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How to Remove the Sour Milk Smell From a Carpet

The first sign of a missed milk stain usually is the sour odor. Milk soaks deep into carpet fibers and often is not visible on carpet unless you see the spill happen. When the stain remains on the carpet, the milk has time to spoil because of the warm temperature. Remove the milk stain and accompanying smell at the same time to freshen your carpet and return it back to its original condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloths
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Baking soda
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Stiff brush
  • Lemon juice
  • Clean empty spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Blot the milk from the carpet with a dry washcloth if the stain is wet.

    • 2

      Combine 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap with 2 cups warm water to remove the milk stain.

    • 3

      Blot the cleaning solution onto the stain using a washcloth until the milk is gone.

    • 4

      Rinse the solution from the carpet with clean water.

    • 5

      Sprinkle baking soda over the wet carpet. Let the baking soda dry overnight.

    • 6

      Vacuum the baking soda off the carpet. You may need to loosen the baking soda with a stiff brush.

    • 7

      Spray fresh lemon juice over the stain if the odor remains. Mist the carpet with lemon juice but do not oversaturate because you can damage the carpet padding.

    • 8

      Let the lemon juice set for 15 minutes. Rinse the carpet with clean water to remove the lemon juice.

    • 9

      Blot the carpet with a dry washcloth to remove excess water.