How to Remove the Smell of Spoiled Coffee with Milk from a Stainless Steel Thermos

Removing the smell of spoiled coffee with milk from a stainless steel thermos can be challenging, but with the right methods, it's entirely manageable. This article details several effective ways to eliminate that stubborn smell and keep your thermos fresh and aromatic.

Effective Methods for Cleaning Your Thermos

1. Vinegar and Baking Soda [Reference to sources]

Ingredients: White vinegar, baking soda, hot water. Steps: Empty the thermos and rinse it with warm water. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to the thermos. Pour in about 1 cup of white vinegar. The mixture will fizz. After the fizzing stops, fill the thermos with hot water and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

2. Dish Soap and Hot Water [Reference to sources]

Ingredients: Dish soap, hot water. Steps: Fill the thermos with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Use a long bottle brush to scrub the inside thoroughly. Rinse well with hot water.

3. Lemon Juice [Reference to sources]

Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, hot water. Steps: Squeeze the juice of 1-2 lemons into the thermos. Fill the rest with hot water and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse thoroughly.

4. Coffee Grounds [Reference to sources]

Ingredients: Used coffee grounds, hot water. Steps: Add a few tablespoons of used coffee grounds to the thermos. Fill it with hot water and let it sit for a few hours. Rinse well. The coffee grounds can help absorb odors.

5. Activated Charcoal [Reference to sources]

Ingredients: Activated charcoal (available in health stores). Steps: Place a small amount of activated charcoal in the thermos. Seal it and let it sit for 24 hours. The charcoal will absorb odors. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

6. Commercial Odor Eliminators [Reference to sources]

Look for specialized cleaners designed for stainless steel or thermoses. Follow the product instructions for the best results.

Tips for Preventing Odor Buildup

Always rinse thoroughly after using any cleaning method to ensure no residue remains. Regular cleaning after each use can prevent odors from developing in the future.

Try one or a combination of these methods to effectively eliminate the smell from your thermos!

Additionally, you can also chuck a dishwasher tablet in it, along with hot water. This method is particularly effective but be cautious as it can foam and spill over, and take a couple of hours to work.

Note: While sodium carbonate washing soda (NaCO3) and baking soda (NaHCO3) can work, they often require more time to effective compared to other methods.