Vomit.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

The CRI's cleaning page says: "After the spot is gone, blot the area with clear water once or more to remove any remaining product." Its vomit entry adds:

"When the spill is completely removed, rinse the area with cold water; blot with a dry cloth until all moisture is removed."

"A mist type sprayer is recommended to prevent overwetting."

If you own a machine, the IICRC says: "If you own a home spotting or carpet cleaning machine, rinse the area with clear water only after no evidence of the stain remains."

Sources: CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance; CRI, Spot Solver: Vomit; IICRC tip sheet.

Dried vomit you found later

If you find the mess after it has dried, the CRI notes: "Solid, dried bits can be vacuumed up." Then follow the same steps above, starting as soon as you find it. The CRI says "Act Quickly! Delaying may cause the spill to become a permanent stain." and the IICRC says:

"The longer vomit stays in contact with your carpet or upholstery, the more likely you are to have staining and lingering odor issues."

Sources: CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance; CRI, Spot Solver: Vomit; IICRC tip sheet.

A color mark that stays

If a tinted mark stays on light carpet, keep going with the same gentle steps. The CRI says: "Continue to use the first agent as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth." and "Complete removal may require repeating the same step several times." If the mark goes deeper, the IICRC notes: "Due to vomit's liquidity, your carpet pad or upholstery cushions may need subsurface treatments and possible disposal."

Sources: CRI, Spot Solver: Vomit; IICRC tip sheet.

What to avoid

• Scrubbing. The CRI says: "Warning: do not scrub or use a brush. Bristles and scrubbing can damage carpet."
• Heat and steam. The CRI's vomit steps rinse with cold water. Its steam warning is written for urine: "Don't use a steam cleaner when dealing with urine spots because the heat will set the stain and the smell."
• Strong mixes. The CRI says: "Never use any of the solutions in concentrations stronger than those recommended."
• Laundry detergent. The CRI says "Never use a laundry detergent of any type".

Sources: CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance; CRI, Spot Solver: Vomit.

When to call a professional

The IICRC says: "If these procedures do not work, call your IICRC Certified Professional Cleaner." For pet messes, the CRI says: "If necessary, call in a certified carpet cleaning firm that knows how to remove pet stains and odors permanently."

Sources: IICRC tip sheet; CRI, Cleaning and Maintenance.

Fewer hairballs on the carpet

On prevention, the Cornell Feline Health Center says:

"To minimize the development of hairballs and their complications, comb your cat's coat daily."

Cornell also notes: "And the development of hairballs is more frequent in seasons of the year when cats normally shed their coats." The ASPCA says: "Neglecting to brush your kitty's coat can lead to painful tangles and a bellyful of hair."

Sources: Cornell Feline Health Center, The Danger of Hairballs; ASPCA, Cat Grooming Tips.

About your cat

This guide is about the carpet. On the cat, the Cornell Feline Health Center says: "But if the otherwise fastidious little animal frequently gags and throws up whatever it has recently ingested, there is reason for concern, and a visit to the veterinarian is certainly in order."

If your cat also has accidents outside the box, see this guide on how to get cat urine smell out.

Source: Cornell Feline Health Center, Vomiting.

Related guides

• How to Clean Dog Vomit Out of Carpet
• How to Clean Dog Poop and Diarrhea Out of Carpet
• How to Get Old, Dried Pet Urine Stains Out
• Pet Urine Smell Came Back After Cleaning: Why and What to Do
• Why Does My House Smell Like Dog Pee? Finding the Source

Sources: Carpet and Rug Institute, Spot Solver: Vomit; Carpet and Rug Institute, Cleaning and Maintenance; IICRC Consumer Floor and Furnishings Care Information, carpet topics (PDF); Cornell Feline Health Center, The Danger of Hairballs; Cornell Feline Health Center, Vomiting; ASPCA, Cat Grooming Tips; Pet Cleanup Kit product listing. All checked 28 October 2026.