How to Get Rid of the Smell of Stale Milk
Most of the carpet cleaners out there have chemicals that can be harmful to your pet, as well as carpet. You should consider shifting to green carpet cleaners. Organic cleaners can also effectively combat spots, odors, stains, and more. You can find ready-made and earth-friendly cleaners at your local stores.
Using organic cleaner, in most cases, involves spraying it directly on the stained area, and then followed by gentle scrubbing. Finally, you use a white towel to wipe up the cleaner and stain.
What is the worst thing that could happen to your carpet? For many people, spilling milk on the carpet is certainly not the biggest deal, but not until things get real. Because of the high absorbency nature of carpets, milk can easily seep deep into the fibers – leaving persistent stains and unpleasant odors.
You may not notice the stains or nasty smell at first. With time, however, the bacteria in milk will develop and covert the natural sugars into acetic and lactic acid. As a result, the stained area will turn yellow and start giving off a sour smell.
The presence of protein is what makes milk stains on carpets such a pain to clean. When protein dries out, it usually hardens. Hardened proteins prove quite challenging to rehydrate. Don't lose hope, though!
With patience and the correct carpet cleaning methods, you can fix the milk stains and leave your carpet smelling fresh once again. Before you start calling a professional carpet cleaning company we want to steer you in the right direction. That is why we have created this detailed guide on how to remove milk stains and smell from the carpets.
Table of Contents
How to Clean Milk From Carpet
Before we explain the methods for removing milk from your carpet, we would like to share a few tips that might make a whole lot of difference in your cleaning process.
Blot The Stained Area Dry Immediately
Don't wait and clean the stain with a paper towel/white washcloth.
Gently Scrape Away Dried Milk
If the stain dries up, remove it using a butter knife and vacuum it.
Test Cleaning Materials On A Small Inconspicuous Area
Test out the cleaning product to avoid discoloration.
Don't Treat Milk Stains With Hot Or Warm Water
Don't clean the stain with Hot/Warm Water.
Always Read The Ingredients Of Every Cleaning Product
Read Ingredients of the Cleaning Product.
*Avoid bleach
Mix Bleach With Ammonia
Don't blend Ammonia + Bleach
*Toxic harmful fumes are released.
Always Wear Protective Gloves When Cleaning Using Commercial Products
Wear Mask & Protective Gloves.
Now let's dive into the part you have probably been searching for – methods for cleaning milk stains out of your carpet.
Milk Stain Removal From Carpet With Dish Soap And Ammonia - Method #1
Protein-based stains like milk can be removed from carpet fibers with mild dish soap followed by ammonia.
You'll Need:
- Paper towel, sponge, or cloth
- Water
- Bowl
- Tablespoon
- Cup
- Dish soap
- Ammonia
- Step 1: Mix Lukewarm water (2 cups) + Dish soap (1 tbsp)
- Step 2: Clean slowly in circular motions.
- Step 3: Using the damp cloth, gently rub in small, circular motions from the outside, towards the center of the stain. Take as much time as possible to weaken and break the molecular structure of milk stain.
- Step 4: Mix Lukewarm Water (2 cups) + Ammonia (1 tbsp) and clean with by soaking a sponge in it.
- Step 5: Use cold water and dip another sponge.
- Step 6: Clean the area thoroughly.
- Step 7:Rinse the area with a new sponge moistened with cold water. Once done, soak up as much moisture as you can with a clean, dry cloth.
Milk Stain Removal From Carpet With A Laundry Detergent Paste - Method #2
This is an effective technique if you are dealing with fresh milk stains.
You'll Need:
- Paper towel, sponge, or cloth
- Water
- Bowl
- Tablespoon
- Cup
- Dish soap
- Ammonia
- Step 1: Clean the stain using a paper towel.
- Step 2: Spray Cold Water on it.
- Step 3: Create a silky paste – Laundry detergent + Cold Water.
- Step 4: Apply the Paste with a Toothbrush.
- Step 5: Use a dry towel to dry the area.
Clean it away! Use a damp towel and clean. - Step 6: Vacuum the carpet thoroughly before leaving it to dry.
Milk Stain Removal From Carpet With Cornstarch - Method #3
Yes, you heard that right. This kitchen cooking ingredient doubles as a milk stain remover, thanks to its fast-absorbing properties. It is also easy to use.
What you will need:
- Dry cloth, sponge, or paper towel
- Cornstarch
- Vacuum cleaner
- Dull knife/spatula and a spray bottle (if milk has dried)
- Step 1: Clean it with a cloth.
*In case of Dry stain moisturize it. - Step 2: Apply Cornstarch. (Leave it – 30 mins)
- Step 3: Vacuum the powder.
Milk Stain Removal From Carpet Using Isopropyl Alcohol - Method #4
When milk has already dried, isopropyl rubbing alcohol might be your best weapon to counter the problem.
You'll Need:
- Dry cloth, sponge, or paper towel
- Butter knife
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Step 1: You will need to scrape away the flakes with a butter knife.
- Step 2: Moisten a sponge or terry cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
- Step 3: Work the rubbing alcohol into the stained fibers. That milk stain will be transferred to the cloth as the alcohol evaporates. Repeat the procedure as many times as possible until the stain is gone.
For larger stains, you should carefully spray the alcohol onto the carpet until the upper layer gets saturated. Then, use a clean, dry washcloth to rub the isopropyl alcohol into the fibers.
Milk Stain Removal From Carpet With Washing Powder - Method #5
You can try out a gentle washing powder, whether it is a case of fresh or dried stains.
Here's what you will need:
- Washcloth, sponge, or paper towel
- Spray bottle
- Dull knife
- Toothbrush
- Gentle washing powder
- Water
- Vacuum cleaner
- Step 1: Blot the stain with a dry cloth or remove residues of dried milk using a dull knife.
- Step 2: Spray the stained spot with water. Just like powdered laundry detergent, washing powder works best when the stain is moist.
- Step 3: Wet your toothbrush before dipping it in the washing powder.
- Step 4: Apply it to the milk stain gently in a circular motion.
- Step 5 : Rinse the spot with a clean, wet washcloth.
- Step 6: Run a vacuum cleaner over the carpet to straighten the fibres back up.
Milk Stain Removal From Carpet With Hydrogen Peroxide - Method #6
Hydrogen peroxide is another carpet stain remover worth your attention. It is effective against several types of stains, including milk stains.
What you will need:
- Paper towel or washcloth
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Dropper
- Step 1: After blotting the stained area with a paper towel, apply hydrogen peroxide using a dropper. Strictly use 3% hydrogen peroxide, as a higher per cent might ruin your beautiful flooring material.
- Step 2: Give the cleaning solution time to work its magic. Precisely, you should proceed to the next step when foaming stops.
- Step 3: Take a dry washcloth and blot.
Alternatively
If the milk stain persists, you can try applying a soft paste of hydrogen peroxide and non-gel toothpaste. The combination has a much stronger effect on tough stains.
You will need to spread the paste on the carpet and let it sit there until it's dry. Next, run a vacuum cleaner over your carpet to pick up the residue. Please keep in mind that no rinsing is required.
How To Get Milk Smell Out Of Carpet
You have finally managed to clean the milk, but after the carpet dries up, you notice some lingering odours of sour milk. We understand the frustration. But before calling a professional carpet cleaner, you will want to try out the following common remedies for refreshing carpets.
How To Remove Milk Smell From Carpet With Vinegar - Remedy #1
Method 1
Step 1: Apply Dry Grounded Coffee and create a coat over the stain.
Step 2: Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
Step 3: Spay it directly on the spill area to break down any remaining milk enzymes. Ensure the area gets drenched with the vinegar solution for the best results.
Step 4: Let the vinegar solution sit on the carpet for at least an hour before you can blot dry with a paper towel or dry cloth.
The smell of vinegar wears off as it dries. Your carpet should smell fresh once the vinegar smell disappears completely.
Method 2
Step 1: Mix White Vinegar + Cold Water (1:1)
Add the solution to a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the milk stain generously.
Step 2: Place the bowls of vinegar around the stained area of your carpet.
Step 3: Leave them overnight if it was a minor milk stain. For large stains, let the vinegar stay for a few days.
However, you need to be careful with this method, especially if you have kids or live with other family members. The last thing you want is for them to step on the bowl and wet the carpet with loads of vinegar. It is best to lock the room where you have the carpet or surround it with something.
How To Remove Milk Smell From Carpet With Baking Soda - Remedy #2
- Step 1:Apply the bicarb soda (baking soda) generously and cover the stain completely.
- Step 2: Outspread the powder equally.
- Step 3: For Best Results wait overnight.
- Step 4:Vacuum the Baking Soda
You can always apply this method if your carpet smells awful after a DIY cleaning.
How To Get Milk Smell Out Of Carpet Using Borax Powder - Remedy #3
- Step 1: Apply Borax Powder Cover the stain with an ample amount of powder.
- Step 2: Use a Soft Carpet Broom. Outspread the powder equally.
- Step 3: Wait (12 – 15 hrs.)
- Step 4: Vacuum it.
*Start with removing the powder completely then spread all over the carpet.
Borax is an excellent alternative to bicarb soda. It can absorb common household odours, including the sour milk smell.
How To Get Milk Smell Out Of Carpet Using Coffee Ground - Remedy #4
- Step 1: Apply Dry Grounded Coffee and create a coat over the stain.
- Step 2: Wait (almost 24 hrs.)
- Step 3: Use a Powerful Vacuum Cleaner.
*Coffee's scent will diminish over time.
The coffee ground smell will disappear gradually in a few days, leaving you with a fresh smelling carpet.
How To Get Milk Smell Out Of Carpet Using An Enzyme Spray - Remedy #5
- Step 1: Spray an enzyme cleaning product liberally.
- Step 2: Let it set in for a couple of days, preferably two. Though, we advise you to follow the guidelines on the product label.
- Step 3: Blot the area dry.
- Step 4: Vacuum your carpet to straighten the fibres.
Enzyme cleaning products use proteins and enzymes that weaken and break down the structure of stains. They will eat away at the unpleasant smell residue. You can purchase the products from most local improvement stores or online marketplaces.
How To Remove Milk Smell From Carpet With Charcoal Bags- Remedy #6
- Step 1: Put the charcoal bags over the smelly part of your carpet.
- Step 2: Cover the spot using a terry towel.
- Step 3: Vacuum once the lingering nasty odours are gone.
Charcoal bags are highly effective at deodorising and absorbing foul odours from your carpet. Most of the charcoal bag varieties you will find on the market use bamboo charcoal. There are different sizes and shapes for every need.
Hire Professional Carpet Cleaning Services
If none of the above remedies seems to work for you, it is worth involving a professional carpet cleaner. Homeowners are more likely to find it challenging to eliminate the nasty odours, particularly if they have old milk stains or stains spread over a large area of the carpet. Don't keep stressing yourself over persistent milk stains or smells when Carpet Cleaning London Pros can help.
Our carpet cleaning company has trained and experienced technicians. We have the expertise, tools, and sought after cleaning methods to treat all types of stains and leave you with an odour-free carpet. Our crew always delivers high-quality results; therefore, you can trust us to meet and exceed your expectations.
Contact us at 07915-486-314 today to request a free, no-obligation quote. If you have any questions, you can take advantage of our Live Chat feature.
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How to Get Rid of the Smell of Stale Milk
Source: https://carpetcleaninglondonpro.co.uk/how-to-clean-milk-from-carpet/