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How to Get a Sour Milk Smell Out of Wood Floors

Mary Ylisela

A sour milk smell isn't too far from the unpleasant odor of vomit. When the odor has been absorbed into your wood floors, the protein enzymes in the milk make it difficult to get rid of the smell with just a regular cleaning.

High-traffic areas of wood floors are subject to stains and odors.

To remove the sour milk smell, you must first break down and absorb the enzymes, so you can effectively get rid of the smell and deodorize your wood floor.

Tip

Wipe up a milk spill while it's fresh to avoid the sour milk odor. If the milk has been absorbed into the wood and nothing else works to get rid of the stain or odor, lay a cloth dampened with hydrogen peroxide over the area. Leave the cloth in place for at least one hour. Clean the wood with an appropriate cleaner and allow it to dry. Touch-up the finish if it's been lightened by the peroxide.

  1. Pour water and enzymatic pet odor neutralizer into a bucket according to the package directions.

  2. Wet a sponge with the enzymatic odor neutralizer solution. Wipe the smelly area of the wood floors with the cleaner. Allow the solution to remain on the floor surface for two to three minutes. Dry the floor with a clean cloth.

  3. Sprinkle baking soda over the area with the sour milk smell. Allow the baking soda to sit on the wood floors overnight to absorb any remaining odor.

  4. Vacuum the floor to remove the baking soda.

  5. Wash the wood floor surface with wood cleaner to remove any residue left by the baking soda or enzyme cleaner. Dry the wood with clean cloths.

The Drip Cap

  • A sour milk smell isn't too far from the unpleasant odor of vomit.
  • Vacuum the floor to remove the baking soda.
  • Wash the wood floor surface with wood cleaner to remove any residue left by the baking soda or enzyme cleaner.