Removing skunk smell is known to be a difficult and tedious task, but there are so many myths associated with skunk smell removal, it’s important to learn what really works. If you live in an area that is frequently populated by skunks, then it is in your best interest to read this article on how to remove skunk smell from you, your clothes, and even your dog!
Skunk Smell Removal
Although skunks are fascinating creatures, they have a bad reputation for their natural methods of self-defense. When a skunk feels threatened, it releases a spray of natural oils at their predator. This skunk oil is potent, and has a very distinct odor that is widely recognized throughout America. The oil is thick and latches onto fur, and seeps into skin and clothing immediately. It has a smell that can only be described as putrid and sour.
Removing this oil is the key to getting rid of skunk odor. The problem is, removing skunk oil is very hard to do. It has long time been suggested to soak in a bath of tomato juice. This remedy came about by the idea that the acid in tomato juice neutralizes the chemicals that produce the odor in skunk oil. This is a home remedy that has not been very effective. It can also dye a dog’s fur, stain clothing, and even stain bathtubs. This approach is very messy and is not recommended.
If you prefer to use a home remedy to remove skunk oil and smell, there are several variations of solutions that can be mixed an applied to the contaminated areas. This solution is basically made up of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, dish soap, and sometimes apple cider vinegar. One variation of the recipe is as follows:
One Pint of Peroxide, Half a Cup of Baking Soda, Two Tablespoons of Dish Soap, & an Entire Bottle of Cider Vinegar
It is suggested to mix the solutions together and apply it to your skin or dog’s fur. Allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse and repeat. There is no set amount of times to rinse and repeat. It depends on the degree of saturation and size of the soiled area. You may have to repeat this bathing process five to ten times before alleviating the skunk smell. Even after many tries, you may not be able to remove it completely, but it will be drastically less noticeable than before. There’s no need to panic if it doesn’t come out completely, skunk odor is not permanent and will eventually fade away.
If a home solution is not your idea of reliable skunk removal, then you can look at retail options. There are many skunk odor removal products on the market today. Most of these products can be purchased in pet stores, home good stores, hunting shops, and online. Not all of them are proven 100% effective, so be sure to read labels and ask questions before purchasing a skunk removal product.
Indianapolis Skunk Removal Services
Call Wildlife Rescue and Control at 317-257-2290 for skunk removal services in Indianapolis, IN. We are DNR licensed and insured skunk removal and control experts that have decades of experience working with skunks. We offer a wide range of wildlife removal services for all nuisance animals, including skunks. Our DNR licensed wildlife contractors provide removal, minor structural damage repair, cleanup services, prevention, and more. Call 317-257-2290 for safe and humane skunk removal and control in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.