How to Clean Spilled Milk on Carpet & Fabric

Regardless of the old adage about not crying over spilled milk, it does require attention, and the sooner, the better. The instant that milk penetrates your carpet or fabric it begins to curdle and turn sour — and in addition to the unpleasant odor it creates, it can cause staining that may be difficult to remove.

Here are tips from the experts at Molly Maid that can teach you how to clean spilled milk from a variety of surfaces, and leave your home looking and smelling its best.

How to Get Milk Out of Carpet

1. Blot the milk with a paper towel or an absorbent cloth.

If you witness the spill, immediately grab paper towels or a clean, white, absorbent cloth and carefully blot the affected area.

Depending on how deep the pile is, the amount of the spill, and the length of time that has passed, the milk may have had time to absorb deep into the fibers and underlayment. If you suspect this is the case, apply pressure to the area to force the milk up out of the padding below and onto your cloth or towel.

Keep working until the cloth or paper towels come away dry, to absorb as much of the liquid as possible.

2. Remove residue, if necessary.

If you didn’t find the spill until after the milk had time to dry, before washing the stain (see step 3 below), carefully scrape as much of the dried milk away as you can, and vacuum or pick up the residue and discard. Lightly spray the area with water and apply a paste of laundry soap with a toothbrush. Use a cool, damp cloth to rinse, and wipe the area dry with another clean, dry towel to fully remove residue.

3. Wash the carpet with a solution of cold water and dish soap or hand soap.

Grab a bowl and add one cup of cold water and several drops of gentle dish soap or hand soap and stir lightly to combine. Dip a clean sponge or soft, lint-free cloth into the solution and wring out as much of the liquid as you can until the material is damp, not wet.

Begin working from the outer edge of the spill towards the center and gently blot and then wipe the stain. Rinse your sponge or cloth frequently until the water runs clear, and finish by rinsing one last time before drying the area with a clean, dry cloth.

How to Get Milk Smell Out of Carpet

Sour milk has an unpleasant smell, but baking soda is a convenient odor-absorbing tool to always have on hand. Generously sprinkle baking soda onto the affected area, whether it is wet or dry, and leave it overnight. In the morning, vacuum the area thoroughly.

How to Clean Milk From Fabrics

If the milk spill occurs on your upholstered furniture like your couch, follow these steps:

1. Blot with a paper towel or an absorbent cloth.

Just like we explained for carpeting, use a paper towel or a clean, white absorbent cloth to soak up as much milk as you can. Unzip the upholstered cover, if possible, and place a second towel or pile of paper towels directly beneath the spill to absorb the milk and prevent it from penetrating the cushion itself.

2. Remove any residue from old spills.

If you’re dealing with a dried spill, before using a damp cloth (see step 3 below), remove any dried residue using a tool such as a credit card, plastic utensil, or other blunt, flexible item, to gently scrape the dried milk from the surface of the fabric. Use slow, deliberate strokes to avoid harming the material, focusing your efforts on the dried matter. Vacuum the debris with an upholstery attachment.

3. Wipe with a damp cloth.

Once you have finished blotting (or scraping) the milk, take a clean, white, damp cloth and wipe the area repeatedly.

4. Dry the fabric.

The last step is to dry the fabric as much as possible. Use a clean, dry towel to absorb any residual moisture.

Get Help Cleaning Your Home

Molly Maid has provided professional, house cleaning services in the U.S. since 1984. If you’re looking to take cleaning off your to-do list, please contact your local Molly Maid today for a free estimate!