How to Get Skunk Smell Out of Carpet

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 qt. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide

  • 1/4 cup baking soda

  • 1 tsp. dish soap

  • Bowl

  • Rubber gloves

  • Brush

  • Paper towels

  • Sponge

  • Water

  • 1 cup borax

  • 2 cups cornmeal

  • Vacuum

  • Baking soda

Skunk smell is notoriously strong and difficult to remove. There are different ways the smell can invade your carpet — your pet may get sprayed and wander back into the home, exposing everything in its path to the odor, or you may be unlucky enough to have the skunk itself wander into your house or vehicle. No matter the situation, there is hope. Some of the same ingredients that can neutralize the odor on your pet's fur also neutralize the odor on carpet.

Advertisement

White Carpet

Step 1

Mix 1 qt. of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, a quarter cup of baking soda and 1 tsp. of dish soap in a bowl, as suggested by AA Animal Control for neutralizing skunk odors on people or pets.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

Step 2

Put on rubber gloves. Spread this mixture on the carpeted area that has the odor. Rub it in gently with a brush and allow it to sit for a few minutes to neutralize the odor.

Step 3

Remove as much of the mixture as you can, using paper towels to pick it off the carpet.

Advertisement

Step 4

Dampen a sponge in cool water and wipe over the carpet to dilute more of the mixture, making it easier to remove. Blot with paper towels and let it air-dry.

Colored Carpet

Step 1

Mix 1 cup of borax and 2 cups of cornmeal in a bowl. Apply this to the area that needs to be deodorized, as suggested by Michigan State University Extension. Note that if the skunk smell is over an area larger than about a foot square, you need to use more of this formula.

Advertisement

Step 2

Let the mixture stand at least an hour before vacuuming it up.

Step 3

Reapply the borax and cornmeal mixture and allow it to stand overnight if the odor is still there. Alternatively, use baking soda, applied directly to the carpet.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references