how to remove skunk odor from a house skunks might help gardeners out by feeding on rodents and pest insects but they also secrete a horrible odor when startled or feeling threatened the stench is in a class of its own mainly because skunk spray consists of six sulfuric based thiols and is secreted as an orally liquid that sticks to in penetrating it touches fortunately you can take several steps to break down the odor causing chemicals in skunk spray and remove the smell from your home ventilating rooms no matter what cleaning remedy you choose to use you need to ventilate your house with plenty of fresh air open the windows and doors turn your ceiling fin on to the highest setting and set up portable fans to circulate clean air through the house enzyme-based odor remover enzyme-based pet odor and stain illuminators effectively get rid of the skunk smell on various materials because the enzymes break down the odor causing thiols you can use these cleaners on hard surfaces carpets clothing in upholstery but carefully read and follow the instructions on your specific products label one product recommends doing the following four non machine washable fabrics flooring and hard surfaces step 1 put on disposable rubber gloves and wipe up excess skunk spray with paper towels or rags you are willing to throw away step 2 test undiluted solution on a small unnoticeable area and wipe off with a clean cloth don't use the product on a surface if the color fades or the finish comes off step 3 use a clean rag to thoroughly saturate the skunk sprayed area with undiluted enzyme based product don't rinse the area because the enzymes work most effectively if you allow the treated material to air dry step 4 repeat treatments as necessary until you no longer notice skunk odor baking soda and peroxide solution according to the University of nebraska-lincoln a chemist named Paul Craven created a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solution that chemically neutralizes skunk odor the dish soap helps get rid of the oil while the baking soda and peroxide combined to help neutralize the smell by bonding to the thiols you can use this solution on hard surfaces upholstery carpeting clothing and even people and pets but take care to avoid contact with the mouth and eyes things you will need one new quart 3% hydrogen peroxide 1/4 cup baking soda 1 to 2 teaspoons liquid dish soap large container combine the ingredients in a container large enough to contain the foam that produces dip an old rag into the solution rub it on the problem area and rinse clean with water if you can still smell skunk odor once the treated material dries repeat the process warning always mix this solution fresh when you need it and never store any leftover mixture the products release oxygen that can make a closed container explode test the solution on a small unnoticeable section of the surface beforehand to make sure it doesn't bleach or stain the material never apply the solution directly to clothing because the peroxide can bleach the fabric don't run skunk sprayed fabric through a dryer cycle until you're sure the smell is gone hydrogen peroxide can lighten dark colored upholstery test the solution on an unnoticeable area before treating the entire surface tip once it's done foaming you can add the solution to the water as the washing machine fills and run it through a normal cycle rf1 hang washed items outside to dry in the sunshine if possible the ultraviolet rays help break down the chemicals that cause the skunk odor rf2 vinegar treatments folks at the University of nebraska-lincoln note that simply running machine washable clothes twice through a normal cycle can remove skunk odor from fabrics adding one cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse water speeds along the odor removing process but run the clothes through an extra rinse cycle to take out the depleted vinegar a vinegar soak works well for delicate fabrics that can't be washed in hot water simply combine one part distilled white vinegar and four parts of water in a large plastic container soaked fabric item for up to three hours before running it through the delicate cycle using the normal amount of laundry detergent plus 1/2 cup baking soda allow the washed fabric to air dry pour distilled white vinegar into open bowls and set them into the corners of smelly rooms and next to skunk sprayed furniture rugs or curtains the vinegar usually absorbs the skunk smell in just 24 to 48 hours you