Getting rid of skunk smell is not easy. Their smell filters through the air and has even the strongest running for cover. Skunk musk is a strong, foul-smelling odor that can seem impossible to remove and can hang around for a month or more when left untreated.
Unlike in the cartoons, skunks don’t give off this smell just by being. Instead, the musk is shot from the glands as a self-defense measure. This oily liquid can shoot up to fifteen feet and can temporarily blind the unfortunate person or animal that gets sprayed in the face. Before learning how to get rid of skunk smell, it’s important to know where the smell is coming from.
If a pet has been sprayed, try to keep them outside until the odor has been removed.
If it was a human that was sprayed, remove all clothing and quarantine them in the bathroom until all the bathing is finished. This will keep the smell from penetrating too far into the home.
Skunk Odor on Human Skin
Removing skunk odor from human skin may seem tricky, but it’s much simpler than removing it from pets or fabric. Begin by mixing 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, a half cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Use a washcloth to apply this mixture to the skin, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then rinse off with clean water for at least 5 minutes. The process may need repeating.
Skunk Smell on Pets
Pets seem to be the first ones to encounter a skunk. Whether because the skunk is trapped in an area with the pet or because the pet simply ran across the skunk, pets, and skunks never mix well. The fur covering a pet makes it harder to remove the skunk odor. The oily musk sticks to every strand of fur and can take a long time to wash away. The hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap methods can work but may take longer than they do for humans.
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Begin by giving the pet a dry bath with a 1-part oak meal and 1-part baking soda mix. Simply cover the pet in the mix and then let it sit for a few minutes. Brush the oak meal/baking soda mix away and let the pet shake off any remaining powder.
This mixture will not only absorb the odor but also draw oil away from fur. Once the dry bath is finished, the pet should get a wet bath with a commercial skunk odor-removing shampoo. Repeat the shampooing as many times as needed.
Skunk Smell on Clothing
Clothing, towels, bedding, and any other fabric that can fit into a washing machine is salvageable after a skunk spray. Wash all items at least twice with the strongest laundry detergent available. If possible, let the clothing air dry outside. This will help dissipate any remaining scent.
After the wash is complete, the washer will need a good cleaning. This can be done with vinegar and baking soda. Set the washer for a large load and use hot water. Add 3 cups of vinegar and let it agitate for a moment before adding a half cup of baking soda. Let it run for another moment, and then stop it. Let this sit for an hour or so before letting the washer complete the cycle.
Skunk Odor in the Home
Skunk musk can spread pretty far and will drift into even the most airtight spaces of a home or car. The homeowner should open all the windows and doors. Set up a few fans to circulate air throughout the house.
Clean any surfaces that the harsh chemical won’t harm with bleach. Other items can be washed with warm water and dish soap. The walls, floors, and ceilings should be added to the list of areas to wipe down. If there is an air filter in the home, change it out or clean the filter. Odor eliminating sprays are also handy for clearing out skunk smells.
Carpet cleaners and shampoos can sometimes effectively remove the offensive smell, but they may have to be cleaned a few times before the odor is gone completely. Rugs should be hung outside to let them air out.
Getting Rid of Skunk Smell on Furniture
Sometimes pets and children run amok and spread the smell to furniture. If the piece isn’t too big to move outside, move it as soon as possible to let it begin airing out. However, larger pieces will need cleaning indoors.
Remove any covers, cushion cases, or anything else removable that can be thrown into a washing machine and wash them. For the rest, commercial shampooers can be rented at home and garden stores, and they work the best at removing odors. Fabric fresheners, preferably ones that eliminate odor instead of masking it, can also be helpful.
Skunks come and go. They are typically very docile creatures and will only spray when they feel threatened. To avoid getting skunked, remember to stay calm and let the skunk go on its way.
Teaching children this can help reduce the risk of them getting sprayed. If all else fails and the skunk odor refuses to leave, you can hire professional cleaners who can come and remove the odor.
Thanks for the tip to hang rugs outside to let them air out after being sprayed by a skunk. There have been several skunks roaming around my home lately, and my dog keeps on frightening them. Because I don’t want to deal with skunks anymore, I will be sure to call in a professional to handle the situation and air out my home as best as I can.
Larry, sorry to hear that your dog has been causing skunks to spray around your home but I’m glad you are calling a skunk removal professional. If you need help getting in touch with some professionals just fill out a few questions here.