Milk, in their flavorful varieties such as chocolate and strawberry, are cold and refreshing drinks both enjoyed by kids and adults alike. With this common beverage being served frequently throughout the day, it is landing on the carpet is highly likely. However, if the chocolate or strawberry milk lands on the carpet, it can be difficult to remove. The stains and potential odors can be avoided with a rapid response. To help remove these spills from your carpets, we at Harris Carpet & Floors have listed a few helpful steps below.
How to Clean Dried Milk Spills Out of Carpet
1) You will need to soak up as much liquid as possible. Use paper towels to place over the top of the spill and gentle pressure to blot up the excess milk. Continue to use the paper towels to remove the milk until it no longer absorbs into the paper towels.
2) To keep the strawberry and/or chocolate milk from spreading out and into the fibers, sprinkle lightly a small dose of table salt over the surface of the spill. Allow time for the salt retain the lingering moisture for about 20 minutes. Once dry, use you vacuum to remove the salt.
3) To treat the stain, use a squirt bottle or bucket to mix 1 Tbsp dish washing liquid with 2 cups warm water. Dampen a cloth in the solution and use the treated cloth to blot out the stain, starting on the exterior of the spill and working your way to the center. This technique contains the mess and helps to avoid pushing the flavored milk from spreading. Alternative solution ideal for the strawberry milk is combining a teaspoon of non-bleach laundry detergent with five cups of warm water in your bucket and applying it in the same manner. There are also commercial carpet cleaning products but be sure to use them according the label’s directions.
4) To remove any residual cleaners from the carpet, after the spot is removed use a water-dampened cloth to blot the cleaning residue. Once satisfied the area is rinsed, use a towel to dry the area as best you can.
5) If a stain lingers behind after treatment, try 1 Tbsp ammonia into 2 cups warm water and sponge the mixture like before and blot away the remaining stain. As before, use a water-damp cloth to rinse the area free from the diluted ammonia.
6) Dry the area as well as possible by using a dry towel to remove the remaining moisture as much as possible.
Carpet Cleaning Tips
Do not skip conducting a patch test in an inconspicuous spot to ensure it will not compromise the carpet with any cleaner you use to remove the chocolate or strawberry milk stain. Once the area is clean, moderately sprinkle baking soda to the area to prevent any odors developing. Allow the baking soda to remain for several hours, or overnight. As long as the area is dry, use your vacuum to clean up the baking soda. The cleaning paraphernaliasuch as paper towels, sponges, cloths and towels etc, should be plain white. Never use hot water or you can damage your carpet. Immediately treat the spill to avoid bacteria growth, odors, and more challenging stains from occurring should any spilled milk make contact with your carpets.
Carpet Cleaning, Stain & Odor Removal & More in Missouri City, Stafford, Sugar Land, Pearland, Richmond / Rosenberg & Greater Houston, Texas
Harris Carpet & Floors is readily available to provide high quality carpet cleaning services, especially if you are faced with a stubborn stain. Contact us today!
