- Get to work on cleaning the skunk spray as soon as possible. ...
- Clean outside, if possible, to reduce the likelihood of bringing the odorous oil inside your house. ...
- Take a long hot shower after cleaning up skunk spray to get rid of the residual skunk smell that got on you.
- Consider ditching soiled fabrics and clothes. ...
- Be persistent. ...
How long does it take for skunk smell to go away?
Mild skunk odors can be eliminated with proper ventilation, usually within 14 to 21 days. However, stronger odors, such as those that have seeped into clothing, furniture and pet fur, cannot be eliminated. If no immediate action is taken, untreated skunk smell can last for months or even years.
How to remove skunk smell from clothes and more?
Tips to Remove Skunk Odor from Clothes
- Wash all items twice using hot water and the strongest detergent possible.
- Bleach is perfectly fine to use … as long as you’re fine with discoloured clothes.
- Do NOT put any clothing in the dryer. Allow to air dry and if possible, hang outside to dry.
- Pay attention to the fabric care recommendations when laundering your clothes.
How do I remove skunk smell?
Homemade Skunk Odor Eliminator
- Method 1 of 4: Getting Skunk Spray Off Your Skin. Don’t touch anything! ...
- Method 2 of 4: Treating Pets That Have Been Sprayed. Get your pet outside immediately. ...
- Method 3 of 4: Cleaning Clothes and Washable Fabrics. Soak your clothes in a diluted peroxide solution. ...
- Method 4 of 4: Removing Skunk Smell from the House. Open windows and turn on fans and vents. ...
What can cause a skunk smell?
What Else Could The Skunk Smell In The Basement Be?
- Look For Dried Out Plumbing. The first thing you should look at are the P-traps in your basement. ...
- Poorly Assembled Plumbing And Venting. Sometimes, it’s more of a matter of wear and tear. ...
- Mold. Though it’s not the most common way to describe a moldy smell, there are a handful of mold species that can cause a skunky, musty scent.
- An Actual Skunk. ...
How long does skunk smell last on a person?
two to three weeksThe smell from skunk spray can linger for two to three weeks, so if you're the unfortunate recipient you need to act fast. Skunk spray is pungent, oily and hard to remove. The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to neutralize.
Does bathing in tomato juice get rid of skunk smell?
A popular myth is that bathing an animal in tomato juice will eliminate or neutralize skunk odor – it does not.
Is skunk odor harmful to humans?
Breathing it in can irritate the lungs. The odor has the potential to worsen asthma symptoms, but this is quite rare. The smell can be nauseating. While skunk spray is best classified as an irritant, rare but important effects have been described in dogs.
Does vinegar get rid of skunk smell?
VINEGAR. Mix 2 parts of water with 1 part apple cider vinegar in a plastic bottle (preferably one that you can squeeze). Using gloves, wet coat and work one section at a time, starting with the skunk-sprayed area. The solution should sit for no less than 5 minutes to fully enjoy the deodorizing properties of vinegar.
Does peanut butter get rid of skunk smell?
Most food will wash out with a bit of warm water and soap, but for gum, that just won't work. If your dog gets gum in his fur, rub the area with peanut butter or vegetable oil and then work the gum out with your fingers.
How do I get the lingering skunk smell out of my house?
If you are faced with such a smelly situation, then you can try the following helpful tips to get skunk odor out of your house:Open windows and screened doors. ... Run fans. ... Change out your filters. ... Place bowls of vinegar around the house. ... Take a bath immediately. ... Use a great deal of soap.More items...•
How do I Deskunk my house?
Here are some tips for in-house skunk smell removal. Open all of your windows and let as much sunlight in as possible to oxidize the odor and shorten its lifespan. Also, run the fan in your central heating or AC system to circulate the air. Place bowls of vinegar in each room for two or three days.
Why do skunks spray every night?
Skunks That Spray in the Night It isn't uncommon for these shy and generally docile animals to use their primary form of defence at night. A skunk sprays when it feels threatened or is startled. Females also use their stench to tell a potential suitor that his attentions are not welcome.
What do you bathe in to get rid of skunk smell?
Mix together: 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide (available at any pharmacy) 1/4 cup baking soda. 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap.
Why does tomato juice work on skunk smell?
Tomato juice does not make skunk odor go away. More specifically, tomato juice does not react chemically with the skunk odor to destroy it. Instead, it simply has a strong enough smell on its own to partially mask the skunk smell.
Can you bathe a dog in tomato juice?
Bathe your dog with dog shampoo. Dry him off, then cover him in tomato juice, saturating the coat completely. Let the juice soak for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it out.
Does lemon remove skunk smell?
White vinegar mixed with lemon juice will cut through a good chunk of the smell. Dr Bronner's makes a citrus soap that also does a surprisingly great job on skunk smells. Both are chemically mild and easy on the animal.
How to get rid of skunk musk smell?
Put on rubber gloves. Pour 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/2 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid or laundry soap into a large container, then mix with a spoon. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda convert the skunk musk into an odorless chemical, and the soap in the mixture breaks down the oily residue so the other chemicals can work.
What to do if skunk spray gets in your eyes?
If the skunk spray gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with water and see a doctor if irritation persists.
Can you use skunk odor remover on your skin?
You may also purchase a skunk odor-removal product and apply it to your skin as directed on the package.
How to get rid of skunk smell in clothes?
This chemical compound can damage the fibers of clothing, however, so it must be diluted prior to application. Start the de-skunking process by mixing one part hydrogen peroxide to six parts water in a large bucket. Then soak the smelly clothing in the solution for an hour or so.
How to get rid of a skunk in a house?
The solution is to employ a stink of your own. First, block all but one area that the skunk could use to escape, ideally with wire mesh dug about a foot into the ground (which will deter future uninvited guests), but bricks, stones, or other impediments may suffice in a pinch.
How long does it take for skunk smell to go away?
That’s why it’s important to get to work de-skunking clothing, furnishings, and other surfaces immediately—ideally within an hour of being sprayed. It’s simply not enough to open the windows, hold your nose and hope for the best! Use the targeted technique described above that best suits your skunky scenario ASAP.
Why is skunk spray oily?
Skunk spray is not only redolent, it’s oily, due to the organic compound thiol that the creatures naturally produce. The smell is foul, and the oiliness allows it to adhere to the skunk’s enemy—so it can be hard to remove with plain soap and water.
How long does a skunk smell last?
So a skunk smell in your backyard or, worse, inside your home or on your loved ones must be addressed immediately—ideally within an hour or two of the spray. If neglected, that foul odor could linger for months on household textiles, everything from bed linens to furniture upholstery.
How to get rid of odors in a room?
Start by placing open containers or bowls of vinegar in the corners of the room and adjacent to any affected furniture. The vinegar will work to absorb odors over the next few days. Next, begin a targeted attack on specific surfaces , ventilating the rooms before using chemical products and wearing gloves during use.
How to get rid of a car smell?
So mix a solution of dish or laundry detergent, water, and vinegar, and scrub the stinky areas well, using rags, sponges, or a brush, then rinse . Should the smell somehow be inside the car, pre-wash leather or faux-leather seats with a rag and diluted dish/laundry detergent, then wipe with a clean damp rag.
How to get rid of skunk smell?
If you ask most people how to get rid of skunk smell, the answer you'll probably receive most often is to take a bath in tomato juice; unfortunately, it doesn't really work. According to Chemistry of Skunk Spray by William F. Wood (Department of Chemistry, Humboldt State University, Arcata, Calif.), tomato juice "seems to work because at high doses of skunk spray the human nose quits smelling the odor, and the tomato juice odor is instead detected. (olfactory fatigue). When this happens, the odor of tomato juice can easily be detected."
What is the best way to get rid of skunk smell on pets?
Experts from Cornell University, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other universities and government agencies also recommend over-the-counter products that contain neutroleum alpha to get rid of skunk smells on pets. These products are available at many pet stores.
How to get skunk smell out of a deck?
To get skunk smells out of buildings, wooden decks and porches, etc., mix 1 cup of liquid bleach in a gallon of water. Be careful because it can bleach surfaces. Try it on a small spot first, if there is concern about discoloration. The Spruce / Almar Creative.
What Is Skunk Smell?
Skunk spray otherwise referred to as skunk musk is a defense mechanism of the striped skunk to ward off predators. It stores this secretion in its anal glands and sprays a yellow oily discharge at predators when it is surprised or feels threatened. A skunk spray can travel up to a distance of 3 meters! ( 1 ).
What Are The Effects Of Skunk Smell?
Getting sprayed by a skunk and suffering the stench is one half of your misery, the other half is nausea and teary eyes caused by the spray. Studies suggest that skunk spray has a similar effect as that of tear gas. The spray causes you to tear up when it comes in contact with your eyes as it’s a natural tear inducer.
How To Get Rid Of Skunk Smell
Acting quickly and using the right products is the most critical step in tackling skunk odor. The quicker you act, the better are your chances of completely getting rid of that nasty stench. Here are a few ways that may help you with skunk smell removal.
Safety Precautions To Consider
If you find yourself face-to-face with a skunk, speak in a low tone and stomp your foot to shoo it away. Avoid any sudden movements as it may perceive you as a threat and unleash its spray.
Why do humans smell?
Humans are particularly smelly because we release odours from nearly every part of our bodies, rather than just specific bits like other animals . The smell is. How to Remove Skunk Odor from a Human – animals.mom.me – You should stop after each step to see if the smell is gone.
How to get rid of mites in pet ears?
Applying mineral oil to the pet’s ear with an eye-dropper or a special ear irrigation pump is the best way to get rid of ear mites. Mineral oil.
How to get rid of skunk smell in dog?
Rinse the fur clean and rewash your pet, this time with a typical pet shampoo. If possible, use a product specially designed to remove the skunk smell.
How to get skunk smell out of hair?
Wash your hair rigorously with a shampoo that specializes in oily hair; this will help get the oily skunk substances out. If you suffered an extensive squirt or the smell is still lingering around, try adding a dash of dishwashing detergent to the mix.
Why Does Skunk Spray Smell So Bad?
To protect themselves from predators, skunks have evolved to excrete an excruciatingly unpleasant odor from their anal glands when they feel threatened.
How to get rid of skunk spray on clothes?
Clothes and fabrics become especially susceptible to skunk spray if not treated immediately. Soak the soiled clothes in a solution of one part vinegar and four parts water for 30 minutes. Add half a cup of baking soda to your regular dose of laundry detergent.
How long does skunk spray last?
Consequently, the acrid stench of skunk spray can remain for several weeks after the excretion. That’s part of the function: skunks want to make sure you never mess with them again.
What to use to clean car with skunk smell?
If the stinky smell persists, you could try cleaning your car with a de-skunk shampoo degreaser.
What happens if you leave the window open and a skunk finds its way into your car?
If you leave the window open and a skunk finds its way into your car, then you’ll have one heck of a smelly mess to deal with. A more likely scenario is you could transfer skunk spray from your clothes or your pet onto the upholstery. This is the most difficult skunk-based scenario.
How to get rid of skunk smell on skin?
Begin by mixing 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, a half cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of dish soap. Use a washcloth to apply this mixture to the skin and 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.
How to get rid of a smelly carpet?
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.
How long does skunk musk last?
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 glands as a self-defense measure. This oily liquid can shoot up to fifteen feet and can temporarily blind ...
How to make a dog bath with baking soda?
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.
Can a pet get a skunk smell?
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 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 method can work, but may take longer than it does for a human.
Do skunks mix with pets?
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 skunk odor.
Can you wash a shampooer indoors?
However, larger piece will need cleaning indoors. Remove any covers, cushion cases and 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.
Myths vs. Facts
Retail Products
- One recommendation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture is to use over-the-counter products that contain neutroleum alpha to get rid of skunk smells on pets.4These products are available at many pet stores.
De-Skunking Tips
- Try to remove the smell from people, pets, and itemsas quickly and thoroughly as possible. The longer the odor is on anything, the more difficult it will be to remove.
- If you can, work outside so you don't bring the smell into the house or get the oil on the carpet, furniture or other household items.
- Shower thoroughly with hot water after using any de-skunking solution.
- Try to remove the smell from people, pets, and itemsas quickly and thoroughly as possible. The longer the odor is on anything, the more difficult it will be to remove.
- If you can, work outside so you don't bring the smell into the house or get the oil on the carpet, furniture or other household items.
- Shower thoroughly with hot water after using any de-skunking solution.
- If clothing or other items have been heavily sprayed by the skunk, you may want to simply discard them, as the fabric can hold skunk odor for a very long time.
Indoors
- If people or pets come into the house before being de-skunked, you may find that the smell lingers in the air. To get rid of it, boil vinegar in a pan. The home will now smell like vinegar, but once that smell is gone, the skunk odor should also be gone.
Cleaning Buildings and Decks
- To get skunk smells out of buildings, wooden decksand porches, etc., mix 1 cup of liquid bleach in a gallon of water. Be careful because it can bleach surfaces. Try it on a small spot first, if there is concern about discoloration.
The Final Word
- It is unlikely that any solution will completely eliminate the smell the first time. It may take several times or a length of time for the smell to completely dissipate.