Best Ways to Remove Skunk Smell From Your House or Car

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There are few things in nature that are as foul to the human nose as the putrid scent that is produced by a skunk when it sprays, and in many cases where skunks have found their way into an urban or suburban area, this can be particularly horrible. The truth is that in many cases, people who encounter the smell from a skunk will do so through their pets, and in some cases the pet may have returned into the house or vehicle before you can stop them from spreading the smell. There are several different ways that you can try to use to deal with the problem, but unfortunately there will usually be some time before all traces of the scent can be removed.



Commercial Skunk Odor Removal Products

There are several different products that claim to be able to remove skunk smell, and in most cases these will include hydrogen peroxide within their recipe, as this is the widest known substance that can help to get rid of a skunk’s scent. If you do live in an area where there is a high skunk population then you will often find that there are commercially developed products that are available in local hardware stores and garden centers, but in other areas of the country they may be a little more difficult to obtain. If you are looking for the easiest way to clean the area where the skunk smell has been left, then this is usually one of the best ways to deal with the problem.

Home Remedies To Help Remove The Scent

While there are commercial products available, if you have a little more time and want to save a little money too, then there are also several home remedies that can be used to clean hard surfaces. The most commonly used remedy is made by combining a quart of hydrogen peroxide, a quarter of a cup of baking soda and a spoonful of washing up liquid, which then needs to be mixed shortly before it is used. This can be used on cloth surfaces too, although you will need to be careful as this can cause some bleaching of the surface. For sensitive cloth surfaces, you may need to wash them several times instead to get the smell out.

Preventing Pets From Spreading The Smell Around The Home

One of the big problems that comes with having pets is that they can encounter the skunk when they are off the leash, and even being inquisitive can lead to them being sprayed. If this happens, close your doors and do not let them into your car or house, otherwise you will have a big cleaning job on your hands. There are also similar products available that can be used as a shampoo to wash the dogs and cats, while there are also home remedies. These include a similar, but weakened hydrogen peroxide solution, while others suggest that a feminine hygiene solution can also be used to help remove the smell from the dog or cat. Only once the smell has been removed, or seriously reduced, should you allow the dog back in the house!

Dealing With The Problem Skunk

If this happens more than once in your area, then it may be worth looking to trap and remove the skunk that is actually causing the stink, to prevent them from spraying your pets, your car or home. While it is possible to trap and remove the animal yourself, you will need to be very careful to avoid being sprayed, so with the potential consequences, this is one job that you might wish to hire a professional for!

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