Last updated on October 20, 2022
If you have a weak stomach or care for someone who does, you've probably had to deal with vomiting down the shower drain at some point. And if you've ever had the unfortunate experience of doing it, you know it can be a real challenge.
Many people don't realize the importance of cleaning their shower drain until they are faced with the struggle of removing vomit. In addition to preventing the spread of disease, it can also be difficult to remove vomit if it's stuck in the drain.
So today's topic of conversation is how to remove vomit from the shower drain. We will detail the process so that you can do it yourself successfully.
Necessary materials:
- rubber gloves
- face mask
- pistons
- sodium bicarbonate
- White wine vinegar
- a bucket
- A plumber's snake
- whitening
- Hot water
How to Clean Vomit from the Shower Drain: Detailed Steps
Here are some of the simple steps you can take to clean up the mess and return your shower drain to its former glory.
1.Protection of use:
Put on rubber gloves and remove solids clogging the drain. If possible, do so without getting too close to the vomit. Be sure to dispose of the materials you use in a plastic bag so that you can seal it and prevent the spread of bacteria.
2. Use a paper towel or cloth:
When you need to remove vomit from your shower drain, one of the most important things to do is remove as much of it as possible with a toilet paper roll or rag.
When the vomit is dry, you can simply brush it off with your hands. Either way, if it's wet, you'll want to use a paper towel or rag to soak up as much of the vomit as possible.
3. Wash with hot water:
Rinsing the drain with hot water is an important step in removing vomit from the shower drain. The hot water will help dissolve the dried vomit and make it easier to remove.
Be sure to flush the drain for a few minutes to ensure all the vomit is removed. If vomiting still occurs after rinsing, proceed to the next step.
4. Use the plunger to remove any debris:
After the hot water has done its work, use a plunger to try to dislodge whatever is left in the drain. In any case, be careful when diving because you don't want to get wet from the vomit.
If the plunger doesn't work, you may need to use a drain snake or other tool to unclog it. To do this, you must insert the drain snake into the drain until you feel resistance. Then release the snake handle to break through the clog and clear the drain.
5. Use the vinegar and baking soda mixture:
You can also use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Just pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Leave the mixture on for 15 minutes before rinsing again with hot water.
6. Use the mortar for final cleaning:
Use a plunger to remove the last of the vomit from the drain. Finally, flush the drain with scalding hot water and run the shower for a few minutes to make sure everything flows freely before you get in.
7. Disinfect the shower:
When you've done all you can to get the vomit out of the drain, it's time to disinfect it. You should use a household cleaner that contains bleach or vinegar for this step.
Simply mix 1 part cleaner to 10 parts water and pour down the drain, making sure to cover any areas where there is vomit. Let the cleaner work for 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water one last time.
Then pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain and leave it overnight. Wash again with hot water in the morning to remove any remaining odors.
More tips and advice:
- Cover the drain with a strainer or screen to prevent future clogging.
- Clean the area around the drain with soapy water or a diluted bleach solution to disinfect.
- use eraserGloves to protect hands.by contact with vomit.
- Open the windows to ventilate the bathroom while you clean.
- Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals on the drain, as they can damage the finish and cause corrosion.
- Be sure to rinse the area well after cleaning to remove any residue.
- If the vomit is old or has been sitting down the drain for a while, you may need to cover it before removing it. This will help remove any blockages that may be causing the odor.
Can vomit clog the shower drain?
Vomiting consists of gastric secretions, including stomach acid, mucus, bile, and undigested food debris. If vomit gets into your shower drain, it can quickly clog the drain due to the high concentration of solids.
The solid materials in the vomit will stick to the sides of the drain pipe and pick up the debris that is already there. This can create a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely through the pipe.
Also, when you vomit, you often contract your abdominal muscles. This puts pressure on the stomach and forces it to vomit more than normal. Because of this, it's very easy to clog your shower drain with vomit.
Is it better to vomit in the bath or in the shower?
When it comes to vomiting, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the individual situation. If you have access to a bathroom and can get there in time, throwing up in the bathroom is usually your best option.
This minimizes mess and makes cleanup relatively easy. However, if you're already in the shower or don't have time to go to the bathroom, it's best to vomit in the shower.
The main thing is to try to stay as clean as possible. After all, no one wants to spend the day cleaning up vomit. In general, it is better to vomit in the bathroom than in the shower. In the end, the most important thing is to do what it takes to minimize clutter.
How long is vomit on shower surfaces contagious?
Vomiting is generally considered contagious from the onset of illness until at least 24 hours after the last vomit. This is because stomach virusescause vomitingit can be transmitted through contact with vomit and through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Therefore, it is important to clean up vomit as soon as possible and disinfect surfaces that may have come into contact with it. It is also important to wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up vomit or touching a contaminated surface.
Will vinegar harm PVC shower drain pipes?
Vinegar is a versatile household item with a wide variety of uses, from cleaning surfaces to pickling vegetables. But can it be used on PVC pipes? The answer is yes, with caution. Although vinegar is an acidic cleaner that can damage some types of pipes, it is safe to use on PVC.
For best results, always dilute vinegar with water before using on PVC pipe, and avoid using strong vinegar whenever possible. Also, you should never use vinegar on exposed pipes; It should only be used on pipes covered with a trap or other type of protective barrier. When used correctly, vinegar can be a safe and effective method of cleaning PVC pipe.
Is it safe to use baking soda and vinegar to clean a drain?
Baking soda is often used as a natural cleaning agent because it is non-toxic and gentle. Vinegar, on the other hand, is a weak acid that can break down dirt and particles. However, since vinegar is an acid, there are concerns that it could damage pipes if used too often.
Baking soda (baking soda) and vinegar (acetic acid) react chemically to produce carbon dioxide. If this happens quickly, an eruption can occur that can spray corrosive material.
The reaction also produces salt (sodium chloride), which can build up in the drain and reduce its effectiveness. In small amounts this is not a problem, but using too much baking soda and vinegar on a regular basis can cause problems with your plumbing.
Also, baking soda and vinegar can generate significant amounts of heat when mixed, which can be dangerous if the mixture comes in contact with your skin.
In general, while baking soda and vinegar are effective cleaning agents, it's important to use them carefully to avoid damaging drains or pipes.
Conclusion:
So there you have it. The steps you need to take to remove vomit from the shower drain. Vomit can be very difficult to clean up, but with a little effort and the right equipment, it doesn't have to be a nightmare.
Always wear gloves and be as careful as possible when working with chemicals. If you end up with a mess, don't hesitate to call a professional. They can help you and get your drain looking like new again in no time. Thank you for reading.
A similar topic:
- Is it necessary to clean the black mud shower drain regularly?
- How to get rid of sand buildup in bathtub drain?
- Is it possible to put Drano in the basement drain?
How to Remove Vomit From Your Shower Drain: 7 Healthy Steps
FAQs
How do you clean vomit out of a shower drain? ›
Turn off the water and remove the drain cover. Check the drain to ensure that all vomit is washed out and gets cut up. Proceed to wash the sink with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
Can vomit go down a shower drain? ›Simply put, vomit is not good for your pipes, and you should avoid exposing your plumbing to this potentially hazardous material. Preventative maintenance of pipes by qualified professionals will help keep your drains flushing smoothly and water in your pipes flowing freely.
How do you clean shower drains? ›- Remove the drain cover. Clean it thoroughly with hot water and an all-purpose cleaner. ...
- Add baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, then add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. ...
- Flush the drain. Pour hot water down the drain to clear it.
Take disposable cloths soaked in soapy water and wipe up remaining vomit and/or stool. Rinse the surface well with clean cloths soaked in plain water. Wipe the area with dry paper towels and dispose of all soiled/items/waste in a plastic trash bag.
What cleans vomit out of bathroom? ›Cover the vomit or diarrhea with paper towels or an absorbent powder (such as kitty litter) to soak up liquids. Remove the paper towels or hardened powder with a scoop/scraper and immediately place them in a plastic bag.
Can vomit clog pipes? ›The Impact of Vomit on Plumbing and Septic Systems
Most toilets should be able to easily handle even a large volume of vomit without getting clogged or experiencing any other issues. On the other hand, vomiting in your sink is definitely a bad idea as it will almost always end up clogging the drain pipe.
Results: A total of 81 (73%) respondents reported the hot-water bathing behavior during an episode. The majority (> 80%) noted a marked improvement in nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and symptoms associated with panic.
What dissolves food in drain? ›Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear the clog.
What is a pee trap? ›P-TRAPS: WHAT THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY'RE FOR
A P-trap is a bend in a drain and waste pipe with a specific purpose. That bend in the pipe contains a pocket of water, which blocks toxic, foul-smelling sewer gases (like methane) from traveling through the pipe into your home.
Although you can use 1/5 to 3/4 of a cup of bleach to clean and deodorize drains, followed by a good flushing of hot water, it will not clear a clog. Bleach is amazing at sanitizing and killing germs, but it won't eat through hair and soap scum that's trapped in the pipes and causing a clog.
Does white vinegar clean vomit? ›
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can neutralise the nasty odour of vomit smells. Mix together a cleaning solution comprising of one part distilled white vinegar, two parts warm water and a squirt of lemon-scented SUNLIGHT dishwashing liquid and gently wash off the vomit stain with a sponge, or cloth.
Does vinegar disinfect vomit? ›Vinegar (a weak acid) is a great way to clean, disinfect and deodorize surfaces, including those victimized by vomit. Of course, vinegar doesn't smell much better than vomit (one would say they smell almost the same), but the smell of vinegar eventually diminishes, while vomit smells don't.
How does vinegar and water clean vomit? ›Mix 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing soap, like Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Using a clean, white cloth, gently sponge (don't rub) the stain with this solution and blot.
What removes smell of vomit? ›Baking soda
It absorbs the smell into itself and thus removes it. We advise you to mix baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio. Carefully apply the resulting mixture evenly to the vomit marks. With a soft brush or cloth, rub into the upholstery.
Dampen the stain with warm water and apply baking soda to the area, enough to cover the stain about 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick. The baking soda will absorb the smell and also help lift the stain from the fibers. Pour lemon juice or vinegar over the stain. The baking soda will begin to fizz.
Does Soap and water clean vomit? ›Use soapy water to wash surfaces that contacted the vomit or diarrhea and all nearby surfaces, such as door knobs and toilet handles. Rinse thoroughly with plain water and wipe dry with paper towels.
How do you unclog a drain without damaging pipes? ›Using a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water
For more stubborn clogs, a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water may do the trick. Because vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, mixing the two will cause a chemical reaction that will create pressure and possibly dislodge the clog.
Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs.
What to do after throwing up? ›Do not eat or drink anything for several hours after vomiting. Sip small amounts of water or suck ice chips every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Next, sip clear liquids every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Examples include water, sports drinks, flat soda, clear broth, gelatin, flavored ice, popsicles or apple juice.
Does cold water help with vomit? ›One of the most reliable ways to relieve nausea is by slowly sipping a glass of ice water.
Why do I feel sick after showering? ›
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A hot, steamy shower can feel great, but you may be getting covered in a daily dose of bacteria that could make you sick. Take off any showerhead and you can see the bacteria. It's called nontuberculous mycobacteria, or NTM.
Why do I crave hot showers? ›The scientists speculate that physical warmth, such as a shower or bath, is a form of self-therapy to restore social warmth when we're feeling isolated. They view loneliness as a form of "social coldness" that can be somewhat relieved by applying physical warmth.
Can Coke unclog a drain? ›While the phosphoric acid found in cola can help alleviate some minor clogs, carbonated beverages are certainly not the ideal drain cleaner. Better DIY methods include a baking soda/vinegar mixture, a plunger, or a plumber's snake.
What unblocks drains fast? ›Mix 1/3rd of a cup of bicarbonate of soda with 1/3rd of a cup of vinegar in a measuring cup. It will fizz immediately, and you should waste no time pouring it down the clogged drain. The fizzing action will help to remove the gunk, hair, and grime that has built up in the pipe.
Is it OK to pour white vinegar down the drain? ›Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.
Will baking soda and vinegar damage pipes? ›While the baking soda and vinegar solution is effective in breaking down a clog, it will also cause your drain to become more damaged. The baking soda's abrasive nature will wear down your drain over time. This is why you should avoid using baking soda and vinegar solution for cleaning out your drain.
Can you leave baking soda and vinegar in drain overnight? ›If it's still clogged, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by two cups of boiling water. Let it work overnight to clear the drain.
What is the strongest drain cleaner? ›Experts agree: Drano Max Gel is the best overall drain cleaner because it works quickly to get rid of tough clogs. This reliable and effective cleaner is a thick gel that goes deep in sinks, pipes, and drains to reach the source of the clog and completely dissolve it.
What is a dry pee trap? ›Some bathroom drains have visible P-traps, such as the one under the sink, while others have a hidden P-trap, like a shower or a toilet. When a bathroom fixture or faucet is not used regularly, the P-trap eventually dries out, allowing the sewer odors to travel up the drain. It happens more frequently during winters.
What size is a pee trap? ›Bathroom sink P-traps are typically 1 ¼ inches in diameter and kitchen sink P-traps are typically 1 ½ inches in diameter.
Will boiling water unclog a drain? ›
Can boiling water unclog a drain? If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide to unclog a drain? ›This can be quite effective in clearing out clogs, but you must take precautions as highly concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause burns. Add 3 cups of the chemical into 3/4 gallon of cold water, stir it with a wooden spoon that you don't mind discarding later, and pour it down the drain.
Can dish soap unclog a drain? ›Greasy clogs can be cleared with dish soap and hot water.
For this method to work, the drain needs to be cleared of water. Squirt dish soap down the clogged drain and then pour boiling water down the drain. Grease is eliminated! 3.
Sprinkle the area with an absorbent substance, like a commercial carpet deodoriser, salt, or baking powder, and leave for 10 to 15 minutes to lift vomit from the fibres.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean vomit? ›However, even if you don't have a washable cover, you can still remove vomit with supplies like mild detergent, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and a lot of paper towels.
Does Clorox clean vomit? ›Wash in the hottest water recommended on the care label using detergent and 3/4 cup Clorox® Regular Bleach2. Air dry the item and check to make sure the stain is completely removed.
What do schools put on vomit? ›Some of the most commonly used solutions to cleaning up vomit and other bodily fluids in a school will include chlorine bleach, soap and water, sawdust, and even cat litter. Chlorine bleach and soap/water are important to ensuring that the bacteria and viruses present in the vomit are wiped cleaned from the surfaces.
Does baking soda clean vomit? ›Putting down an absorbent powder like baking soda is essential if you can't tend to the stain immediately. If you don't have time to use a DIY or commercial cleaner, spreading baking soda will absorb most of the liquid and give you a better shot at removing the stain later.
What does vomit smell like? ›It might smell a little like Parmesan cheese. In a study from Brown University, people were given a smell created by a chemical combination and told that it was Parmesan cheese—and they loved it. But when they were given the same smell and told it was vomit, they found the smell completely objectionable.
Can hydrogen peroxide go down a shower drain? ›This can be quite effective in clearing out clogs, but you must take precautions as highly concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can cause burns. Add 3 cups of the chemical into 3/4 gallon of cold water, stir it with a wooden spoon that you don't mind discarding later, and pour it down the drain.
Does vinegar clean up throw up? ›
Vinegar (a weak acid) is a great way to clean, disinfect and deodorize surfaces, including those victimized by vomit. Of course, vinegar doesn't smell much better than vomit (one would say they smell almost the same), but the smell of vinegar eventually diminishes, while vomit smells don't.
Why does my shower drain smell like vomit? ›If that lingering odour smells a bit like vomit, your home could be dealing with a summer infestation of drain flies, also known as sewer flies. Drain flies are tiny, fuzzy, moth-like insects that breed in sinks when the conditions are right (or wrong, for us humans) and the weather heats up.
Can you pour vinegar down the shower drain? ›Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.
Does Dawn dish soap unclog drains? ›Homemade drain cleaner can break up even the toughest clogs in your sink. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain.
Will Coke clear a clogged drain? ›While the phosphoric acid found in cola can help alleviate some minor clogs, carbonated beverages are certainly not the ideal drain cleaner. Better DIY methods include a baking soda/vinegar mixture, a plunger, or a plumber's snake.
Does hydrogen peroxide ruin pipes? ›Unlike chemical drain cleaners, hydrogen peroxide won't destroy your pipes and drains. It is safe for regular use so you can do a hydrogen peroxide flush once every few weeks to keep your drains and pipes in good shape.
What kills the smell of vomit? ›Vinegar is a natural deodorizer that can neutralise the nasty odour of vomit smells. Mix together a cleaning solution comprising of one part distilled white vinegar, two parts warm water and a squirt of lemon-scented SUNLIGHT dishwashing liquid and gently wash off the vomit stain with a sponge, or cloth.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean vomit? ›Make a 50/50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water, and add a couple of drops of dish soap. Clean as much vomit from the carpet as possible, then apply the cleaning solution until the carpet is damp. Let it sit for half an hour, then gently lather up using a clean cloth. Take care not to spread the stain wider.
Can I pour bleach down the drain? ›Pour bleach into them
Bleach is a powerful, toxic substance that should be used carefully and properly, and pouring it down a drain is not a proper use. Bleach can react with other substances in your pipes, potentially release fumes, and further plug up the system.
- Pour a 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain.
- Pour a 1/2 cup lemon juice down the drain as well.
- Plug the drain and let the solution work for one hour.
- Finish by running the hot tap water down the drain.
How long should vinegar and baking soda sit in shower drain? ›
- Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
- Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.
- Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain again.
Both baking soda and vinegar are highly caustic. They are, in fact, able to dissolve certain materials that one would not normally think of as being dissolvable. However, the extreme amounts of acid in vinegar, along with its acidic nature, are what cause the drain to become blocked.