How Can I Remove a Milk Smell From Carpet?

Baby spit up can leave behind milk odors.

Spilled milk or milk spit up that was not cleaned up completely spoils and its sour smell can linger for months. Fortunately, if your carpet smells of milk, you don't need to wait for the smell to dissipate. Incorporate a couple of odor removing techniques and your carpet will smell fresh once again. In the future, clean up a milk spill or spit up immediately afterward to prevent odors.

Things You'll Need

• Wet extraction carpet cleaner
• Fans
• Baking soda
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Clean the carpet area with a wet extraction carpet cleaner using cold water and a cleaner recommended by the machine's manufacturer. Note that hot water can set in milk stains.

2. Turn on fans and open the windows to air dry the carpet. Proceed to the next step if your carpet still smells like milk.

3. Sprinkle baking soda over the area of the carpet where it still smells. Wait at least 15 minutes for the baking soda to absorb the smell and then vacuum. If the milk odor remains, proceed to the next step.

4. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and mist a little bit of water over top. Leave it there overnight and vacuum it up the next day after it dries.

5. Spray a light mist of white vinegar on the carpet. Vinegar should get rid of any lingering milk odors. Test the vinegar in a discreet area first to be sure it does not affect the carpet coloring.

References

• Ohio State University Extension; Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal; Janis Stone
• Arm & Hammer: Purely Versatile
• Mrs. Clean: Tips on Remvoing Milk Stains