How To Get Milk Smell Out Of Carpet (10 Ways To Do It!)
It always seems like something is getting spilled on your carpet. It may seem like an easy-clean, but milk can leave a nasty smell even after it looks like it is gone. The person who said not to cry over spilled milk must not have noticed the lingering stench. We are going to help you get rid of that.
Pour or spray vinegar directly onto the milk stain and let it soak for 1 minute. Rub and blot the stain with a wet rag or cloth until the stain is gone. Spray more vinegar on the stain if you need to, blot it again, dry the stain, and vacuum it to remove the milk smell.
Unfortunately, the milk fat and protein make getting milk out of your carpet a bigger problem than you may think. The protein hardens when it dries out and can stick to the carpet fibers and the milkfat just makes things smell. You know how spoiled milk smells. Before you use any of the following cleaning ideas, always test an inconspicuous area to make sure it will not stain.
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How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Hydrogen Peroxide
- As soon as the spill happens, put a clean towel on it, and apply pressure for 30 seconds. Then flip the towel over and do it again.
- Put on your gloves and mask. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin and lungs.
- Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on the spot and let it foam.
- Once it finishes foaming, blot it up with a towel or napkin.
- Rinse the spot with a clean wet cloth.
- Blot it with a dry towel and let it completely dry before vacuuming it.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Rubbing Alcohol
- Use a clean paper towel to dry the spot as soon as possible. Put pressure on the towel for 30 seconds on each side.
- Wearing your mask and gloves, pour enough rubbing alcohol on the spill to cover it and let it soak in for two minutes.
- Using a clean paper towel, blot the area to absorb the milk and alcohol.
- Check to see if the smell is gone. Repeat step one again if needed.
- Rinse the spot thoroughly with cold water.
- Allow the spot to dry completely before vacuuming.
- If the smell is still present repeat steps 1 – 6.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Ammonia
- Dry the spill completely by putting a paper towel on the spot and applying pressure for 30 seconds. Turn over the towel and apply pressure again.
- Put on protective clothing, eye protection, gloves, and a mask. Ammonia can be dangerous to breathe and will irritate your skin and eyes.
- Mix one tablespoon of ammonia with two cups of water.
- Dip a sponge in the mixture and blot it on the spill.
- Let it sit for two minutes and then blot it again with the sponge.
- Using a clean sponge dipped in hot water, rinse the area well.
- Blot with a towel and then vacuum after it is dry.
- If the smell is still there, repeat steps 3 – 7 until the smell is gone.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Vinegar
- Blot up the milk with a paper towel by putting pressure on it for 30 seconds. Flip it over and do it again.
- Put on gloves and a mask. Vinegar can be harsh on the skin and lungs.
- Pour enough vinegar on the spill to soak the area. Leave it to soak for one minute.
- Rinse the spot with a clean wet cloth.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 if needed.
- Use a clean towel to dry the spot thoroughly before vacuuming.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Dish Soap
- Using a paper towel, blot up the milk, applying pressure for 30 seconds on each side.
- Mix one tablespoon of mild dish soap to one cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the spot with enough solution to soak it thoroughly.
- Let it sit for two minutes.
- Blot it with a clean wet cloth to remove any dish soap residue.
- Place a towel on the spot and apply heavy pressure for a minute to soak up the moisture. Flip it over and apply pressure again if needed.
- Allow the spot to dry completely before vacuuming.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Baking Soda
- As soon as the spill happens, use a towel to soak up the moisture by standing on it for 30 seconds.
- If it is still wet, turn the towel over and stand on it again for about a minute.
- Sprinkle baking soda heavily on the spot and use a toothbrush to rub it in.
- Allow the baking soda to soak up the residue for about eight hours.
- Vacuum up the baking soda and see if the smell is gone.
- If the smell persists, repeat steps 3 – 5 as needed.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Cornstarch
- Fold a thick towel and place it on the stain. Step on the towel for about one minute on each side.
- Sprinkle cornstarch liberally on the spot and rub it in with a toothbrush or soft bristle brush.
- Wait eight hours before vacuuming the spot.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed if the smell is still there.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Coffee Grounds
- Using a clean towel, apply pressure to the spot for one minute. Flip the towel over and press on it again for another minute.
- Sprinkle clean coffee grounds onto the spot. Do not rub.
- Place a towel over the spot and leave it for three hours.
- Vacuum up the coffee grounds and let the spot sit for a few hours before checking to see if the smell is gone.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with Enzymes
Enzymes remove odors from any kind of carpet or material by using a chemical or biological reaction. Because it is a sort of protein, the amino acids change the structures of many common stains and odors. It can be used on many types of spills like wine, blood, and milk. They break down the starch chains to make smaller molecules that are easier to remove.
To remove the stain as well as the smell with enzymes, follow the manufacturers’ instructions on the package. Always wear protective clothing, gloves, a mask, and eye protection. It usually comes in a spray bottle, but it may also come in a concentrate that you have to mix. Let it dry for 12 to 24 hours before vacuuming.
How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet with OdoBan or Another Commercial Deodorizer
There are many kinds of commercial deodorizers on the market to try but you should always test them on an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it will not damage your carpet. Also, wear protective clothing, goggles, a mask, and gloves when using. Then, just follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.
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Related Questions
What if the milk has already dried in the carpet?
If you were not able to get to the spill when it happened or you just noticed it, do not panic. It can still be cleaned and deodorized. Just follow the steps below.
- Put on your gloves and mask because you will be using laundry detergent and it is not good to breathe or get on your skin.
- Using a dull knife or clean paint scraper, scrape off as much of the solid milk as you can.
- Spray warm water onto the rest of the spot. Getting a wet spot out is easier than getting a dry spot out.
- Make a paste of powder detergent and water or use a bit of liquid detergent.
- Dip a toothbrush in the detergent and rub the spot until it is gone.
- Rinse the spot with cold water.
- Blot it dry and repeat steps 5 and 6 if the smell is still there.
- Allow the spot to dry completely before vacuuming.
If you have tried the ideas above and they did not work or if you just do not want to deal with it, a professional can get the stain and the smell out quickly. It will probably cost you less than $50 and it will be good as new in no time.
I am a DIYer who loves writing about anything home-related. When I am not writing, you can find me studying for my PhD in Psychology, photographing nature, and swimming at the lake with my grandkids.
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