When you spill milk in your car, it can penetrate deep into the trim and leave a bad odor. Whether it's a milk stain that was spilled a long time ago or a recent accident, know that you can restore your car to its original smell and make sure you don't have to deal with the problem again.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean off any liquid

Step 1. Wipe up spilled milk with paper towels
When you have spilled milk, immediately wipe off anything that is still wet or visible. This will help remove stale milk odors from your car and make it easier for you to clean the stain afterwards.
Use paper towels, a white washcloth or a sponge to soak up any spilled milk on the fabric or upholstery. Continue to dab the area until you have blotted all the moisture

Step 2. Remove and clean the floor mats and seat covers
If you can remove the cloth or item that you spilled the milk on, go for it.
- You can wash floor mats that do not contain plastic or rubber in the washing machine. Spray carpets with stain remover before washing them in hot water in the washing machine.
- Other types of materials should be cleaned with a garden hose or washed in the tub with soapy water. Let the rugs air dry inside the house or in the sun.

Step 3. Use a wet vacuum
Use a steam vacuum cleaner to remove deeply encrusted odors of sour milk. Steam vacuums often contain solutions including specific cleaning agents to eliminate food odors and therefore sour milk.

Step 4. Bring in an expert
If the smell of sour milk persists after trying home treatments, the filling is probably affected deeply. Consult an expert or a professional garage to have your car cleaned in order to specifically eliminate the odor of sour milk.
Method 2 of 3: Neutralize and eliminate the odor

Step 1. Use coffee grounds against lingering odors
The coffee grounds will absorb the bad smells emanating from the sour milk to replace them with a smell of fresh coffee.
Fill plastic containers with coffee grounds and slide them under the seats of your car. Leave them on for about two weeks

Step 2. Use baking soda
Apply a layer of baking soda to the affected area to absorb moisture and bad odors. The baking soda will filter the air to eliminate bad odors.
Let the area where you spilled milk dry completely before sprinkling baking soda directly on the area. Leave on for three to four days before vacuuming up the filling

Step 3. Spray white vinegar
Vinegar is very effective against bad smells, which is why you should try using it to combat sour milk odors. The advantage of this product is that it is completely safe, as it does not contain any toxic chemicals.
- Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture directly on the affected area until it is completely soaked. Let it absorb for four to five hours before drying with a white washcloth.
- Leave your car windows open to ventilate the interior.

Step 4. Try an enzymatic cleanser
Buy an enzymatic cleaner at the local hardware store and spray it on the areas where you have spilled milk. The enzymatic cleaner will remove residue and leave a fresh scent.
- Leave the enzymatic cleanser on for a day or two before drying the area.
- Do not use an enzymatic cleaner on leather or suede.

Step 5. Try a carpet cleaner
Carpet cleaners contain harsh chemicals that help clean fabrics thoroughly. Thoroughly remove any remaining moisture after using this product.
Read the instructions to determine how long you need to leave the product in place before vacuuming

Step 6. Air out your car
One of the reasons that sour milk smells develop is that moisture gets trapped in the car and begins to rot. After spilling milk or during a cleaning session, leave the car windows open and put it in the sun so the trim can dry and let in fresh air.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent the return of sour milk odors

Step 1. Immediately wipe up any spills
The longer you let the milk (or any other liquid) sit, the harder it will be to remove the stain or odor. The faster you mop up the liquid, the more likely you are to prevent bad odors from appearing.

Step 2. Let in fresh air
After spilling milk, it's always a good idea to open the car windows for a few hours. This will release the partially evaporated milk into the air and replace it with fresh air.

Step 3. Keep the interior of your car clean
Food and drink provide favorable conditions for the development of bacteria and the bad odors that accompany them. Vacuum and shake your car mats regularly to prevent bad odors from appearing.