How to Get a Skunk Smell Out of the House

Rid your home of that foul skunk smell.

If you or a member of your household has recently had a run-in with a skunk, you will probably have to deal with some smelly consequences. Even if the animal did not actually enter your home, its overwhelming stench can quickly spread throughout your house, lingering for days afterward. All is not lost, however; with just a little time and effort, you can easily remove the skunk smell from your house.

Things You'll Need

• 2 regular-size bottles of distilled white vinegar
• A large pot
• Cinnamon
• One sliced apple
• Several metal mixing bowls
• Coffee grounds
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Open all the windows in your house. This will get the air circulating through the house and help get the smell out more quickly. If you have fans, turn them on as well.

2. Pour two regular-sized bottles (approximately 50 ounces) of distilled white vinegar into a large pot. Although larger houses may require more, this is a good amount to start out with. You can always add more later.

3. Add 2 to 4 tbsp. of cinnamon and one sliced apple to the vinegar. Bring the mixture to a slow boil.

4. Divide the mixture into several metal bowls.

5. Place a bowl of the mixture in each room of the house. Although it will no longer be boiling, the mixture should be steaming; this releases the vapors into the room.

6. Spread out 1 to 2 cups of coffee grounds on a baking sheet. Leave the oven door slightly open and bake at 250 degrees for about five minutes.

7. Repeat these steps until you can no longer smell the odor. Although it may take multiple attempts, the smell should be gone within one or two days.

Tips & Warnings

• If your floors are carpeted, steam clean them immediately. For best results, mix a quarter-cup baking soda in 1 quart of hot water. You may also want to use this solution to clean upholstery. If the skunk smell is on your clothes, wash them in warm water with a strong laundry detergent. Do not use hot water, as this will only release the odor.

Resources

• More Tips for Removing Skunk Smell