If you’ve ever been sprayed by a skunk, you know the smell is overwhelming and lingering. But before we get into how to remove that skunk smell from your home, let’s talk about what causes it in the first place: Skunks like to mark their territory with an oily liquid they produce called musk. If you’re unlucky enough to meet one of these smelly creatures face-to-face, he’ll spray this liquid straight at your face. And then there’s no escaping its potent odor! (Skunks can eject up to 10 feet away!) This article will show you how to get rid of that skunk smell in your house so it doesn’t linger for days on end.
A Little Bit About Skunks
It’s important to understand what type of animal caused the odor in the first place. Skunks, like any other animal (including humans!), have musk glands and when threatened, will use them as a defensive mechanism. It’s their way of protecting themselves. You’ll know you’ve been sprayed if you smell a strong scent that smells like sulfur, rotten eggs or garlic.
How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell in House
Now on to how to remove the smell from your home! There are some more natural ways of doing so instead of heading down to the store for one of those expensive, chemical-filled products that may or may not work. We’ve compiled a list of some helpful tips and tricks for effectively removing skunk smell from your house so you can have a fresh start again!
1. Open All Windows and Turn On Fans if Possible
The best way to get rid of any smell is ventilation. The more fresh air that hits the smell, the better it will be able to naturally diffuse and disappear from your home.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
This is one of the most popular and effective home remedies for removing skunk smell. Mixing hydrogen peroxide with water can be a solution that’s safe and nontoxic. Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 3 parts water in a spray bottle and spot test* on fabric (do not spray directly on pets).
3. Baking Soda, Vinegar, Vodka or Lemons
Baking soda is great because it not only neutralizes odors but it absorbs them too! A mixture of one cup baking soda with one cup warm water will help absorb the smell.
Vinegar is another useful home remedy that neutralizes odors, especially skunk odor. Squeeze some lemon juice into a spray bottle filled with white vinegar and it’ll be sure to rid your house of any skunk scents! Vodka can also do wonders for getting rid of skunk smell. Just soak a washcloth in vodka, place it in a Tupperware container and let it air-dry. The vodka will evaporate but the smell will remain!
4. Scented Candles & Potpourri
Candles are another very popular trick to neutralize bad odors. You can purchase scented candles or simply light some up and let the smell diffuse throughout your home. Potpourri is another great trick to mask foul odors with a pleasant smell. Mix your potpourri in a bowl and place it in various rooms around the house for maximum effect!
5. Tomato Juice
Another nontoxic and effective home remedy to remove skunk smell is tomato juice. Pour some into a bucket and then dip a sponge in it and wipe down the surfaces of your house that may have been sprayed by the animal. Let it sit for five minutes and you’ll notice the smell will disappear!
6. Vinegar, Baking Soda & Peroxide Spray
Combine one cup vinegar, two tablespoons baking soda and one cup of water in a spray bottle. You can also add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil if you like to mask the smell with another fresh scent. Spray this solution on any surfaces that were sprayed by the skunk and enjoy!
