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Spending just a few hours each day in your car will result in wear and tear. Not only will the exterior of your vehicle come in contact with the elements, but the interior will also need to hold its own against various contaminants and spills. One of the most difficult spills to remove is milk. Fortunately, if you follow these steps, you will get rid of milk stains quickly and effectively.
Clean Up Quickly
The first thing to remember is that you should avoid allowing the milk to dry. Once dried, it will be that much more difficult to remove. If you are close to your destination, you should attend to the spilled milk problem as soon as you arrive. If you still have a long way to go when the accident happens, you might want to pull over at the nearest safe location to soak up the spilled milk.
Dab Don’t Rub
While it might be tempting to rub and scrub, this actually forces the stain further into the fibers of the fabric. Instead, you should dab up the stain using a cotton cloth or something similar. Allow the cloth to absorb the milk by using prolonged pressure. Repeat with various parts of the cloth until the milk is absorbed.
Remove If Possible
Remove any items that can be removed. For example, if the milk is spilled on a mat, you should remove the mat. You can also remove car seat covers and wash them. You can machine wash certain items or hand wash if you prefer. Allow these removable items to dry outside in the sun and rewash if there is even a hint of a stain or smell.
Cleaning the Upholstery
You cannot remove the seats of your car but you can use deep cleaning methods to remove any remaining milk. Steam cleaners with powerful stain removal solutions are excellent for eliminating food smells, including milk. Remember, deep cleaning is important because these types of spills have a way of penetrating the inner layers of the upholstery fabric. Even if your car looks and smells good today, it won’t be long before the spoiled milk smell resurfaces.
Getting Rid of the Smell
It’s not only about the stain on your upholstery, but also the smell. Even if you cannot see the stain, the smell alone can make even the shortest drive unpleasant. There are a few ways in which you can get rid of the smell of spoiled milk in your car. Fill a container with coffee grounds and keep it open in your car for a couple of weeks. Alternatively, you can apply baking soda to the affected area to absorb any remaining moisture and smells.
The baking soda will need to sit for about three or four days before you vacuum your upholstery thoroughly. White vinegar is another great tool for removing smells. It also helps break down the milk enzymes and reduce odors. The best part about using vinegar is the fact that it is safe and you don’t have to worry about it affecting the appearance or color of your upholstery. Mix one part vinegar with four parts water and apply it to the affected area using a spray bottle. Allow the vinegar mixture to rest on the fabric for about four or five hours before you blot the area dry.
Apply an Enzyme Spray
If none of these tips work, you might need to apply an enzyme spray. This spray actually eats away at the residues causing the bad smell. Use as per the instructions on the bottle and allow it to work for a couple of days before you blot the area dry. Take care, however, since these sprays are not to be used on suede or leather upholstery.
Ventilation
Fresh air is essential for getting rid of spilled milk smells and helping the upholstery in your car dry that much quicker. Leave your windows open as much as you can for the next few days. If the smell seems to go away only to return after several days, it could mean that the stain was not completely removed
Professional Cleaning Services
In some cases, even your best efforts may not suffice and this is when you need professional car detailing services. Let the experts know that you need a milk spill taken care of and they will arrive prepared with the equipment and cleaning products necessary to effectively remove any remaining milk enzymes.
For speedy mobile car detailing services throughout the Greater Toronto Area, contact Wash Me Now at (647) 607-5199. With years of professional detailing experience, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in the very best hands.