Skunks can be found in many regions of the United States, and for those living in wooded or rural areas, an encounter with one is much more likely. When these small mammals feel threatened, they release a noxious odor that emits oil from a gland. The smell is not only horrible, but it can also linger on clothing and in hair for quite a long time. If you've been sprayed by a skunk or want to know how to minimize the effects of skunk smells in the future, here are some ways you can get rid of that horrible odor quickly and safely.
Homemade Mixture
It's long been said that tomato juice helps remove the smell from skunks, but it's not always very effective. Instead, try a mixture of one quart hydrogen peroxide, one quarter cup of baking soda, and add one teaspoon of hand soap. Mix everything together thoroughly and then scrub your skin thoroughly using the mixture and warm water to help remove the smell. This can also be used on pets. For clothing, bleach will certainly help get skunk smells out, so immediately put any affected clothing in the washer and use color-safe bleach. Never mix clothes that haven't been sprayed in the washer so you can avoid spreading the scent around.
For Your Home
In some cases, skunk odor can affect the inside of your home. If a pet has been sprayed, they're most likely irritated and will start rubbing against furniture and rolling around on the carpet. White vinegar is highly effective for getting skunk odor out of upholstery and floors. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spray it directly on the affected areas. The vinegar should not harm fibers or fabric. You can also place bowls of white vinegar around the home to absorb any excess odor lingering in the air. Ideally, you should not let pets inside until they've been thoroughly cleaned off to avoid the transfer into the home.
Other Remedies
There are some other common household items you can use to help get rid of horrible skunk odors. Lemon juice has a high acidity level, and it can cut through the noxious smell, but it's best to use the bottled kind rather than worry about getting it from fresh lemons, which can taxing and time consuming. Tea tree oil is also a very effective method and is a good choice for getting the stink out of your hair. Apply the tea tree oil directly to your scalp and hair and rub it in just like you would with shampoo. Let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing clean. If you or a pet have been sprayed by a skunk, the key is to keep calm, avoid transferring the odor, and get the problem treated with one of these solutions as quickly as possible.
For more information, contact Animal Control Specialists Inc or a similar company.
