There are few things that smells worse than the defensive spray of a spooked skunk. It’s likely because the compound thiols, present in skunk discharge, is also found in both rotting flesh and feces. Omega Animal Removal is here to help you answer the question of how to get rid of skunk smell—an inquiry is as old as human contact with these jittery creatures. There are numerous old wives tales ranging from store-bought deodorizers to beer. Many of these center on household items you can easily find laying around such as vanilla extract, tomato juice and apple cider vinegar. These tend to be simple deodorizers, though, and not effective solutions for cancelling or washing the smell permanently away. Here is a list of mythical solutions and an analysis of their general effectiveness.

How to Get Rid of that Skunk Smell

1. The most effective solution is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dish soap. Beyond merely covering the scent, these combined ingredients provide an effective washing away of the compounds producing the odor and after a couple of treatments should leave your home, dog or self smelling better than new. 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.
2. Apple cider vinegar is a strong contender for an effective solution. Some people swear by the two parts water, one part vinegar remedy. This combats the terrible odor with a cleaner, more stringent smell, but is ultimately another masking of the problem rather than solving it. Fun fact: when vinegar dries it ceases to smell almost completely.
3. Beer it turns out is fairly ineffective, and unless you have a desire to throw out your supply, we would not suggest wasting it on a skunked object or animal.
4. Tomato juice is also little more than a myth. The thinking here was the acidity mixed with the thickness of the liquid would soak in and counter the heavy compounds in the skunk discharge. Unfortunately, it barely masks the scent and dyes everything slightly red.
5. Commercial remedies tend to be somewhat effective. There is often still a hint of stench after using them, but a few washes will leave whatever you are de-skunking smelling more citrusy than musky.

Ultimately, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dish soap is your easiest, most effective answer to skunk removal. In all cases, the longer the odor remains untouched, the more pungent and persistent is the scent. Be sure to attempt all removal of the smell as soon as possible. Work outdoors as the oil can soak into anything you touch and you may not notice right away that you brushed a curtain while walking through the house until a few days later when it becomes near impossible to rinse the stench away.

As with any skunk infestation solution, your best bet is to call Omega Animal Removal right away. Our experts are trained in the biological behavior and tendencies of skunks and there are few permanent solutions that do not also include getting the skunk far and permanently away from your property. If you have a skunk removal problem that goes beyond the stench, don’t hesitate to give us a call for an immediate consultation. We will have you skunk free in no time.