Skunk spray and tear gas are both lachrymators, chemical substances designed to irritate the eyes and nose, causing redness, mucus production, and tears. Although tear gas is typically caused by another human, making it a bit easier to control than by the spray of a skunk. If you’re searching for a remedy to remove this smell, continue reading below.
Removing the Smell on Humans
If you get sprayed by a skunk, the first step you should take is to bathe or shower right away. In terms of science, you’ll be attempting to oxidize the thiols to sulfonic acids in an attempt to rid of the skunk smell they leave behind.
During this rinse, be sure to wash your entire body with deodorized soap or a grease-cutting dish detergent. This is the strongest method to remove the scent from your skin. As for your hair, be sure to wash with a shampoo designed for oily hair.
An alternative method you can also take includes soaking in a baking-soda bath for 15 to 20 minutes:
- Pour 2 to 4 cups of baking soda into hot water.
- Rinse to remove the residue off of your skin.
Removing the Smell on Pets
If your pet gets sprayed, an easy way to remove the scent from their coat is to create a homemade mixture of:
- 1 quart 3 percent hydrogen peroxide
- 1 teaspoon baby shampoo or grease-cutting dish detergent
- 1/4 cup baking soda
Lather this mixture heavily onto your pet’s fur and let it sit for 5 minutes. Make sure to avoid their eyes. Then, rinse and wash your pet with their regularly used shampoo. Repeat if necessary, or call your veterinarian or groomer for further information.
Contact Us For Assistance Today
If there’s a consistently skunk smell in your neighborhood, contact us today at Creature Catchers. We will send one of our expert team members to your area to get rid of the problem today. To get in touch with us, call us at 781-885-7635 or fill out a contact form today. We hope to hear from you soon to help you solve this problem.