Skunk smell refers to an awful smell that makes it impossible for anyone to stay in their house. This annoying smell can get into your home through your pets, or an actual skunk. Ever wondered why are skunks so smelly? Apparently the odor is caused by the component known as thiols, which contain sulfur – thiols are present in skunks’ glands. Getting rid of skunk smell as quickly as possible is important as it can cause a wide range of disease, breathing problems (especially in people who have asthma or suffer from other respiratory diseases), hair and skin problems, blindness (in severe cases), and many more. If left unaddressed, the stink can linger in your house up to several weeks!
The good news is that you do not need to buy chemical-laden products to get rid of skunk smell. With a few simple home remedies, you can get rid of this horrible smell and make your home livable again.
9 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Skunk Smell From Home, Pets & Clothes
Some of the best home remedies to eliminate skunk stench from your home include:
1. Change AC/Heater Filters
Before you try any method to remove skunk smell from your home, make sure that you change the filters on your air conditioner and/or heater. This is one of the most effective ways to minimize the odor that comes from the vents in your home.
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2. Bowls of Vinegar
If you are not sure of where the skunk smell is coming from, a simple yet effective solution is to fill bowls or containers with vinegar and place them in different areas of your home. Leave them where they are for at least 24 hours. If the odor persists, replace the vinegar and place the bowls around your home again.
Note: If there are children at home, make sure that you place the bowls out of their reach.
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3. Bleach Scrub
Skunk smell tends to linger and cling to clothes, furniture, etc. To remove the stench from cupboards, tables and other furniture, mix 1 part of bleach to 9 parts of water. Dip a sponge in the solution and scrub the entire cupboard, table, etc. Once you are done, rub the surface with a clean, damp cloth. If the smell does not go away, repeat the process.
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4. Room Fresheners
If the bowls of vinegar or bleach scrub do not work, you should try spraying a room freshener. While it will not remove the skunk smell permanently, it will make your house smell better. You can also try essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, etc to help in getting rid of the nasty smell.
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To Get Rid of Skunk Smell from Pets
Your pets could be the reason that your house smells of skunk. Everywhere they go, they are likely to spread the stink. To get rid of skunk smell from dogs, you should try out some of the following home remedies:
1. Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide and Liquid Soap: This is one of the most effective and popular remedies to get rid of skunk smell from pets. Just mix 1/4 cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide and a small amount of liquid soap. Put on a pair of protective gloves and mix the ingredients well. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on your pet. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and then wash it off thoroughly with shampoo.
Note:
- Apply the solution directly on your pet’s skin. Make sure that you do not rub it into its nose or eyes.
- Do not leave the solution on your pet for too long as it will turn into a bleaching agent.
- Use the solution immediately after preparing it. Storing it could be explosive.
- 3% hydrogen peroxide is strong enough. Do not use a higher concentration as it will harm your pet.
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2. Tomato Juice
One of the best remedies for getting rid of skunk stench from your dog’s face is tomato juice. It is natural safe, and sure as hell does not cost much, especially if you are going to use it only on the face. Fill a bowl with fresh tomato juice and dip a soft, clean cloth in it. Once you have soaked the cloth sufficiently in the juice, gently rub it on your dog’s face.
Note: While this remedy is safe, you should make sure to avoid contact with your dog’s eyes as it could cause irritation.
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3. Vinegar and Water
A solution of vinegar and water is another excellent remedy for eliminating rid of skunk smell from pets. All you have to do is mix vinegar and water in a 1:4 ratio in a large mixing bowl. Rub the solution on your pet’s fur and leave it on for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse off thoroughly with clean water.
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To Get Rid of Skunk Smell from Clothes
As mentioned earlier, skunk smell tends to cling to clothes, so you need to find ways to get rid of the stench. Here are a couple of home remedies to effectively eliminate the skunk stench from your clothes:
1. Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix 1 part of hydrogen peroxide with 6 parts of water and soak the skunk-smelling clothes in the solution for one hour. Next, wring the solution out of the clothes and wash them with a mild detergent. Dry them outside in the sun. Your clothes will smell fresh once more.
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2. Diluted Vinegar
If you have delicate clothes that smell of skunk, then use diluted vinegar instead of hydrogen peroxide. Mix 1 part vinegar and 6 or 7 parts of water. Soak your clothes in this solution for 2 hours. Wash them with regular detergent after the 2 hours are up.
Note:
- Harsh detergents can damage the fiber of some fabrics, hence ensure to dilute any harsh ingredient you use for your clothes.
- Make sure that you smell your clothes before you put the in the dryer. If they still have the skunk odor, you should wash them again. If you do not, you will seal the skunk smell permanently.
Skunk smell can be annoying as it can stay for quite some time. However, with a few simple home remedies and a little time and effort, you can get rid of skunk smell and have a fresh-smelling home and clothes again.
