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.
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.
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.
Open your vehicle's windows and doors to allow fresh air in. Fresh air will help neutralize the skunk odor.
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.
