Stinky skunk odor is nothing to sneeze at. It’s no doubt a nose’s worst nightmare. Your home sanctuary can quickly become atrocious when Fido is wearing the aroma of Eau-de-skunk. If you’ve run into this before, you already know how difficult it is to get the smell out. That’s because the compounds in skunk spray are sulfur-based, the same stuff where rotten egg smell and volcanic gas comes from. Yuck!
You may think that ridding the stench is impossible, but believe it or not, it can be done. Many folk remedies from over the decades claim to remove skunk smell, but not all of them are accurate. (Tomato juice, we’re looking at you.) How do you know which method does the job? Here’s a list of skunk smell removal strategies that are backed by science.
Ways to Getting Rid of Skunk Smell
Here are some of the best odor eliminator methods to get rid of the skunky stench for good.
1. Take a Shower with Dish Detergent
If the odor is on you, showering right away is one of the best ways to mitigate it. Dish soap detergent will help break up the oil-based skunk spray.
2. Soak in Baking Soda
Another good tactic is to soak in a bath of baking soda to help absorb the smell. You can do this for yourself, or your pets. Make sure to rinse off the fine residue afterward.
3. Steam Clean Carpets
Skunk odors (and any odor, for that matter) stuck on the carpet can be driven out with the power of a steam cleaner. It’s completely natural and it kills germs too. You can also try it on curtains and upholstery. Test a small area first to check for colorfastness.
4. Bowls of Vinegar
If the smell lingers in your house or car, set bowls of full-strength vinegar around the area for a few days. Vinegar is a natural cleaner and deodorizer.
5. Use a Commercial Odor Eliminator
Home remedies like the ones above are easy for the “average Joe”. But sometimes we need some extra help. If the skunk stink still haunts you even after these methods, it’s time for a professional odor eliminator product. Bio-Shocker products are a good example. They safely remove the toughest skunk odors from homes, vehicles, and even pets. Bio-Shocker products are also natural and safe for the environment.
The Sweet Smell of Success
Fewer scents are potent like skunk spray, but even this atrocious odor can be tamed with the right methods. Hopefully, you won’t ever have to use them, but if you do, you now know how to chase away skunk odor like nobody’s business.
Paul Petersen is a seasoned home improvement expert and DIY enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in the industry. He began his career as a carpenter, honing his skills in woodworking and structural design. Over the years, Paul expanded his expertise to encompass a wide range of home renovation projects, from kitchen remodels to landscape design.