Removing Skunk Odor
To remove odor from fabrics time, air, soap and water, and ammonia in water are recommended. Since the skunk’s spray is an oily compound, it can be removed by methods used to remove oily soil, or the odor molecule can be destroyed with a weak acid. The use of white vinegar, dry-cleaning fluid or household chlorine bleach in a weak solution is suggested for removing skunk odor from clothing or pets. Use these products in separate steps, not together. Tomato juice, an acid, is sometimes recommended for washing pets, but do not use on clothing.
Other recommended treatments include washing items with a strong soap, a heavy-duty liquid detergent, or borax. For articles that can not be washed or dry-cleaned, such as shoes, bury them in fine, dry soil for several days. The fine particles of soil will absorb the odor, leaving the original article odor free. Kitty litter, sweeping compound, and other fine-particle materials should also work. Consider burying clothes that have been hit directly with skunk spray. †
There are commercial products available for removal of skunk odors. Check with local pet supply shops or small animal clinics. Check whether these products can be used on clothing as they could damage fabrics causing color or texture change. †
FOOLPROOF HOME-BREW REMOVERS
The following solutions really work. I have tried them with success.
INSIDE THE HOME
Paul Krebaum, a chemist for the Molex corporation in Lisle, Illinois, has developed a foolproof odor remover. This odor remover works on anything including decomposing organic matter, fecal matter, urine and skunk spray. †
This odor remover is made from simple household ingredients: †
1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide †
1/4 cup of baking soda †
1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. †
Mix the three ingredients together and use immediately. The chemical reaction produced from these ingredients lasts only a limited time. You can now rinse the effected areas or use a plant mist bottle to spray on the air like a room deodorizer.
If you use this formula to remove skunk odor from your pet, be sure to rinse off him off with water. Do not let the solution soak for more than a few minutes. †
OUTSIDE THE HOME
On bare wood, concrete, soil: Get chlorinated lime water at drug store, or mix 1 cup agricultural lime in 1 gallon chlorine bleach and put on areas. BE VERY CAREFUL TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS - don’t get on skin, clothing, etc as it will burn (is a caustic solution), and will also burn grass or other vegetation. †
ON CLOTHS
Launder in cool or barely lukewarm water with lots of heavy, built laundry detergent, plus a degrease and some water conditioner (like Calgon) if water is hard. Don’t use very warm or hot water as oil will be released in steam and odor will come up out of tub.
