How To Get Spoiled Milk Smell Out of Your Car

When milk goes bad, it develops an unpleasant, sour smell that can be hard to tolerate, especially in a confined space such as your car. The good news is that you can get rid of that foul smell by yourself.

How To Get Milk Smell Out of Your Car

Driving a car that smells like spoiled milk is not only uncomfortable but also distracting. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can try to get rid of that foul smell. Here are tips on how to get that spoiled milk smell out of your car:

Blot the Spill

When it comes to cleaning up spoiled milk, speed is your new best friend. Grab a paper towel or microfiber cloth and gently dab the spill until it soaks up all the excess milk. Don’t wipe or scrub the milk, or you might spread it all over your upholstery.

Immediately blotting the spill results in an easier clean-up, which means you’re one step closer to getting rid of the sour milk smell in your car.

Wash Your Floor Mats

You can clean spilled milk on carpet or fabric floor mats by putting them in the washing machine. The same goes for fabric seat covers and other upholstery. Just be sure to use warm or hot water for a deeper clean.

We also recommend using a stain remover on the spill before loading seat covers in the washing machine.

Use Baking Soda

If you’re looking for an effective cleaning agent, look no further than your kitchen. Baking soda can clean and deodorize all sorts of messes, including the spoiled milk smell in your car. Here’s a brief guide on how to use baking soda:

1. Liberally sprinkle baking soda all over the spill.
2. Rub the powder into the upholstery using a clean microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush.
3. For better results, let the baking soda sit overnight or for a few days.
4. Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the baking soda.

In some cases, one round of baking soda won’t be enough. If the foul smell is still there, repeat these four steps until it goes away completely.

Use Coffee Grounds

You can also deodorize your car with a bag of coffee grounds. Coffee grounds give off a strong scent that can mask bad odors and make your cabin smell much better. To clean the spilled milk in your car with coffee grounds, you can try these tips:

1. Sprinkle dry coffee grounds on the spilled milk.
2. Let it sit for several hours.
3. Clean the coffee grounds using a vacuum cleaner.

To use the coffee grounds as a natural deodorizer, place a few scoops into a linen bag and leave it under your car seats.

Use White Vinegar

White vinegar is another cheap and effective cleaning agent that can get rid of the smell of sour milk. Here are helpful tips on how to use it to clean the spilled milk in your car:

1. Mix one part vinegar and four parts water in a spray bottle.
2. Apply the mixture to the affected areas.
3. Let the vinegar sit for at least five hours. The longer you let it soak, the more effective it will be.
4. Blot the area with a clean towel until it dries completely.

Keep in mind that vinegar can still have a strong smell even after mixing it with water. If you can remove the dirty upholstery, take it out before applying the vinegar and let it dry under the sun. You can also open your car windows to prevent your cabin from smelling like vinegar.

Use a Carpet Cleaner

If you want something stronger, you can use a carpet cleaner instead. Commercial carpet cleaners are specifically formulated to deep clean upholstery. Different products will have different instructions, so be sure to read and follow the guide printed on the packaging.

Use an Enzyme Cleaner

If you’ve tried everything and the milk smell is still there, consider using an enzyme spray. An enzyme cleaner is a cleaning agent that contains nonpathogenic bacteria that can efficiently break down organic compounds that stain fabric while getting rid of any foul odors.

Follow the instructions listed on the packaging. In most cases, you just have to spray the affected area and wait for the enzyme cleaner to do its magic. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to gently rub the cleaner into the fabric.

Use a Steam Cleaner

A high-quality steam cleaner can suck out the deepest milk stains, even those that have been there for a while. Here are some useful tips on how to use a steam cleaner:

1. Apply a cleaning solution to the fabric, and wet it with hot water.
2. Use a steam cleaner to suck up the water and milk residue.
3. Let the upholstery dry for at least 12 hours.

If you don’t own a steam cleaner, you can always rent one, or hire a professional who offers this service.

Air Out the Cabin

One of the best ways to remove foul smells from your car is to air out your cabin. Roll down your windows, and let fresh air do its thing. Allowing fresh air to circulate can help get rid of any lingering milk smell.

Invest in a Deodorizer

You can use commercial air fresheners, or you can make your own deodorizer at home. A bag of coffee grounds can last for weeks. Activated charcoal is also effective in eliminating foul smells. Just place pellets of activated charcoal in a mesh bag, and leave it in your cabin.