One thing will destroy your drive quicker than the potent smell of skunk spray contained within your vehicle. It does not even have to come into contact inadvertently while you are in your car in an area where a skunk tends to spray. The smell of skunk spray is infamous for being one of the most persistent types of odor known to man.
Its odour can stick to any area for a long period, spoiling the freshness around the area. In this article, how to get rid of skunk smell, will let you know the effective ways to remove the smell at the root cause and bring freshness into your car. Rather than moving to the first store to look around for products that only conceal the stinky odor, you can easily remove the smell using the methods provided.
Let’s get into it!
Why Does a Car Smell Like Skunk?
Most cars have a variety of unpleasant smells during the course of their working lives, whether it be a musty or mildew smell coming from the vents, a burning smell, a potent fuel odor, or something else. Few of these, however, are as problematic as the skunk.
Actually, there are several unpleasant ways for a car to have skunk spray on it, all of which are possible. It goes without saying that your car will smell after hitting a skunk. Skunks frequently cross the street in traffic because of their poor vision and disregard for the danger.
Skunks are largely nocturnal in nature; thus, this is particularly true while traveling at night. Alternatively, running over a dead skunk on the road can cause a car to pick up a skunk odor.
When this happens, a car’s tires frequently rip open a dead skunk’s scent glands, showering the bottom of the car with foul skunk spray.
A skunk will occasionally spray a car that is parked in a driveway. A skunk’s eyesight is extremely poor; therefore, it can be challenging for them to identify the exact source of a threat.
As a result, a vehicle is frequently mistaken for a predator and completely sprayed from a close distance.
Why Skunk Smell is So Difficult to Remove?
The reason why skunk odor is so hard to remove is due to the chemical properties of the spray.
The skunk scent consists of sulfur-based chemicals referred to as thiols. The chemicals are quite pungent and have an unpleasant lingering smell. They are also greasy and tacky so that they can easily stick to clothes, carpets, leather, plastics, and even air ducts in a vehicle. The chemicals cannot easily be removed by use of soap or air fresheners.
Further, thiols have the ability to regenerate when it comes into contact with either dampness or heat, which is why the odor comes back on a hot day or after it rains. Masking this odor is not sufficient since they must be neutralized.
What are the essential steps before cleaning your car?
Safety precautions
Before you start with the cleaning, it is important to take safety precautions. Skunk spray can result to irritation, so its better to put on safety gears to protect yourself.
Make the area you are working in is a well ventilated area to prevent inhaling any harmful odour. Prevent any children or pets close to the car, till the cleanup is completed.
Ventilation Tips
Ventilation is very necessary when reducing odor in your car. Follow by opening all the doors, window and trunk to allow circulation of air. If you can park the car in sunny or breeze area it will be very good. The sunlight and fresh air can improve in breaking down the odorous compounds. But if the weather isn`t nice, use a portable fan to improve airflow.
How To Get Rid of Skunk Smell in Car?
Here are three effective method on how to get rid of the skunk smell:
1. Homemade Cleaning Solutions
One of the effective homemade solutions for removing skunk smell is the combination of baking soda, liquid soap, and hydrogen peroxide.
Add a one quarter of hydrogen peroxide, quarter cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of liquid soap. Apply the mixture to the area affected and scrub it gently. The reaction of the chemical help in reducing the smell and take it from the surfaces. Make sure to rinse well and dry the area completely.
2. Using Store Bought products
Stores have several product designed specially for the problem. Enzyme based cleaner are very effective, because they break down the odor causing molecules. check for product that are labelled for pet odors or specifically skunk spray. Make sure to follow the instruction given.
3. Natural Remedies for The Removal Of Odor
Did you prefer natural remedies, there are several choices to consider.
The white vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer that can help neutralize skunk odor. Mix equal parts of the white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas. Leave it to sit for few minutes before cleaning it off.
Another choice to get rid of skunk smell in the car is using charcoal that is activated, which can soak up odors efficiently. Place the bags of activated charcoal in your car in the night to help draw out the skunk smell.
How to Remove Skunk Smell from Car Exterior?
Skunk spray mostly meet the car exterior, mostly the tires and undercarriage. Places where oil residue sticks to metal and rubber.
Mix a solution with one part distilled white vinegar, another part water, and a table spoon of concentrated dish soap in a spray bottle.
Spray the tires, wheel wells and undercarriage, and let it stay for 10 minutes, then rinse it of. If there are still a persisting smell, take it for a fully car wash service. Dry of the exterior with a microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.
Use charcoal or baking soda to absorb odor
Charcoal and baking soda are very good for natural odor absorbers. When you are done cleaning the car, place a bowl of activated charcoal or open boxes of baking soda around the car. Leave it over night so they can absorb the remaining odor this is a very effective method for both exterior and interior part of a car.
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