How to Get a Skunk Smell Off of You

Skunks have a unique defense mechanism protecting them from predators: secreting glands beneath their tails which contain a variety of odor-causing chemicals. These chemicals, such as thiols, cause the strong odor that is emitted when a skunk sprays, while other chemicals help the odor linger. If these chemicals are sprayed on your skin by a skunk, they can evoke irritation and eye-watering. Immediate action using proper techniques and supplies will help you remove skunk smell from your skin.

Things You'll Need

• 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tsp. dishwashing soap
• Bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Washcloth
• Vinegar-based douche solution
• Plastic bottle
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Place 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 tsp. dishwashing soap in a bowl. Stir the ingredients together to create an odor-removing solution.

• 2

  Damp skin allows you to apply the solution more easily.

  Wet your skin in the shower or bathtub, then turn the water off. Apply the baking soda and peroxide mixture to your skin and rub it in as you would soap. Leave the solution on your skin for four minutes to allow it to neutralize and remove the skunk odor.

• 3

  Turn the water on and rinse the peroxide solution off your skin. Shut the water off again.

• 4

  Recycle a plastic bottle for applying odor-removing douche solution to skin.

  Pour the douche solution into a large plastic bottle, leaving room to fill the other half with warm water. Slowly pour the diluted douche liquid over your skin. Wait three to four minutes to rinse the solution off.

• 5

  Stand under the warm, running water to rinse away the douche solution. Towel dry your skin.