Can you drink milk if it smells bad?
Christopher Snyder
Updated on April 19, 2026
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Simply so, can you drink milk if it smells?
To date, the best bet for steering clear of bad milk is the whiff test—that is, take a sniff and if the milk in your carton smells funky, don't drink it. Pasteurization, however, doesn't do in all bacteria, and it's these sturdy survivors that eventually cause milk to go bad.
Subsequently, question is, what does normal milk smell like? Most moms say breast milk smells like it tastes — like cows' milk, but milder and sweeter. Some say their milk sometimes has a “soapy” smell. Truly sour breast milk — resulting from milk that was pumped and then not stored properly — will have an “off” smell, just like when cows' milk turns sour.
Thereof, how do you get rid of the smell of milk?
Method 1: Baking soda. Baking soda helps to pull out and absorb bad odors. After the spill area has completely dried, shake enough baking soda to cover the affected area. Let the baking soda sit on the spot for three or four days, and then vacuum it up.
What does bad breast milk smell like?
Some people describe a “soapy” smell or taste in their milk after storage; others say it is a “metallic” or “fishy” or “rancid” odor. Some detect a “sour” or “spoiled” odor or taste. Accompanying these changes are concerns that the milk is no longer good for the baby.
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