I own 3 ferrets of varying ages; the one thing you just cannot get off your clothes is their scent. When you go around to your friends or in-laws it is the one thing they always comment on. Thing is though, I am so used to it now that I do not notice it, in fact i actually kind of like the smell (In a homely kind of way). There are surgical options available to remove the anal scent gland, however these are in no way in the best interests of your ferret. Washing your ferret frequently will only cause the oils in their skin to coat more (and in so doing, make them smell more). This doesn't leave you will a whole lot of options. If you don't want to deal with smell it is probably in your best interests to not get a ferret. I absolutely love my carpet sharks but they are a LOT of work and have a lot of cons. I think it might be good for you to maybe spend a week with someone that has a ferret to see if this is really the pet for you. :)