Remove skunk smell

We’ve all heard the old wives tales of remedies to get rid of skunk spray or skunk odors.  Give up on the tomato juice baths, citrus juice remedies or trying to mask the smell with air fresheners.  None of them work and will make a bigger mess in the long run.  Besides, some of these can really add up in price for a nil result. 

Ever wonder how trappers are able to get the smell out of the skunk hides in order to sell them?  Let alone how to get them smell off of themselves so they don’t skunk out their trapping areas for other targeted furbearers?  Well, the secret is a simple one.  It’s not very expensive and it’s easy to make it yourself.  All you need is hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and liquid dish soap (or dish detergent could be substituted for liquid dish soap).  If you do not have hydrogen peroxide you can substitute it with (or 2% vinegar solution).

Here is the secret recipe that WORKS. Mix the following:

• 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (or 2% vinegar solution)
• 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap or dish detergent
• Mix these together and bathe ("shampoo" in or rub down) the spray victim thoroughly.
• Be sure to use this mixture immediately after it is created, as it is unstable.
• Let sit for five minutes and rinse with tap water afterward, and repeat if necessary.
• For spray in the eyes, flush with water as soon as possible.

  Keep in mind the fluid from the skunk is oil based.  Before washing, it’s strongly recommended to wear rubber gloves, old clothing and do the washing outside if possible.  This mixture will work better when it’s applied directly and in concentrated form.  Try to keep the affected area dry until you are ready to rinse off the solution from the affected area, person or house pet.  Application of this mixture can be used in spray bottles, droppers, or even a tub (Rubbermaid bins or kiddie pools).  If the spray goes into the eyes, just use water to remove it.  Do not use this solution in the eyes at all.