How to Get Rid of Skunk Spray on Cars
by Brittany Tucker
Running over a skunk or simply passing by a frightened skunk while driving can cause the skunk to emit a foul-smelling odor onto your vehicle. Skunks have a gland that produces a noxious mist. When a car hits the animal, the muscles that keep all of the spray inside relaxes and the odor is released. Wash your car multiple times and with multiple products to permanently rid the foul smell from your car.
Step 1
Pour liquid soap into a bucket of cool water and wash your vehicle as soon as you notice the skunk odor. Prevent soap stains by spraying your vehicle down thoroughly with a water hose before washing it with the soap. Promptly cleaning your vehicle as soon as you notice the skunk smell will help eliminate some of the odor.
Step 2
Wash your vehicle's wheels and the area under your vehicle with a dry mustard and water mixture. According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, dissolving a cup of dry mustard in a bucket of water and washing the wheels and underbody of your vehicle can remove a skunk odor.
Step 3
Open your vehicle's windows and doors to allow fresh air in. Fresh air will help neutralize the skunk odor.
Step 4
Place a cloth, saturated with vanilla extract, into an open container and put it on the inside of your vehicle. According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service, a saturated vanilla extract cloth can remove skunk odor from your vehicle. Leave the scented cloth in your vehicle until the skunk odor is gone.
References
Tips
- You can spray an air deodorizer in your car, instead of using a saturated vanilla extract cloth. You can purchase an air deodorizer at automotive stores.
Things You'll Need
- Liquid soap
- Bucket
- Water hose
- Dry mustard
- Cloth
- Vanilla extract
- Container
Warnings
- You may have to wash your vehicle multiple times before the skunk odor is removed for good.
Writer Bio
Brittany Tucker began a freelance writing career in 2008. She specializes in home and garden topics, and her work has appeared on a variety of websites. Tucker studied English literature at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
