| 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. |
