Skunk spray has been called tear gas-like, and for a good reason. Both skunk and tear gas are lachrymators. These chemical substances are designed to irritate the eyes and nose. The skunk scent can sometimes cause nausea.
Skunks won’t wander around spraying people or pets, but it is good. Skunks are usually nocturnal and avoid contact with humans and other animals.
They will also release an oily, yellow spray out of their anal glands when they sense danger. This spray can reach more than three feet. It also quickly vaporizes, so it can penetrate almost anything it touches.
Quick action is key to getting rid of the skunky odor. The right products are also necessary. The faster you act, the quicker you can completely eliminate the skunk smell.
Many internet myths claim to be the best way to eliminate skunk scent. This article will reveal the truth about what works and what doesn’t.
How to Get Skunk Smell from the House
Depending upon its intensity, skunk odor can stay for days or even weeks. Here are some tips to remove the skunk smell from your home.
Let as much sun as possible through all your windows to remove the odor from the air and reduce its lifespan. You can also run your AC system’s fan to circulate air.
You can place vinegar bowls in each room for up to two days. You should ensure they are out of reach of curious children and furry companions. You can also pour the vinegar into inexpensive plastic containers by punching holes in the lids. The vinegar will neutralize the odor.
Wash any bedding or clothing damaged in the washer in the highest setting. To your regular detergent, add 1/2 cup baking powder to the load. Launder the laundry and go through the washing process again. It would help if you aired dry your laundry outdoors rather than dry it in the dryer. This will prevent the dryer from causing the clothing to get stale.
You can steam clean couches, carpets, mattresses, and curtains for all soft surfaces.
You can remove the smell from hard surfaces with a 1 to 9 mixture of bleach and liquid water. Be sure to test the bleach in a small area before applying it to other sites.
It would help if you changed the filters on your HVAC system after you’re finished.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SPRAYED BY A SKUNK?
Get in a warm shower or take a soak immediately. The spray is easily absorbed into your skin, creating a unique body odor that no other deodorant can combat.
Use plenty of soap. Make sure to use plenty of soap.
Chlorine bleach can neutralize sulfur. Swimming pools and hot tubs can use small amounts of chlorine. Suppose you have access to chlorine tablets or the powder used in hot tubs and swimming pools; set up your tub correctly. Take a quick 15-minute bath.
To rinse off after a soak, shower thoroughly.
The chlorine bleach we use to clean laundry is not recommended. It is highly concentrated and very alkaline. It will dissolve hair. Chlorine bleach can be toxic and dangerous.
Baking soda is the best alternative. Baking soda can also be used as a deodorizer. However, it is not toxic or caustic. Baking soda works well as a deodorizer since it’s alkaline. In a warm bath, add four cups of baking powder. Make sure the baking powder is fully dissolved.
Allow the bath to soak for at least 15 minutes. It’s okay to rinse out the baking soda bath. The baking soda will still smell deodorizing as long your skin isn’t itchy or uncomfortable.
How to get Skunk Stain Out of Clothes
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful tool against the evil scourge of skunks. Hydrogen peroxide can cause damage to clothing fibers, so it must first be diluted. However, it can be used in a solution to clean most clothes and remove the skunk aroma from clothing. You can skip hydrogen peroxide for delicate fabrics to get rid skunk smell. This note modifies these cleaning methods to ensure the smell doesn’t damage delicates.
SUPPLIES
- 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
- Distilled vinegar
- Large bucket
- Cleaning gloves
- Laundry detergent
- Mix up a cleaning agent.
- Use a large container to store the clothing and water. Mix gently by shaking or stirring.
- Leave the clothing to soak for at most an hour.
Make sure the solution is completely covered. Allow the clothes to soak in the solution for 1 hour. Now empty the bucket. Use gloves to protect your fingers and then wring out the clothes.
Apply baking soda to the clothes after you have completed the wash cycle.
Place damp clothes into your washer. Run them through a regular cycle of laundry detergent. You can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to absorb the scent further. Avoid adding dish soap to the washer. It can cause too many suds.
Hang clothes outside to dry.
Don’t dry the odor-causing clothes. A lingering odor can remain in the fabric, so the drying heat may “bake” it. It is unnecessary to risk adding a skunk aroma to the dryer’s interior. You can let fresh air do the work and hang the clothes wherever the wind blows them, for however long it takes.
Please take extra care with delicates.
If the clothing being affected is delicate or dry-clean only, it’s best to skip the peroxide and instead use vinegar, a staple pantry item. While it is not as effective as hydrogen peroxide, it is much more gentle. Combine 1 part vinegar and four portions water. Let the garment sit for three hours. After that, rinse in cold water. Dry the garment.
How to remove the skunk scent from your pets
- Mix a homemade mixture with the following:
- 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
- One teaspoon of baby soap or grease-cutting detergent
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Allow the mixture to dry on your pet’s skin. It would help if you did not get it in your pet’s eyes. Rinse then and wash your pet with their regular soap. Repeat if necessary.
You should not leave hydrogen peroxide on your pet’s hair for more than five minutes.
It is important not to store any leftover mixture in sealed containers. If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar can be used.
Solutions that can be purchased at a store
You can also purchase a store-bought product to remove skunk odors from your pet. It is essential to rinse thoroughly and air dry your pet’s hair.
This product is available in most pet supply stores, or you can order it online.
The takeaway
Skunk smell can cause physical reactions such as a runny or watery nose, nausea, and eye swelling. If it isn’t removed, it can last up to days.
Many home remedies and commercial products can be used to eliminate skunk smells from homes, pets, and vehicles. You must use the right products and act quickly.
