How to Remove Skunk Smell From Your Car
Skunks are common roadkill victims that often leave a lingering stench on your vehicle’s exterior. Sometimes, the smell can make its way to a vehicle’s interior, which makes driving a stinky endeavor. Discover how to remove skunk smell from your car after an unfortunate encounter with the animal.
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Exterior
The usual soap and water ingredients you use for typical car washes probably won’t be effective in eliminating skunk smell completely. Instead, fill a garden sprayer with distilled vinegar and liquid dish detergent. Wash the tires and undercarriage of your car with this mixture. The more skunk spray that got on your vehicle, the more vinegar/soap mixture you’ll want to use. Next, hose off your car with water to rinse and then dry with towels.
If the smell still lingers on your vehicle after one hour of washing, repeat the vinegar-detergent wash. If you only use the affected vehicle occasionally, layer charcoal on a tarp and then place it under the car. The charcoal will help absorb the stench so you can enjoy riding in an odorless cabin once again.
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Interior
If your car’s upholstery and carpet reeks of skunk, you’ll want to implement the following remedies. For cloth seats, combine water and vinegar in a spray bottle and mist the upholstery as well as the carpet. (You can also try using a carpet deodorizer, such as one from Arm & Hammer, on cloth upholstery and the carpet of your vehicle.) Let the solution sit for a few minutes and then use a clean towel or cloth to wipe up the mixture.
If you have leather or vinyl seats, mix a solution of one part linseed oil with one part vinegar. Use a towel to rub the solution into your seats.
Hopefully, these DIY solutions will help eliminate the skunk smell from your vehicle. If it still lingers, however, you may want to schedule an appointment with a professional detailing shop for some extra help.
Ben never thought he’d be writing about cars for a living, but here he is, knowing more about the Kia Stinger than he’d care to admit. When he’s not devoting his time to researching engine specs and other oh-so-exciting car details, he can be found enjoying time with his wife and dogs. See more articles by Ben.