This will help clear excess formula or milk before you move on to more thorough treatment.

Scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush before laundering as usual.

Oxygen-based bleach is safe to use with white and colored fabrics.

How to Remove Breast Milk and Baby Formula Stains

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

Tip

When washing baby clothes, it’s best to use fragrance-free and dye-free detergents.

Take care not to oversaturate the fabric, as excess moisture in cushions can create mold or mildew.

Remove Excess Matter

Use a spoon or cloth to remove excess liquids and solids.

bottle of vinegar

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Begin at the outside of the spill and work inward the center to prevent the stain from spreading.

Finish by blotting with white paper towels to absorb as much remaining matter as possible.

Dip a clean white cloth or sponge in cool water and blot the stained area.

Overhead view of materials needed to remove breast milk stains

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Move to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred.

Mix a Solution

Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap with 2 cups of warm water.

Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the mixture and saturate the stain, working from the outside inward.

Scraping off crusted matter

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Keep moving to a clean area of the cloth as the stain is transferred.

Rinse the Stain

Dip a clean cloth in tepid water to rinse the area.

Be sure to rinse the fabric thoroughly, as lingering soap can attract soil.

Mixing an oxygen

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Finally, blot with a clean, dry cloth until all moisture is gone.

Allow the item to air dry away from direct heat.

If your stained upholstery is silk orvintage, do not venture to remove the stain at home.

Removing excess breast milk with a dull spoon

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Instead, contact a professional upholstery cleaner.

Additional Tips for Handling Breast Milk and Baby Formula Stains

Blotting the breast milk stain

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Blotting the stain with a cleaning solution

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Rinsing the area with a clean damp cloth

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Mixing a fresh cleaning solution

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida