How long until skunk smell goes away in house?
John Hall
Updated on March 31, 2026
Research shows that a skunk’s odor will last 14-21 days if left untreated. And the longer you wait to wash it off, the harder it will to be free of that nasty odor. The stink of skunk spray is caused by thiols which are made from sulfur.
How do you get rid of the smell after being sprayed by a skunk?
REMOVING SKUNK SMELL
- 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (available over the counter at virtually any drug store)
- 1/4 cup baking soda.
- 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent.
Does febreeze get rid of skunk smell?
Skunks will only spray if they feel threatened. Taking a bath in tomato juice will not break down the oils in skunk spray and get rid of the smell. Spraying citrus juice, perfume, or Febreze will not work either.
How do I get the lingering skunk smell out of my house?
Place bowls of vinegar in each room of the house and leave them in place for 24 to 48 hours, or until the scent is gone. Make sure the bowls are out of reach of pets and children. Once the smell is gone, change the filters on your air conditioners, heaters, and furnace to avoid reintroducing it into your home.
Will Apple cider vinegar get rid of skunk smell in house?
Mix a quart of hydrogen peroxide with a quarter cup baking soda and a teaspoon of dish liquid, and then scrub the perniciously scented animal or item with the solution. Apple cider vinegar is a strong contender for an effective solution. Fun fact: when vinegar dries it ceases to smell almost completely.
Can breathing in skunk smell make you sick?
Nausea and vomiting – The smell can be stomach-turning. If any spray gets in the mouth, the person may throw up or experience diarrhea. Respiratory problems – Skunk odor can cause breathing issues. People with conditions that affect their respiratory systems, such as COPD or asthma, may have problems breathing.
What is the best skunk odor remover?
Top 5 Best Skunk Smell Removers
- Van Den Heuvel’s R86 Industrial Odor Eliminator.
- Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover.
- Skunk Away.
- Skunk-Off Liquid Soaker.
- De-Skunk Odor Destroying Shampoo.
How do I Deskunk my house?
The quicker you act the easier it will be to get rid of that smell.
- Step 1: Open windows and turn on a fan.
- Step 2: Wash yourself and/or your pet.
- Step 3: Wash any clothes or affected fabrics.
- Step 5: Wipe down surfaces.
- Step 6: Place bowls of vinegar in each room.
- Step 7: Change your filters.
Why does my house smell like skunk but not outside?
A natural gas leak smells like rotten eggs or skunk like odor. If you smell an odor like rotten eggs or a skunk-like smell, get out of the house right away and find an adult. Natural gas is lighter than air, so it will rise and spread out across available spaces if not contained.
What takes the skunk smell out of your house?
How To Get Skunk Smell Out of the House
- Open all of your windows and let as much sunlight in as possible to oxidize the odor and shorten its lifespan.
- Boil a pot of white vinegar on the stove for an hour, replenishing the vinegar as it evaporates.
- Place bowls of vinegar in each room for two or three days.
What to do if skunk sprays Your House?
If clothing or other items have been heavily sprayed by the skunk, you may want to simply discard them, as the fabric can hold skunk odor for a very long time. If people or pets come into the house before being de-skunked, you may find that the smell lingers in the air. To get rid of it, boil vinegar in a pan.
How did the skunk smell get into my house?
Skunk smell can get into your house by a variety of sources. For instance, you or your pet might be sprayed, or a skunk could spray something else directly outside of your house.
Can you use vinegar to get rid of skunk smell?
At first, the smell may seem overwhelming but it will dissipate (or you’ll get used to it) and while it the air is circulating through your home, it will carry remnants of the skunk smell particles with it. Vinegar decently absorbs the smell of a skunk and is not toxic so you can use it as much as you feel is necessary.
How can I get the skunk smell out of my mattress?
Commercial products may also be your best bet for removing skunk smell from mattresses. You can purchase Skunk Off Liquid Soaker online. Skunk smell can permeate an entire home, including hard and soft surfaces. If your pet has been skunked outside, bathe them outdoors if possible so they cannot bring the smell in with them.