How To De-Skunk

Skunk spray rarely causes anything more serious than a very unpleasant aroma unless you are sprayed in the face. Rinse with clean water immediately and see a doctor if a skunk sprays your eyes, nose or mouth at close range. De-skunk your skin, clothes or pet with a homemade or commercial neutralizing solution to remove skunk oil and its associated odor. Apply as soon as possible after skunking for the best results. You may need to follow your chosen de-skunking routine a couple of times before the smell disappears completely.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Bucket or large container
• Soap
• Spray bottle
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 qt. hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent solution
• 1 tsp. dish washing liquid
• Large plastic or wooden spoon
• Cloth
• Pet shampoo
• Commercial skunk-odor remover
• Dust mask
• Disposable gloves
• Safety goggles

Show More

Instructions

Vinegar and Water Spray

• 1

  Mix water and white vinegar together in a bucket or large container at a ratio of 1:1.

• 2

  Pour some of the solution into a spray bottle and leave the remainder in the mixing container. Use the spray on affected skin and soak skunked clothing in the bucket.

• 3

  Spray affected upholstery, carpets or soft furnishings, testing for color fastness on an inconspicuous area first.

• 4

  Rinse treated areas with soap and water to remove traces of vinegar and residual skunk odor. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

• 5

  Apply the vinegar and water mixture to the skunked area of your pet's fur using a spray bottle. If the affected area is near your pet's eyes, nose or mouth, use a cloth to apply the solution. Massage through to cover all affected hairs, and immediately wash the fur with regular pet shampoo. Rinse with clean water.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

• 6

  Pour 1 qt. hydrogen peroxide into a bucket or large container. Add 1 tsp. or a squirt of dishwashing liquid and 1/4 cup baking soda. Carefully stir through with a wooden or plastic spoon. The mixture generates large amounts of foam, as chemicals react to produce oxygen in the form of bubbles.

• 7

  Dip the affected area in the container or apply directly to the skin with a cloth. Apply to pet fur with a cloth. Do not use near the eyes and take care to avoid other sensitive areas such as the mouth and nose. Do not ingest the mixture.

• 8

  Leave the solution to work for five minutes. Shower or wash away the skunk-odor remover using soap and water or pet shampoo if you are treating your pet. Rinse again with clean water.

Professional Skunk-Odor Remover

• 9

  Purchase a commercially produced skunk-odor remover tailored to your problem area. Professional odor removers are designed for use on specific items, so do not attempt to use skunk-odor removal products designed for fabrics and upholstery on human skin or pets.

• 10

  Read the instructions on the container and follow directions for the appropriate application procedure. For pets or human skin, apply to the affected area, avoiding cuts, abrasions, open or healing wounds, and sensitive parts of the body. Leave the treatment to work for the recommended time. Rinse with clean water and repeat the procedure if the odor is still detectable after applying a commercial treatment.

• 11

  Spray affected upholstery or fabrics with an appropriate commercial skunk-odor remover, following the manufacturer's guidelines. Wear a protective dust mask, disposable gloves or safety goggles if your chosen commercial de-skunking cleaner recommends you to do so.