The Skunk Odor Facts

You need to break down or dissolve the oil in skunk scent.

Inside the House

Wash affected wall, floor, etc. areas with water containing either chlorine bleach or vinegar (acetic acid), or use a commercial odor-removing compound such as:

• "Skunk-off" aerosol; get through Vet Clinic, dog supply stores, dog kennels or pet shops.
• "Nil-Odor" made by Dow Chemical; follow directions and put couple drops in water, and put on furnace filter to circulate air through; (you can also put on dogs as directed)
• "Odor-Away" either liquid (use few drops) or aerosol.
• Rexall "C-D Deodorant" aerosol, can spray furnishings, drapes, etc.

These odor-removers act to break down the oil and so remove the odor or neutralize it.

Spraying with aerosol or putting drops around will neutralize odors in theair generally; it may still smell for awhile as you put your nose right down in drapes, carpets, etc., but will gradually dissipate.

Outside the House

Bare wood, concrete, soil: Get chlorinated lime water at drug store, or mix 1 cup agricultural lime in 1 gallon chlorine bleach and put on areas. BE VERY CAREFUL TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS - don't get on skin, clothing, etc. as it will burn (is a caustic solution), and will also burn grass or other vegetation.

Clothing:

Launder in cool or barely lukewarm water with lots of heavy duty laundry detergent, plus a degreaser and some water conditioner if water is hard. Don't use very warm or hot water as oil will be released in steam and the odor will come up out of the tub.

This article has been contributed in part by Michigan State University Extension