The smell of skunks is a familiar odor for most people. The strong, sulfuric smell that doesn’t fade is what you can tell the moment it hits your nose. You must act quickly if you’re unfortunate enough to be confronted with skunk smell removal at your home or garden.
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This article will discuss the best ways to eliminate skunk smell, including home remedies and commercial cleaners.
7 steps to get rid of the skunk smell
Although it is unlikely that a skunk will be found in your home, the smell can remain indoors if someone or a pet has been sprayed. It is easier to eliminate the smell if you act quickly.
Step 1: Open your windows and turn on the fan
Open all windows and turn on the fans to ventilate your home. Bring any furniture that is affected out to your yard and let it air out. The odor can also be oxidized by letting the sun shine on your home.
Step 2: Wash your pet and yourself
You should immediately shower or bathe your pet if you are sprayed by the skunk. Use deodorizing soap to wash your body. Use lots of shampoo to wash your hair. For 15 to 20 minutes, you can also soak your hair in a baking soda bathtub. You can do this by adding 4 cups of baking soda to hot water. Rinse your body well.
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Keep your pet from wandering around the house after they have been sprayed. Make a homemade mixture with 1 quart 3% hydrogen Peroxide, 1 tablespoon grease-cutting dish soap, and 1/4 cup baking soda. Allow the mixture to be lathered onto your pet’s hair for five minutes. It should not be left on their fur for more than that as it can lighten it. Rinse well and then wash your pet using their regular shampoo. Continue repeating the steps until the smell disappears.
Step 3: Wash all clothes and fabrics that are affected
You may need to throw out clothing and other items that have been heavily sprayed by the skunk. Fabric can retain skunk smell for a long time. You can also soak your fabrics in baking soda, then wash them with a laundry detergent with antibacterial properties. The smell can be removed by drying the clothes or fabrics in the air — machines drying could cause it to become a baked-in smell. Continue this process until you are satisfied with the results.
Soft surfaces, such as carpets that are not washable by hand or machine, can be steam cleaned and scrubbed with baking soda until they smell clean.
Step 5: Clean up
You can treat hard surfaces like floors and furniture with household bleach and water. Mix one part bleach to nine percent water. To ensure that the color doesn’t come off the ceramic or wood, make sure to do a patch test. If you don’t want to use bleach, you can try this mixture with distilled vinegar and water.
Step 6: In each room, place bowls of vinegar
In each room, place a bowl of white vinegar. Leave them there for between 24 and 48 hours or until the smell is gone.
Step 7: Modify your filters
You must ensure that the smell does not return after it has passed. To prevent odors from returning to your home, change the filters on your furnace, heater, and air conditioner.
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You’ll need the right products and tools to eliminate skunk smell
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic or oxidizer that is effective in removing skunk smells from fabrics and surfaces.
White vinegar: This is an alternative to bleach or hydrogen peroxide for your pets and home. It can be used to clean, wash laundry, and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Antibacterial detergent for laundry: Laundry detergent that contains antibacterial ingredients can help to eliminate odors and penetrate tight-knit fabric to remove dirt and odors.
Baking soda: If you don’t want harmful chemicals in your home, this is an excellent alternative.
Grease-cutting dish detergent is great for washing your dog or yourself. It cuts through the skunk smell, and breaks down the odor.
To get rid of the skunk smell, use household bleach on hard surfaces. Use it on hard surfaces only. Do not use it on delicate fabrics or soft surfaces.
Are you averse to chemicals? Here are some natural ways to eliminate skunk smell
White vinegar can be used in place of bleach or harsh chemicals. You might need to apply more white vinegar as it may not work as well. Another proven method to eliminate the smell is warm water and baking soda. The soda crystals can be used to remove bad-smelling particles and deodorize.
Another way to get rid of the skunk smell is to use an ozone generator. These devices are expensive, but they can destroy the molecules that cause the smell.
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Although tomato juice may be effective in eliminating skunk smells from your home, it is not enough to eliminate the smell. You may be masking the smell, which can make it harder to eradicate in the long-term.