How to De-Skunk Your House

Immediately turn off any heating, ventilation and air-condition (HVAC), as these systems only circulate the smell throughout the house. If the skunk smell is really severe, clean out the HVAC system. Remove the filter, activate the fan and set the system to heat. Locate the return vent (which is the vent taking in air) and spray it with a noncorrosive and nonflammable cleaning product. Spray the vent for at least 10 seconds and allow the system to operate, circulating the cleaner through the ducts to all the rooms of the house. Repeat this step, if needed. Replace the filter with a new one.

Thoroughly clean all the rooms. Spray walls, furniture, carpet, drapes and other fabrics with cleaner. Launder all clothes. Use a commercial spray that is specially made to neutralize skunk odors.

Bathe any dogs, whether or not they were sprayed by the skunk. First, soak the dog with white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, which are known to counteract the oils in the skunk spray, and comb the dog. Then apply a lot of shampoo and wash as normal. If you have long-haired cats that really stink, take them to a veterinarian for cleaning. If cats rub against carpet and furniture, they will only spread the smells around the house.

Clean cement, brick porches and other outdoor areas sprayed by the skunk. Clean with a mixture of approximately 10 percent bleach and 90 percent water. Soak the area and wipe with a mop. Substitute detergent for the bleach to clean wood.