Methods for Getting Rid of Skunk Smell

Skunk Removal and Control 317-257-2290

Skunk Removal and Control 317-257-2290

You always know when a skunk is nearby thanks to that signature smell they give off. A skunk that feels threatened or forced to protect itself uses its natural self-defense mechanism; a pungent liquid spray. They use this spray against any and all predators; like coyotes, cougars, bobcats, hawks, humans, and dogs. Unfortunately, if a person or dog is sprayed by a skunk, the smell can linger for weeks if not properly treated right away.

Dogs are common victims of skunk sprays because they are so curious and like to sniff the rear-ends of other fellow animals. This is the leading reason why dogs are sprayed by skunks. This situation has thousands of pet owners asking, “How to I get rid of this skunk smell, fast?” Continue reading to find out how to safely remove skunk odor from skin, clothing, pet fur, patios, and more.

Removing Skunk Spray

There is one solid homemade solution that everyone swears by. The recipe calls for 1 pint of hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup of baking soda (not powder), 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and 1 full bottle of apple cider vinegar. If a skunk sprays and comes into contact with human skin, hair, or clothing, this household detergent will do the trick. Simply combine the first three ingredients and apply to the affected area. Finish by applying the vinegar amply, and allowing it to sit for ten minutes. Rinse clean with warm water.

If skunk spray comes into contact with pet fur, use the first three ingredients and saturate the contaminated fur with it. Be sure to keep this solution far away from the eyes and mouth. Allow it to sit for ten minutes then rinse it clean. Repeat this step a few times depending on the degree of skunk smell. Once you are finished with this step, bathe the pet fur in the apple cider vinegar. Allow the vinegar to soak for several minutes, and then rinse the fur clean. Next, shampoo and condition the pet fur with pet-safe products. Rinse thoroughly. This should remove the majority, if not all, of the skunk odor.

Objects like cars, buildings, tractors, and more can also retain skunk smell if sprayed. For these areas, you will need to use an equal mix of bleach and water. These solution safely cleans and sanitizes the area without causing the skunk oils to spread. Be prepared to rinse and repeat a number of times before fully ridding the smell for good. For enclosed spaces where a skunk has sprayed, like crawl spaces or sheds, cover the area with plastic tarp, then open a bag of charcoal inside. The charcoal will absorb the airborne skunk oils and odor.

Indianapolis Skunk Removal Services

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal 317-257-2290

Indianapolis Wildlife Removal 317-257-2290

Call Wildlife Animal Removal at 317-257-2290 for safe and humane skunk removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and insured animal control professionals with decades of experience in the wildlife removal industry. We use only safe and humane methods to remove skunks from properties, and never kill animals. For the fastest and most affordable skunk removal in Indianapolis, call 317-257-2290 and talk to a licensed wildlife control specialist today.

How to Remove Skunk Smell from Absolutely Anything

Removing skunk smell is known to be a difficult and tedious task, but there are so many myths associated with skunk smell removal, it’s important to learn what really works. If you live in an area that is frequently populated by skunks, then it is in your best interest to read this article on how to remove skunk smell from you, your clothes, and even your dog!

Skunk Smell Removal

Although skunks are fascinating creatures, they have a bad reputation for their natural methods of self-defense. When a skunk feels threatened, it releases a spray of natural oils at their predator. This skunk oil is potent, and has a very distinct odor that is widely recognized throughout America. The oil is thick and latches onto fur, and seeps into skin and clothing immediately. It has a smell that can only be described as putrid and sour.

Removing this oil is the key to getting rid of skunk odor. The problem is, removing skunk oil is very hard to do. It has long time been suggested to soak in a bath of tomato juice. This remedy came about by the idea that the acid in tomato juice neutralizes the chemicals that produce the odor in skunk oil. This is a home remedy that has not been very effective. It can also dye a dog’s fur, stain clothing, and even stain bathtubs. This approach is very messy and is not recommended.

If you prefer to use a home remedy to remove skunk oil and smell, there are several variations of solutions that can be mixed an applied to the contaminated areas. This solution is basically made up of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap, and sometimes apple cider vinegar. One variation of the recipe is as follows:

One Pint of Peroxide, Half a Cup of Baking Soda, Two Tablespoons of Dish Soap, & an Entire Bottle of Cider Vinegar

It is suggested to mix the solutions together and apply it to your skin or dog’s fur. Allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse and repeat. There is no set amount of times to rinse and repeat. It depends on the degree of saturation and size of the soiled area. You may have to repeat this bathing process five to ten times before alleviating the skunk smell. Even after many tries, you may not be able to remove it completely, but it will be drastically less noticeable than before. There’s no need to panic if it doesn’t come out completely, skunk odor is not permanent and will eventually fade away.

If a home solution is not your idea of reliable skunk removal, then you can look at retail options. There are many skunk odor removal products on the market today. Most of these products can be purchased in pet stores, home good stores, hunting shops, and online. Not all of them are proven 100% effective, so be sure to read labels and ask questions before purchasing a skunk removal product.

Indianapolis Skunk Removal Services

Call Wildlife Rescue and Control at 317-257-2290 for skunk removal services in Indianapolis, IN. We are DNR licensed and insured skunk removal and control experts that have decades of experience working with skunks. We offer a wide range of wildlife removal services for all nuisance animals, including skunks. Our DNR licensed wildlife contractors provide removal, minor structural damage repair, cleanup services, prevention, and more. Call 317-257-2290 for safe and humane skunk removal and control in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.