Dampen the stain with cold water and a cloth or a spray bottle to keep it from drying out. Driving the stain deeper into the carpet makes it harder to clean and more likely to smell later.
Alternatively, make a mixture of one part water and one part distilled, white vinegar. Vinegar is great for deodorizing and breaking down natural stains. [4] X Research source [5] X Research source
Continue applying solution and blotting until the stain is no longer visible or until the liquid running off your cloth when you wring it out is clear. [10] X Research source
Do not mix ammonia with bleach or any products containing bleach. When they mix, they create harmful fumes. Alternately, make your own solution of ammonia, water, and dish soap.
A wet/dry vac will also work for removing liquids from your carpet.
Always use cold water since heat causes the proteins in the milk to “cook” into the carpet fibers. This sets the stain and makes it harder to fully remove.
Damp carpet traps dirt and bacteria, so it’s important to dry it thoroughly for the long term health of your carpet.
If the stain has fully dried, just use a dull knife to scrape off any hardened milk and then lift or vacuum up the pieces instead of blotting. [22] X Research source
If there is a milk smell but no visible stain, use dry coffee grounds as a substitute. [24] X Research source
If you’re deodorizing with coffee grounds, let it sit for no more than a few hours since the grounds have an odor as well.
