how to remove milk stains from clothes - #15481
I am really stressed out because my toddler has this habit of spilling milk everywhere! Just the other day, we were having breakfast, and he knocked over his glass of milk all over my favorite shirt. I've tried washing it like normal but the milk stains are still there. I’ve searched online about how to remove milk stains from clothes, but nothing seems to work! It’s weird because I’ve used stain removers and soaked it in cold water. Someone told me to use lemon juice, but I’m not sure if that’s safe for the fabric. Does anyone have any specific tips on how to remove milk stains from clothes? I really don't want to ruin my shirt! Plus, it's not like I have a ton of time to keep trying different things. I went through a ton of posts on how to remove milk stains from clothes, and they just seem to repeat! Also, what if I already dried it, does that make it worse? I don’t want to keep wasting money on products that might just not help. Any advice on how to remove milk stains from clothes would really make my day! Thanks in advance!
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Doctors’ responses
I understand the frustration of dealing with persistent milk stains on clothes, especially when regular washing, doesn’t seem to work. Milk stains can indeed be tricky because they contain both protein and fat. Here’s a method you might find useful: Start by scraping off any excess milk if it’s still fresh, then blot the stain gently with a damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, as it can push the stain deeper into the fabric. Next, rinse the stained area under cold water, letting the water run through the back of the stain if possible. For more effective stain removal, create a mixture using a few drops of mild liquid laundry detergent and some water—this helps in breaking down the proteins and fats in the milk. Apply it onto the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes or so. Rinse thoroughly, then launder as usual; if the fabric care label allows, opt for the warmest water safe for your shirt. If you’ve already dried the item, you might need to repeat this treatment—a process called “reblocking.” It can sometimes be effective even after heat-set stains, although not always guaranteed. Lemon juice isn’t typically recommended on the first go because it’s acidic and can sometimes bleach or weaken fabrics, especially colored ones. Using a gentle detergent is safer. You may want to try an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for protein stains; these can be helpful on set-in stains if previous washing hasn’t helped. Remember to always patch-test any new product on a less visible spot to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. While I can’t guarantee it’ll be as good as new, these steps should give you a solid shot at removing those tough milk stains.
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