A skunk’s spray is a sulphur-alcohol compound that is not only difficult to remove, it can be potentially harmful. Generally, a skunk will not spray unless they are threatened or surprised. If you’ve been sprayed by a skunk, the stink could be unbearable, and cause temporary blindness if sprayed into the eyes. Here are some tips to help you get rid of the stink of a skunk’s spray:
Recipe for Smell Removal
Contrary to what we’ve been told, tomato juice is not an effective neutralizer of skunk spray’s smell. Chemical and Engineering News published a recipe from Paul Krebaum that is incredibly effective in combating a skunk’s smell. The solution is made of:
- 1 teaspoon liquid detergent
- 1 quarter cup baking soda
- 5 cups 3% hydrogen peroxide
Mix these in a large bowl and wash anything that has come in contact with the skunk’s spray, including your pets.
Please note that this solution is potentially explosive and cannot be covered. Dispose of any leftover solution by diluting it with water and pouring it down the drain.
How to Remove the Smell:
- Find the source of the smell
Discover the smell’s source within your home. Once the source is detected, clean it as thoroughly as you can. Proceed to clean other affected areas to prevent the smell from spreading.
- Keep sprayed pets from entering the house
Curious dogs and cats are usually the victims of terrified skunks. If you allow your furry friend inside after being sprayed, the smell will rub off on anything with which they come in contact. Keep your sprayed pets outside until you can wash them. Be aware that the washing process can take several hours. One quick wash will not be sufficient.
- Wash anything else that has been sprayed
If you were sprayed by a skunk, immediately wash your clothes. The odour molecules will attach themselves to other items. Wash sprayed clothes separately from other laundry so you do not expose other items to the smell.
If you usually use bleach to wash your whites, avoid mixing it with the ammonium solution used to get rid of a skunk’s stink because the combination of the two could result to a dangerous odour.
Removing skunk spray can take several hours and multiple washes. To make the washing process easier, wash whatever has been sprayed immediately before the odour molecules have settled. Putting this laundry load may cause the smell to permeate the home.
If a skunk has sprayed near you or your pets, call a professional pest control service to remove the skunk from your property. Call Pro-Pest at (416) 487-4179 to make an appointment.
