February 17, 2025

How to Clean Throw Up Out of a Sink

There’s nothing quite as unpleasant as discovering that someone (or yourself—no judgment) has thrown up in the sink. Whether it’s from illness, a wild night out, or an unfortunate food experiment gone wrong, tackling the mess is an unglamorous but necessary task. Learning how to clean throw up out of a sink efficiently can save you from lingering odors, nasty bacteria, and even potential plumbing issues. So, let’s get through this together—one step at a time.

Step 1: Face the Situation Like a Pro

Before diving in—figuratively, of course—take a deep breath and gather your cleaning supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rubber gloves (because you’re not doing this bare-handed)
Paper towels or disposable rags
A plastic bag for disposal
Dish soap or disinfectant cleaner
Baking soda
White vinegar
A plunger or drain snake (just in case)
Boiling water

A quick reminder: Do not attempt to flush solid chunks down the drain. This will only lead to an unwanted rendezvous with your plumber.

Step 2: Remove the Mess (Grit Your Teeth and Get It Done)

The first rule of cleaning up vomit is to remove any solids before attempting to wash anything down. Use paper towels or disposable rags to scoop out the larger pieces and place them into a sealed plastic bag. Trust us—your plumbing system will thank you.

Once the bulk is removed, rinse the sink lightly with warm water. But don’t just turn on the faucet and walk away. Make sure everything is going down properly without forming a clog.

Step 3: Neutralize Odors and Bacteria

Vomiting isn’t just messy—it brings stomach acids and bacteria into your sink that need to be dealt with properly. Here’s a pro tip: baking soda and vinegar aren’t just for middle school science fairs; they’re your best friends for odor and bacteria removal.

Generously sprinkle baking soda around the sink and directly into the drain.
Slowly pour white vinegar over the baking soda, letting it fizz and work its magic.
Let this sit for about 10 minutes before flushing with hot water.

This combination helps break down any remaining residue while neutralizing stomach acids and lingering odors.

Step 4: Scrub Like You Mean It

Now, it’s time to bring in the heavy artillery. Use dish soap or a disinfectant cleaner and scrub the sink thoroughly with a sponge or brush. Pay extra attention to the drain and faucet areas, as bacteria love to hide in these spots.

Rinse with hot water to ensure everything is washed away properly. If you’re feeling fancy, you can follow up with a mild bleach solution to disinfect further.

Step 5: Address Potential Clogs

If the vomit was particularly thick or chunky (again, no judgment), your drain might be at risk of clogging. Here’s a simple method to ensure everything flows smoothly:

Pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drain.
Follow with 1 cup of vinegar and let it fizz for about 10–15 minutes.
Flush it all down with a kettle of boiling water.
If needed, use a plunger or drain snake to clear any stubborn blockages.

Prevention tip: If this isn’t the first time you’ve dealt with this issue, consider installing a drain strainer to catch debris before it becomes a problem.

Step 6: Make It Smell Fresh Again

Even after the mess is gone, a faint odor may linger. Here’s how to combat that:

Leave a bowl of baking soda or coffee grounds near the sink overnight to absorb any residual smells.
Wipe down the sink with a mix of lemon juice and water for a fresh, citrusy scent.
Use essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) in a small dish to keep the area smelling pleasant.

Step 7: Final Check and Prevention Tips

Before calling it a job well done, run the water for a minute and ensure the sink drains properly. If you’re dealing with frequent incidents, here are a few ways to prevent future problems:

Encourage sick individuals to use the toilet instead of the sink.
If it’s unavoidable, fill the sink with water first so waste can flow out more easily.
Keep a drain cover in place to prevent food particles and other debris from building up over time.

When to Call a Professional

If the sink remains clogged despite your best efforts, or if an unpleasant smell lingers for days, it might be time to bring in the pros. Persistent plumbing issues could mean there’s a bigger problem lurking in your pipes.

The Bottom Line

Nobody enjoys cleaning up vomit, but knowing how to clean throw up out of a sink efficiently can make the process much less painful. With the right supplies, a little patience, and a strong stomach, you can restore your sink to its former glory in no time. And if cleaning is not your thing (or you’d rather leave it to the professionals), consider hiring expert cleaning services in Denver to handle all your deep-cleaning needs.