This Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Skunk Smells (Skip the Tomato Juice!)

I remember when my family cat got skunked. It was bad — she must have been right next to the critter when it happened — and we tried everything to clean her up, including a bath with strong shampoo, tomato juice, and even vinegar. But at the end of all that, we didn’t just have a stinky cat; we had a stinky and angry cat. It eventually took us taking her to the vet to see what we could do. (This was before we could just look online for solutions!)

Here’s everything you need to know about how to get rid of skunk smells, in case you or your furry family member gets sprayed and tracks the foul odor inside your home.

Why Do Skunks Smell So Bad?

Skunks let out a horrible-smelling glandular spray when they feel threatened. The reason behind the foul odor? The sulfur-based chemical compounds found in their spray, which are also found in things like rotten eggs and garlic. Jason Dean, founder of cleaning company Synergy Four Services, notes that the compounds are incredibly potent and notoriously hard to remove, with the scent lasting days or even weeks when not treated properly.

Bryan Griffin, founder of Patriot Maids Cleaning Services, notes that the oiliness of skunk spray makes it especially pungent because it clings to surfaces, fur, and fabrics — so you can’t just easily stop smelling it once it’s there.

Does Tomato Juice Get Rid of Skunk Smells?

Sadly, the bit of folklore telling you to wash everything skunked in tomato juice is incorrect. If only it were that easy! Skunk spray has organic chemical compounds in it called thiols, and tomato juice doesn’t actually break down the compounds — it just masks the scent for a short period of time.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smells

Dean and Griffin shared their expertise on how to get rid of skunk smells when it gets into your home or on your pets. First, you’ll want to mix up a skunk neutralizing solution.

How to Make a Skunk Neutralizing Solution

1. Combine 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and a teaspoon of dish soap in a bowl.

2. Apply this solution to affected hard surfaces, such as floors or walls.

3. To make this pet-friendly, substitute the dish soap with water, as most dish soaps aren’t safe for pets.

How to Remove Skunk Smells from Your Home

1. Open all the windows and doors to let fresh air in, and use fans to push the stinky smell out.

2. Put out bowls of vinegar, activated charcoal, or baking soda to absorb odors.

3. Use your neutralizing solution to wipe down all the affected hard surfaces, like floors and walls.

4. Sprinkle baking soda onto carpets, rugs, and upholstery you can’t put in the washing machine.

5. Wash any linens, clothing, or upholstery immediately with laundry detergent and half a cup of baking soda. You can also spray fabrics with an enzymatic cleaner to help break down the scent.

6. Air-dry everything.

7. Replace the air filters in your HVAC system and wipe down any vent covers with vinegar or your preferred cleaning solution.

How to Remove Skunk Smells from Your Pet

1. Don’t let your pet inside while they smell! They can spread the odor around your house.

2. Make a pet-friendly neutralizing cleaning solution and massage it into their fur. Do not get it in their eyes or mouth.

3. Let them sit all lathered up for five to 10 minutes, then rinse it out completely with warm water.

4. Repeat the process until the smell is gone.

5. Wash your pet with a pet-friendly shampoo, and then use a pet-friendly conditioner so the baking soda doesn’t dry out their skin or fur.

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