If you’ve never had to deal with a milk stain, then it’s probably not the type of stain you would think to be a problem. However, it can be pretty tricky to get to the root of the problem of a milk stain. Something you might think is simple to clean up can become a disaster to remove. But with these tips, you can learn how to remove milk stains from any surface. From your favorite shirt, to dining room chairs and even the carpeting. Here’s what you do.
First you need to be sure to address the stain as quickly as possible. When it’s fresh, the proteins in the milk have not had time to seep into the surface as deeply and the stain will be easier to remove. When it comes to getting rid of milk stains, fresh is best. This doesn’t mean you can’t still remove those old stains but we’ll talk about that more later.
Now you’re going to need to create a cleaning solution. A personal favorite is laundry detergent mixed with some warm (not hot) water. You can use this solution in a bowl, tub or sink and then dip the stain into it. If the stain is something that cannot be dipped, like your carpet, then use a sponge to dip the solution onto the stain.
For items that can go in the washing machine, soak in the pre-treatment for about 5-10 minutes and then launder according to the directions on the fabric. Once you remove it, check for the stain before drying. If some of the stain remains, repeat the process again before placing in the dryer. Do not dry the material until the stain is completely gone or the dryer heat will “cook” it in and cause it to set.
For milk stains that have already dried, use a butter knife to remove any crusty pieces that still remain. If it’s flaking away, this is a good thing. It means the milk did not completely set into the material and there is a good chance you can get the stain out. For old stubborn milk stains, follow the pre-treatment steps above but allow it to soak for about 30 minutes instead.
Here are some additional tips:
• Always try to treat the milk stain before it has a chance to dry
• For quick spot treatment, baby wipes work great on organic stains like milk
• Old milk stains are always stubborn- if you can’t remove it completely, you can at least make it less apparent
• If the milk stain is on bleach-safe material, you can try bleach when other methods do not work
Now that you know how to remove milk stains from any surface, you don’t have to worry over a little spilled milk anymore.
Sources:
Tips for Removing Milk
Personal Experience
