Skunk spray removal

Description
In North America, four species of skunks are known to use the same chemical defense: the spraying of grossly offensive liquid from their anal glands. Skunks use this response when surprised or attacked. The discharge can reach a target up to 15 feet away. Detected even at remarkably low concentrations, skunk spray is highly repellent.

Signs/symptoms
When you're exposed to concentrated amounts of skunk spray, you may become nauseated and have dry heaves. Excessive tearing and burning, as though you've been exposed to tear gas, is common with eye contact. You may even experience up to 15 minutes of temporary blindness.

Treatment
After any skunk contact, consult the game warden, your doctor or local health department. Skunks may carry rabies, which can spread through contact with infected saliva. If there's a chance that you've been bitten or you handle an animal that has been bitten, immediate contact with authorities is critical.
To help get rid of the skunk odor, try the following suggestions. Remember to wear gloves while handling any material that may have been contaminated by a wild animal.

To diminish the odor from your skin, clothing or pet fur, try a solution of one part vinegar or tomato juice to one part water. (Be aware that tomato juice may stain clothing.) If this is not effective for pet fur, some veterinarians recommend using a freshly made solution made of 1 quart of 3-percent hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. Leave the solution on your pet's fur for five minutes, then rinse. Be aware that this solution may bleach the pet's fur.

Another way to remove odor (and possibly color) from your clothes is to soak them in a weak solution of household chloride bleach or ammonia. Remember, NEVER mix bleach and ammonia! Avoid hot or very warm water because the skunk oils in the clothing may be released in the steam and cause more odor in the air. Also, as with any household chemical, be careful to avoid accidental inhalation, splashing or ingestion. You may also try a strong detergent or borax.

To wash walls or floors, use a chlorine bleach or vinegar solution. Chlorine bleach may discolor objects, so test an area first if discoloration is a concern.

Diluted neutroleum alpha may be used on clothing, walls and structural areas to control odors. The product is available through commercial cleaning suppliers.

To remove odors outdoors on bare wood, concrete or soil, look for a chlorinated lime water solution in a pharmacy. Read package directions carefully and avoid contact with your skin or clothing -- these solutions are caustic and may burn skin, grass and plants.

Inside your home, consider a commercial compound to help break down or neutralize the scent, such as Skunk-Off spray or Odor-Away liquid or aerosol. For household furnishings, try Rexall C-D deodorant aerosol. Nilodor products, some of which must be diluted in water, can be used on dogs and furnace filters. Look for these products in pet shops, pet supply catalogs or veterinary clinics.