How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell

It is a common fact that skunks release a foul-smelling spray, whenever they get threatened. If there are skunks in your neighborhood, it may happen that you or your pet gets skunked at sometime or other. It may also happen that one of these animals manage to gain entry into your house and spray on the carpet or furniture or curtains. Such stench can be really horrible and will linger on for a few days, if not remedied at the earliest. So, it is always better to have a basic idea about methods to remove skunk smell. Even those with skunks as pets must know such methods.

Skunk Smell Removal

Skunks are animals that can cause nuisance by damaging the premises, especially the garden and other vegetation. But the real trouble is the spray released by these animals from their anal glands. This spray is released by skunks, when they get threatened. The spray has an obnoxious smell that lingers on for a long time. If your premises are frequented by skunks, then, you or your pet may come across this animal and get sprayed. So, it is very much essential that you know how to get rid of skunk smell.

From Clothes

One of the golden rules regarding skunk smell removal is that you have to act fast. You have to wash off the skunk spray at the earliest, so as to remove the odor. If the skunk has sprayed on your clothes, then, remove and wash them immediately. However, washing with regular detergents may not be effective in removing skunk smell. Mix a quart of white vinegar (you may also use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar) with ¼ cup of baking soda and one teaspoon liquid soap and wash the clothes in this mixture. Once you treat your clothes with this mixture, wash them with your regular detergent. The same can be done with curtains and other furnishings. Once you treat the clothes with the above said mixture rinse it off thoroughly, so as to prevent fading of clothes. You may also use commercial products for this purpose.

From Pets

Pets are often found to be victims of skunk smell and the former can spread the offensive smell inside the house. So, skunk smell removal from dogs and other pets has to be done as soon as you notice that your pet has been skunked. Make sure to keep your pet outside, and wipe off the sprayed area, immediately. After that wash your pet's body with deskunking shampoos or sprays. If you don't have such deskunking products, make one at home with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and liquid soap. Mix one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with ¼ cup baking soda and a teaspoon of liquid soap. Use the mixture, as soon as you make it, because, any delay can make it less effective. Apply the mixture on the body of your pet and scrub with a sponge for two to three minutes before rinsing off. Make sure that the mixture does not enter the eyes of the animal. If your animal has any bruises on the body, contact the vet. Application of tomato juice, soda, orange juice, etc. are said to be among the commonly used skunk smell remedies.

From the House

Sometimes, it may happen that skunks gain entry in your house and spray some surfaces. Your pet that has been skunked may enter the house and spread the smell. In such circumstances, you have to take immediate measures to get rid of the skunk smell in house. The very first thing to do is to remove and clean the source of the smell. It can be your pet or clothes or furniture. Keep the doors and windows open and switch on the fans. Wash the floors and other surfaces with vinegar diluted with water (1:4 ratio). You may also use commercial products used for removing skunk smell. Once done, burn some scented candles and other such products inside the house.

If your premises are frequented by skunks, it will be better to adopt some ways to get rid of skunks from the area. So, resort to such preventive measures and save yourself, your pets and your house from the skunk smell.