If you are reading this, it is likely that you have had the unfortunate experiencing of encountering a skunk that has chosen to emit an extremely foul-smelling, oil-based spray.

This is the skunk’s natural defense mechanism against perceived threats. The substance is called “thiol”. It is a Sulphur-based compound that not only smells terrible but can also cause a burning or a type of stinging sensation to the victim that comes in contact with it.

In many instances, it could take weeks for the lingering smell to go away. The good news is, there are ways to eliminate the odor almost immediately.

In this brief guide, you will learn a couple of techniques that will help you wipe out that nasty odor- once and for all.

Act Fast

The first step to effectively eliminating skunk odor is to ensure that you act as quickly as possible. If the odor is allowed to linger for more than a couple of hours, it could spread to your furniture, your linens, your clothing, and even become fixed on your walls, flooring, and other components of your home.

The goal is to go on the task of neutralizing the skunk odor very fast. In doing so, you are much more likely to achieve success in wiping out the offensive smell and reducing its effects on your, your loved ones, and your pets.

Your Household

Whether the skunk sprayed near your home, in your home, or the odor has been carried in on a pet, your clothing, or through the wind, you must get straight to work on eliminating the odor from inside of your home, or it will make for a very uncomfortable experience.

Many make the mistake of attempting to wash everything. All you have to do – to start with – is to put vinegar in bowls at various locations throughout the home in order to absorb the smell.

When you start the cleaning process, wipe off your tile and stone features with bleach that has been diluted. For wood, use ammonia mixed with a little water.

For fabrics, simply utilize a steam cleaning device to pull out the odor. You should also open the windows and replace the filter in your HVAC system.

People and Pets

If you have been sprayed or your pet has experienced a spraying by a skunk, mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and a small amount of dish detergent together. Then, take a cloth, dip it in the mixture, and wash yourself and/or your pet. Once finished, throw away the solution.

Clothing

For odors that are lingering on clothing or other types of fabrics – such as curtains and bedding – mix one-part hydrogen peroxide to up to six parts of water. You should then soak the pieces for up to two hours. Immediately thereafter, wash your clothing in a solution of laundry soap and baking soda. Then, hang out the clothes in an area with a lot of sun to completely eliminate the skunk odor.

Help is Available

Are their skunks near your home? Do you see these creatures passing through on your property? If so, it is time for skunk removal in SC. We here at Palmetto Wildlife Extractors have the tools and experience to quickly remove those troublesome creatures from your property. For more information, contact us today by calling: 855-465-1088