Skunk spray is incredibly powerful and long-lasting. If a skunk sprayed somewhere on your property, you must take swift action to prevent the smell from permeating and lasting for weeks. The following lists what you can do to get the smell out of your house. For more information, reach out to Wildlife Removal Peterborough. We offer humane skunk removal and exclusion services in the Peterborough area.
Ventilate the house
The first thing you should do is open up all the windows to your home and let the air circulate. Point fans toward the windows to help direct the smell out. You can also use ceiling fans, bathroom fans, kitchen exhaust fans and the fan in your HVAC system.
Use vinegar
White vinegar is useful for getting the smell of skunk out of the air. Boil a pot of vinegar for an hour, replenishing it as the vinegar evaporates. The house will smell like vinegar, but it will help to neutralize the smell of skunk. For more power, fill a few bowls with vinegar and place them around the house to absorb the smell.
Wash clothing and fabrics
The smell of skunk clings to everything it touches. So, to help get rid of it, you can wash all your clothing, bedding, and fabrics. Wash everything in hot water, with regular detergent and half a cup of baking soda. Then, hang everything to dry. Do not use the dryer because it will bake the smell into your fabrics. Hang your laundry in the sun for best results. Repeat as needed.
Wash sprayed pets
If your pet was sprayed, you will need to wash your pet immediately. Otherwise, the smell will linger in the house for weeks. Purchase a de-skunking pet soap from your veterinarian or local pet shop, then follow its instructions carefully. Wear gloves while washing your pet and do it all outside, if possible. Towel dry when you are done rinsing the soap off with water.
Mop the floor
Mopping the floor will help remove any sell you might have spread with your feet. So, vacuum, then mop with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water. For wooden floors, use a mixture of 1 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a drop of dish soap. Let the solution sit on the floor for a few minutes, then wipe it dry with a clean towel.
Steam clean carpets and furniture
Carpets trap odours, so it’s important that you give them a deep clean to remove the smell of skunk. Rent a steam cleaner or hire a professional cleaning service to clean your carpets for you. Your carpets will smell good as new and look great.
Let in the sunlight
Open up the curtains and let in the sun for as long as possible. The sun’s UV rays help neutralize the smell of skunk out of the air and out of fabrics.
Wash your skin with baking soda
You might smell like skunk, too. Especially after cleaning the house. Wash your skin with dish detergent instead of regular soap and use a shampoo for oily hair. Skunk spray is oily, which helps it cling to surfaces. If you were sprayed directly, take a hot bath and mix 2 to 4 cups of baking soda into the bath water. Scrub your skin with baking soda as well. Rinse clean and repeat as needed.
Hire a professional for skunk removal
Call us if there is a skunk living on your property or if you are interested in wildlife-proofing your home. We provide comprehensive skunk removal and exclusion services. We remove skunks humanly and keep them out by excluding every possible hiding spot. Call us for an inspection today.