Removal of Skunk Odor/Removing Odor

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This chapter lists methods for removing skunk odor.


Contents

[edit] Hydrogen peroxide method

[edit] Odor

You can forget about tomato juice. The most effective formula has proven to be chemist Paul Krebaum's.[1] He published it in "Chemical and Engineering News" in its October 1993 issue. You can also find it in Popular Science's August 2007 issue. Here is his recipe for the bathing concoction:

   * One quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide
   * one quarter cup of baking soda
   * one teaspoon of liquid hand soap (not detergent)

Bathe your pet in this solution and rinse with warm tap water. Krebaum warned that there is no way to store this potion. "If you put the ingredients in a bottle, the whole thing would explode."[2]

The thiols, which are responsible for the odor, are not water soluble, even with soap, but the baking soda catalyzes the oxidative ability of the peroxide, which oxidizes the thiols into highly water-soluble sulfonates. In an episode of the television program MythBusters, the hydrogen peroxide mix was found to be the most effective smell removal agent.[3]

[edit] Diffused odor

For control of diffused odor (such as buildings) read the publication Removing Skunk Odor.

[edit] References

  1. ↑ Paul Krebaum's web page with more information: The Skunk Remedy Homepage
  2. ↑ "Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, when combined, become a "chemical engine" for churning out oxygen. That's why it has to be used immediately after mixing. The soap breaks up the oils in the skunk spray, allowing the other ingredients to do their work". [ http://dan.drydog.com/patsyann/skunk.html Deskunking Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets] This solution can irritate a pet's eyes and should be used carefully. For use on clothing, furniture, and anything of fabric, use the solution Nature's Cure usually found at large animal stores.
  3. ↑ "In the tradition of the stinky pigs, Jamie and Adam volunteered to get skunked in order to test various stink remedies." Unofficial Mythbusters
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