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DEODORIZE
SKUNK SPRAY
Neutralize
skunk odor.
William
F. Wood, Department of Chemistry
Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA 95521
E-Mail wfw2@axe.humboldt.edu
Chemistry
of Skunk Spray
To
neutralize or deodorize skunk spray, the chemicals in the secretion
must be changed to a different type of molecule. Tomato juice does
not work (see below for an explanation).
For
pets that have been sprayed, bathe the animal in a mixture of 1
quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide (from drug store), 1/4 cup of baking
soda (sodium bicarbonate) and a teaspoon of liquid detergent. After
5 minutes rinse the animal with water. Repeat if necessary. The
mixture must be used after mixing and will not work if it is stored
for any length of time. DO NOT STORE IN A CLOSED CONTAINER - it
releases oxygen gas so it could break the container. This mixture
may bleach the pet's hair. I have heard of one black Labrador retriever
that was chocolate colored after this treatment. (Paul Krebaum's
Recipe from Chemical & E ngineering News , October 18, 1993,
p. 90).
Some
additional tips. Do this outside so the volatile skunk spray does
not contaminate your house. To remove residual skunk odor from your
clothes and any towels or rags used in this clean up procedure,
wash them with one cup of liquid laundry bleach per gallon of water.
For
buildings, decks, etc., a solution of liquid laundry (Chlorox®)
bleach (1 cup per gallon) will work. CAUTION - THIS MAY BLEACH THE
BUILDINGS, DECKS, ETC. Try it on a small area if bleaching may be
a problem. The bleach must come in contact with the spot where the
secretion was sprayed Repeated applications may be necessary for
large amounts of the skunk spray. DO NOT USE THIS ON PETS. It will
not work for skunk spray that has drifted over a large area or is
trapped in a house. Only time and adequate ventilation will help
in this case.
Why
tomato juice is believed to eliminate skunk odor.
Bathing
an animal in tomato juice seems to work because at high doses of
skunk spray the human nose quits smelling the odor (olfactory fatigue).
When this happens, the odor of tomato juice can easily be detected.
A person suffering olfactory fatigue to skunk spray will swear that
the skunk odor is gone and was neutralized by the tomato juice.
Another person coming on the scene at this point will readily confirm
that the skunk spray has not been neutralized by the tomato juice.
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