Accidental spills in your vehicle's interior happen all the time, particularly liquid spills, which can stain the seat materials and carpet. Milk spills are a common occurrence and they can originate from milk cartons, baby formula bottles, milkshakes and other related milk products. Sour milk smell that is allowed to linger distracts the driver and occupants and can even cause nausea if not removed. With household products and simple procedures, you can rid your vehicle's interior of this irritating smell and residue.
Items you will need
- Paper towels
- Large sponge
- Distilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Toothbrush
- Leather cleaner and protector
- Vinyl cleaner and protector
- Wet-dry vacuum
- Baking soda
- 2 deodorant sticks
Step 1
Find the source of the sour milk smell in your car. Open up all the doors and roll down the windows. Look for any empty or partially filled container that held a milk product. Look in likely locations: Under the front seats, rear seat area, side pockets or in the center console compartment, if so equipped. Try not to spill any liquid from the container during removal. For a fresh spill, use paper towels to mop up the liquid. Use blotting motions, changing out the used towels frequently. If no container is visible, locate the odor by smell, or feel for a crusty residue.
Step 2
Clean the spill area with a large sponge. Dampen the sponge with cold water. If the seat area is infected, reach into the seams, crevices and sewn joints. Cold water will not harm leather, vinyl or cloth seats. Do not use hot water -- it will set and cook the stain. For carpet contamination, use the sponge and cold water with continuous blotting motions. Clean the sponge after multiple blots.
Step 3
Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar. Spray the area where you just used the sponge and cold water on the seat material or carpet. Let the area soak for 15 minutes, allowing the vinegar to kill the organic bacteria. Use a clean, dry sponge to wipe up the vinegar moisture on the seat or compartment areas, making sure to reach into the seams and crevices. Use a toothbrush to scrub the vinegar into the carpet from all angles. Use a wet-dry vacuum to suck up the vinegar moisture from the carpet. Let the area air dry for 12 hours or more. Drying time will be reduced in direct sunlight.
Step 4
Apply leather cleaner and protector to any leather material, such as the seats or side door panels. Use vinyl cleaner and protector on vinyl interiors. Both of these products will clean deeper into the surface and provide a sealant or barrier. It is not necessary to use any type of cleaner, degreaser or protector on cloth material.
Step 5
Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and use a toothbrush to agitate the powder back and forth into the weave. Let the baking soda sit for 15 minutes or longer. Vacuum up all baking soda residue. The baking soda will absorb any remaining bacteria and neutralize the smell. Place two deodorant sticks in the vehicle -- one in the front and one in the rear. Drive the vehicle with the windows down for a few days to allow the interior to air out.
source http://autoresource.internetautoguide.com/rid-sour-milk-smell-car-1365.html
by Chris Stevenson, Demand Media
by Chris Stevenson, Demand Media
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