How to Get Skunk Smell Out of a Car: A Step-by-Step Guide
Few things are as unmistakable—and as stubborn—as the smell of skunk. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of your car getting skunked, you know how intense and lingering that odor can be. Whether you hit a skunk, drove by one too closely, or somehow ended up with the smell inside your car, don’t panic. The good news is: it is possible to get rid of that awful odor with the right approach, a little patience, and the right products.
In this post, I’ll walk you through several steps you can take to eliminate skunk smell from your car, both inside and out.
Step 1: Air Out the Vehicle
Before you start deep cleaning, open all the doors and windows and let the car air out as much as possible. If you have access to a garage or safe outdoor area, leave it open for a few hours (weather permitting). Fresh air helps dissipate volatile compounds in the skunk spray, which can reduce the intensity of the smell.
Step 2: Identify Where the Smell Is Coming From
Skunk spray can cling to multiple areas—tires, undercarriage, or even seep into the cabin through the air vents. Sometimes, the smell is strongest inside the vehicle, especially if you drove through a skunk spray cloud with the air conditioning on.
Try to figure out if the smell is stronger inside or outside. This will help you decide whether you need to focus more on the interior or exterior (or both).
Step 3: Clean the Exterior of the Car
Mix a skunk odor neutralizing solution like this one (based on the famous skunk odor remedy):
- 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
Apply this solution to the afflicted areas using a sponge or cloth while wearing gloves. Be cautious: this mixture can bleach darker paint, so spot-test first or use a commercial skunk odor remover specifically made for cars (like Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Remover or Skunk-Off).
Rinse thoroughly after 5–10 minutes and avoid letting the mixture dry on the surface.
Don’t forget to clean the undercarriage and wheels—especially if you hit the skunk directly. A pressure washer can be very helpful here.
Must Read: How To Get Off Overspray On Cars?
Step 4: Clean the Interior
If the smell made its way inside your car, here’s what to do:
1. Take out and clean the seat covers and floor mats.
Take out all removable fabric items and wash them with a mix of vinegar and laundry detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine—it helps break down the sulfur compounds in skunk spray.
2. Vacuum and Wipe Everything Down
Thoroughly vacuum the interior to remove dirt and particles that may be holding onto the smell. Then wipe all surfaces with a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar, or an enzymatic cleaner made for pet odors.
3. Clean or Replace Cabin Air Filter
Skunk smell can get trapped in your car’s cabin filter, especially if you were running the AC when it happened. Replacing the filter is often the easiest way to remove lingering odor from your ventilation system.
Step 5: Deodorize with Natural Absorbers
After a deep clean, try these odor absorbers to catch any remaining smell:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle on carpets and seats, leave overnight, and vacuum.
- Place tiny bowls or sachets of activated charcoal throughout the interior.
- Coffee grounds: A surprisingly effective deodorizer—leave some in an open container for a few days.
You can also leave a bowl of vinegar in the car overnight with the windows closed—just be sure to remove it before driving.
Step 6: Let It Sit—and Repeat If Needed
Skunk odor is made up of oily, sulfur-based compounds that don’t always go away with one cleaning. You may need to repeat some of these steps a couple of times, especially if the initial exposure was strong.
Final Tips
- Avoid masking the smell with strong air fresheners. They can mix with the skunk odor and make it worse.
- Be patient. Even after a thorough cleaning, it might take a few days for the last of the smell to dissipate.
- Consider a professional detail. If nothing seems to be working, professional auto detailers often have ozone machines or other tools that can eliminate stubborn odors.
Final Thought:
Getting skunk smell out of your car isn’t fun, but it’s totally doable. With a little elbow grease and the right approach, you can have your vehicle smelling fresh again in no time. And next time you see a skunk on the road… maybe give it a little extra space!