How to Get Skunk Smell Out of a Home
Skunks are often considered playful and cute, unless your dog has been on the receiving end of their noxious attack. Their spray is a yellow-colored oil, stored in two anal glands the size of walnuts. Able to aim and spray several feet, the skunk uses the oil for protection against predators or when alarmed. In close quarters, the spray is similar to tear gas, and can cause nausea and vomiting. If the odor gets in the house, either from the spray entering an open window or a sprayed dog running inside, the house will reek for days or even weeks without some quick intervention. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Fans
- Candles or incense
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Water
- Laundry soap
- Coca-cola
- Lemon oil or Pine-Sol cleaner
- Coffee
- Cloves
Instructions
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1
Open all doors and windows to air out the house immediately. A cross-current of air in the house is one of the quickest ways to get rid of the worst of the smell although it may linger.
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2
Utilize all built-in ventilator fans (bathrooms, attic, range hood). Place portable fans in various rooms to blow the skunk's odor out of the house.
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3
Light candles and/or burn incense. While this will only mask the odor and not eliminate it, it can make for a more pleasant environment while the odor dissipates.
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4
Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet as it absorbs odors. Allow to sit for 30 minutes and then vacuum. Repeat as needed on any areas a sprayed dog may have touched, including upholstered furniture.
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5
Wash floors and walls with lemon oil or Pine-Sol, or a bleach/water mixture, using one part bleach to three parts water. This is especially important if a sprayed dog has rolled on a kitchen floor as the skunk's oil will linger on the surface and continue to give off odor.
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Boil a small pan of vinegar on the stove and/or place bowls of vinegar around the house to help absorb the odor.
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Spray a mixture of bleach and water (1/4 bleach, 3/4 water) in the air as a deodorizer. Be careful not to spray this directly on or over any furniture, carpet or clothing.
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8
Destroy any clothing that may have been directly sprayed by the skunk as the oil will more than likely be permanently saturated. If clothing was touched by a sprayed dog, it may be possible to save. Launder skunk-soiled clothing by itself with one can of Coca-cola and regular laundry soap in cold water. Repeat as necessary until odor is removed.
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9
Simmer a pan of cloves in a little water or orange juice on the stove as an aromatic air freshener.
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Make a pot of strong coffee, bake some cookies or even bread to help cover the smell.
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Purchase a deodorizer specifically made for skunk odor. Call your veterinarian for a product referral or research online.
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Tips & Warnings
If the dog has rubbed his or her body on carpet, it is recommended to bring in a professional cleaner to shampoo for deep cleaning.
When weather is humid, it's possible for the skunk oil to reactivate if it remains in the house. Try to pinpoint where the scent is originating from. If from the carpet, for example, have it shampooed. If odor is emanating from the walls, wash them again. However, if it seems to permeate the whole house, repeat the above steps until the scent disappears.
