How to Get Skunk Smell Out of Your Dog, House and Clothes

If your dog has met a skunk, you already know: the smell is overwhelming and seems to get into everything. Tomato juice is a myth that mostly masks the odor. What actually works is a simple homemade mix that chemically neutralizes skunk oil. Here's how to get skunk smell out of your dog, house, clothes and car.

Quick answer: In an open container, mix 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1–2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap. Wearing gloves, work it into your dog's dry coat (avoid eyes, nose and mouth), leave it on for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed. Use it immediately and never store it in a closed container.

First Steps

Keep your dog outside so the oil doesn't spread through the house.
Check your dog's eyes. Skunk spray can irritate them. Flush gently with clean water. If your dog keeps squinting or the eyes are red, call your vet.
Check for bites or scratches; skunks can carry rabies. Contact your vet if there was any contact.

The Skunk Odor Recipe (for Dogs)

Ingredient	Amount
3% hydrogen peroxide (fresh bottle)	1 quart (about 1 liter)
Baking soda	1/4 cup
Liquid dish soap	1–2 teaspoons

For large dogs, add lukewarm water to make more volume.

How to Use It

Mix in an open bucket or bowl right before use. It fizzes and releases oxygen, so never store it in a closed bottle (pressure can build and burst it).
Wear gloves. Don't wet your dog first.
Massage the mixture deep into the coat, focusing on where they were hit (often the face and chest). Keep it away from eyes, nose and mouth; use a washcloth carefully on the face.
Leave it on for about 5 minutes (not longer, since peroxide can lighten fur).
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Follow with your dog's regular shampoo if you like, rinse and towel dry.
Repeat if the odor remains. Throw away any leftover mixture.

Skunk Smell in the House

Open windows and run fans to ventilate.
Wash hard surfaces your dog touched with a mild detergent solution, or a diluted vinegar solution for non-stone surfaces.
Place bowls of white vinegar, baking soda or activated charcoal around to absorb odor.
Replace HVAC filters if the smell got into the system.
Wash fabrics and treat carpets (see carpet odors).

For overall odor removal strategies, see How to Get Dog Smell Out of Your House and How to Get Smoke Smell Out of a House.

Skunk Smell on Clothes

Keep sprayed clothes outside until you can wash them.
Soak for a few hours in water with 1/2 cup baking soda and regular detergent.
Wash in the warmest water the fabric allows, adding 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse.
Air-dry outdoors and repeat if needed before using the dryer.

Skunk Smell in the Car

Air it out with windows open, wash floor mats, sprinkle baking soda on carpets and seats overnight then vacuum, and place activated charcoal inside. Replace the cabin air filter if the smell came in through the vents.

Why Not Tomato Juice?

Tomato juice can briefly mask the smell (partly through "nose fatigue"), but it doesn't break down the sulfur compounds called thiols in skunk spray. The peroxide recipe oxidizes them, which is why it works.

Pet Safety Reminders

Use only 3% hydrogen peroxide, never stronger.
Keep the mixture out of eyes and mouth.
Check which cleaning products are safe around pets: Pet-Safe Cleaning.

FAQ

How long does skunk smell last?

Untreated, it can linger for weeks. With the peroxide treatment, most of the odor goes right away, though a faint smell may return when your dog gets wet for a few days.

Can I use this on cats?

Ask your vet first, and be extra careful around the face.