How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell

Ever get a whiff of fresh skunk spray? That “skunky” smell wafting through your car vent on a country road can’t compare to the potency of fresh skunk spray—which is overwhelming, to say the least. Whatever it touches reeks so badly it has to stay out of the house until a remedy is found. Skunk smell can linger for two to three weeks, so you will need to act—and fast—if you get sprayed. Skunk spray is pungent and oily. It’s hard to remove and the longer you wait, the harder it is to neutralize. Here’s how to get rid of skunk smell.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell in the Car:

Hitting a skunk with your car is not only traumatic, but it’s also smelly. The smell has the potential to linger for weeks so here’s how to get rid of skunk smell in the car ASAP:

1. Mix together one quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and one tsp. of liquid dish liquid in a bowl. With a clean cloth, gently scrub (do not saturate) the interior surfaces of your car.
2. Next, wash your cars carpet and upholstery with clean water. Push a fresh cloth into the carpet and upholstery to dry them.
3. Wash the exterior of your car including the tires as you would with a normal car wash.
4. Finally, to soak up the remaining stink, place charcoal in a small container anc cut a few small holes in the lid of a plastic container and leave this in your car for a few weeks. The charcoal will absorb lingering odors.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell in the House

While it’s rare that a skunk would be in the house, its scent may linger if a person or pet who was sprayed comes indoors. In that case here are some tips to get rid of skunk smell in the house:

• Open up windows.
• Run a house fans if you have them.
• Place dishes of vinegar around the house (out of reach of pets and young children).
• You can also heat up a pan of vinegar on the stovetop to help get rid of skunk smell.

Learn more great tricks to eliminating odors in the house.

How to get rid of skunk smell on a pet

To get rid of skunk smell on a pet, try this recipe from The Humane Society of the United States:

1. 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap mixed just before use—not in advance.
2. Wear rubber gloves when applying and keep the solution away from your pet’s eyes and out of their mouth.
3. Rinse immediately, then follow up with a pet shampoo. An alternative is to use a pet shampoo labeled for neutralizing skunk smells, such as this one.

Buy pet shampoo now on Amazon.

How to get rid of skunk smell on clothing

Here’s how to get rid of skunk smell on clothing:

1. Soak clothing in a solution of one part vinegar and four parts water for several hours to get rid of skunk smell on washable clothing.
2. Rinse with water, then wash in hot water using detergent and 1/2 cup baking soda. Set for repeat rinse.
3. Hang dry, outdoors if possible; do not use clothes dryer.

Skunks aren’t the only animal pest you may have to deal with. Learn how to get rid of raccoons.

If you have other bad smells around your house, these tips will help.

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