How to Remove Breastmilk Spit-Up Stains from Carpet

Spit up stains can be difficult to remove and can reappear even years after you think you have successfully removed them. While one step cleaning removes most stains, this is not the case with spit up stains, so be prepared to work on your carpet to get it back to normal. Fortunately the products are easy to find and the chances of removing these breastmilk stains are much better than the dreaded formula stains.

You Will Need:

• Club soda
• Baking soda
• Old toothbrush
• Soft cloths
• Water
• OxiClean
• Spray bottle

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. If the stain is new, dab up as much as possible with a cloth moistened with water.
2. If the stain is old, us an old toothbrush to remove as much of the dried-on crud as possible. Vacuum away any dust before continuing.
3. Cover the stain with a thin layer of baking soda.
4. Fill a spray bottle with club soda.
5. Spray the spot so that it is moist with the club soda.
6. The baking soda and club soda will begin fizzing.
7. If the stain is stubborn, or if there is a tough food mixed in with it, scrub it again with the old toothbrush.
8. Blot with a dry cloth to remove as much of the liquid as possible.
9. Rinse by blotting with a cloth moistened with water.
10. Keep blotting until both of the sodas are removed.
11. If the stain remains, mix some OxiClean and water in a bucket
12. Moisten a cloth and dampen the stain with the mixture.
13. Moisten a cloth with the mixture and lay it on top of the stain.
14. Keep the area moist and allow it to soak for 1-2 hours.
15. Rinse by blotting with clean water and a soft cloth.
16. Once the stain is removed, blot with dry cloths to remove any excess moisture.
17. Press firmly to pull any liquid that has soaked deep into the carpet. If a wet vac is available, that works well for removing excess moisture.
18. Allow the area to dry completely.
19. Once dry, vacuum to restore the carpet’s texture.

You Will Need:

• OxiClean
• Water
• Spoon
• Soft cloths

Steps to Remove the Stain:

1. Mix the OxiClean with a small amount of water to make a paste. Test a small, hidden area first to ensure it does not discolor the carpet.
2. Spread the paste over the stain.
3. Allow it to set until it dries.
4. Scrape away the dried paste and dispose of it.
5. Reapply as necessary.
6. Once the stain is removed, blot with a clean cloth and water to remove any remaining OxiClean.
7. Allow the carpet to dry.

• Always spot test the carpet first to ensure there are no adverse effects to the color or texture of the fibers. These cleaning methods are safe for most carpets, but it’s always best to check first.
• For a quick clean up, use baby wipes. They remove the stains and the spit up residue quickly and easily.
• Dove soap is a simple stain pre-treatment that has worked wonders on a variety of stains. Simply rub it into the stains with your fingers and remove by dabbing with a cloth moistened with water. Be sure to remove all of the soap residue.
• For formula stains, try rubbing on white toothpaste. Blot with a clean cloth and water to remove.
• Other items that users have found useful include lemon juice, shampoo, and stain removers such as Shout or Resolve.