The Bane of Stains: Milk and Ice Cream

You scream for it. We scream for it. That’s right, especially on a hot summer day there’s nothing like a luscious serving of cold, creamy milk. What? There’s something even better? Ah, yes, of course! Chocolate milk! No need to shake your head in dismay – there are options if you’re lactose intolerant.

We’re not kidding anyone, are we? Summer is never complete without at least one heaping helping of ice cream, that chilled concoction which so easily soothes the nerves, coats the throat and tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you prefer a cup or a cone, ice cream is an iconic American comfort enjoyed by millions of citizens regardless of season.

Not to say that milk isn’t comforting – in fact, milk and ice cream have a lot in common. They both are dairy products, and both come in non-dairy versions. They both bring creamy comfort to those enjoying them. They both come in multiple flavors, and they both can make stains on your carpet. Interestingly, they both respond to the same treatment. Let’s go over what to do for milk or ice scream stains.

One Procedure, Many Tastes

Since there are quite a few flavors of milk available today (and so many more flavors of ice cream than just thirty-one), you might think a single method of cleaning couldn’t be that comprehensive. Well, it is possible that certain extreme flavors of milk or ice cream – especially the ones with chunks of other items added – might need extra attention. However, most flavorings in milk and ice cream follow a similar ratio for their mixture. This allows for a similar cleaning method.

If the method does not seem to be removing the stain, that’s when Preferred Carpet Care can use our training, experience and expertise to remove the stain. But the following procedure will remove, or at least reduce, any chance of a stain setting in.

The Procedure

Start by reducing as much of the spill as you can. Scoop up any ice cream before it has a chance to melt into the carpet. Dab the area with white paper towels. Using white paper towels will reduce the possibility of color transference. Next, pour rubbing alcohol onto a clean white cloth, or another set of paper towels, and blot the area. Don’t pour the rubbing alcohol directly onto the stain, as this could penetrate the backing of your carpet and destroy the latex bonding.

If the alcohol is not having an effect, switch to a quart of water mixed with a quarter teaspoon of clear dish washing liquid. Again, make sure the liquid contains no bleach or lanolin, so it will not discolor your carpet. Work the mixture into the stain with a dabbing motion. Repeat this step until the spot is removed.

Next, rinse the area lightly with water, preferably using a spray bottle to apply the water, and then blot the area with a dry, white towel to remove the excess moisture. Finally, spray the area once more with water, but do not dry it this time. Apply a pad of paper towels over the top, and weigh it down with a heavy object, like a book or brick. Give it time to dry on its own.

If the stain is still there when you remove the pad of towels, spray the stain with 3% hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for an hour. Blot the area and check for discoloration, if still there, repeat the process up to three more times.

If it persists, then it’s time to call in the professionals – specifically, Preferred Carpet Care. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online. We’d be happy to remove your milk or ice cream stain for you – and discuss our favorite flavors as well.