Skunk essence or skunk smell has tremendous penetrating capabilities. It might seem as if the odor is literally bleeding through the cement and into your home! Your pet cat or dog can accidentally frighten a skunk and get sprayed. S/he might then run indoors and bring that offensive odor inside your property. Skunk odor can remain on your pet for days, even weeks! The hard part about removing skunk odor is that it tends to mask all other smells. So, no matter how many essential oils you diffuse or spray, the skunk odor tends to overpower them all. So are there any easy ways to get rid of skunk smell on humans, clothing, house, yard, or pets? Yes, there are!
Check out these easy ways to get rid of skunk smell from any surface:
1. Throw away the offending object
Of course, we are not asking you to throw away your cat or dog. If a skunk has sprayed some old patio furniture, pillows, or T-shirts, then simply remove the offending object from your vicinity. Toss it far away in a trash can preferably farther away from your home. This is an easy way to get rid of the skunk smell in the house.
2. Tomato juice
An easy way to get rid of the skunk smell on the dog is by using tomato juice. Squeeze out tomato juice from a fresh, ripe tomato (or use caned juice) and with a sponge, apply it all over the pet’s body. Avoid application near the eyes and mouth. Bathe your pet after half an hour using a vet-approved shampoo. Don’t forget to check your pet’s eyes. If they are red, the skunk spray may have gotten inside. Treat your pet’s eyes with olive oil or some canine eye drops.
3. Baking soda
Sprinkle a handful of baking soda liberally all over the pet beds and carpets that have the offensive skunk smell. Let it sit for 15 minutes before vacuuming it off. This remedy works for the skunk smells in cars too.
4. Ground coffee
Keep some freshly ground coffee all around the house in plates or bowls. (Place these coffee-filled plates/bowls in every room to get rid of skunk smell in the house). This remedy works for the skunk smells in cars too.
5. Tea tree oil
An effective way to remove skunk smell from the house, clothing, and pets is with tea tree oil. Tea tree essential oil has a strong medicinal smell and it also deodorizes and dilutes existing foul odors, in this case, skunk odor. Mix tea tree oil with a bit of water and spray the solution on furniture, clothing, wooden floors, and even on your pets. This will reduce the skunk smell immediately. Re-apply as often as needed.
6. Vinegar
Never forget the power of vinegar when it comes to removing tough odors. Add white vinegar to your laundry wash cycle if a skunk has sprayed your clothing or linen. Wash as usual. Vinegar is a powerful deodorizer and it will eliminate all kinds of harsh smells. For very strong smells, you may have to wash twice. Hang out the washed clothing to air-dry; do not put them in the clothes dryer. Always follow directions/special instructions for washing particular fabrics.
7. Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap (for dogs, cars, clothes, skin etc)
A mixture of 1-quart fresh hydrogen peroxide (3%), ¼ cup baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid soap is a great way to get rid of skunk smell outside or inside. Fill up the mixture in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray all over the smelly areas outside and inside.
If using on a dog, leave the solution on the fur for at least 10 minutes before rinsing clean. Avoid the mouth and eyes. You can also add the solution to your laundry wash cycle after the machine is filled. Be careful, hydrogen peroxide tends to bleach clothes. This is an environmentally friendly way to rid the home of skunk smells.
8. Air out the rooms/change your air filter
Sometimes, simply opening the doors and windows of a closed house and running a fan can help you get rid of skunk smells from the house. Most homes are insulated against winter cold or summer heat as a result of which skunk odor can remain trapped inside. Don’t forget to check your air filter and get it replaced with a clean one. This will help you remove trapped odors and freshen up space.
9. Odor control liquids, granules, and sprays
The market is flooded with odor control liquids, sprays, and granules. Try out different brands and choose the one you like best. For effective deodorization, spray or sprinkle the product directly in the contaminated area. Spray a fine mist around the house and inside the car. You can also spray the floorboards and stairs. These deodorizer products remain airborne for a long time and can get rid of the skunk smell. Always follow product label instructions. Make sure no one in the house or vicinity is allergic to the product. Here are some good products available online and offline that can easily help you get rid of skunk smell in the house:
- Freshwave® – This is available as a gel, spray, pearl packs, and laundry booster. It consists of plant oils and has a scent that is described as ‘tea-tree’-like. Freshwave® Lavender is also popular. Simply use the product as per label instructions. Freshwave® captures malodorous compounds and chemically neutralizes them.
- MagicZymes® – This is a skunk smell remover that comes in gallon-size packages. Simply place a bit of the product in a dish having the skunk odor. Magic-Zymes evaporate into the air and neutralize the odor.
- You can also use foggers and atomizers to deodorize the house off skunk smell. These products convert deodorants into fine mists and sprays that remain airborne for longer periods.
- Pets N People manufactures a brand called Skunk Odor which has a natural citrus scent and isopropyl alcohol. This helps neutralize skunk odors. Keep the product away from your pet’s eyes.
- Odors Away™ – A nontoxic formula from Odors Away™ can also get rid of the skunk smell from the house. You can purchase it inexpensively from the hardware stores and just place a few drops in a bowl in all of the affected rooms.
10. Shampoo carpets and drapes
Skunks often tend to get indoors and mess up your curtains, rugs, and carpets. Shampooing these can lessen skunk smells considerably.
Keep skunks away from your property by shutting garbage cans tightly and bringing in your pet food.