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One of the first times that people will actually come into contact with a skunk is when they have to deal with an area that has actually been sprayed by the animal, and while they may not see the animal, the smell will certainly be very distinctive. The process of cleaning and removing the scent is a difficult, and will vary depending on what has been sprayed by the animal. Dealing with pets and people that have been sprayed will require a certain type of detergent, while cars and areas of properties can be cleaned with stronger chemicals.



Cleaning Your Dog

The sooner that you can start to clean the dog, the easier it will be to remove the smell, but the first thing to do if you can is to ensure that the dog doesn't get into your home, otherwise you'll have to clean there as well. There are specialist shampoos to remove skunk spray, but if you don't already have these in your home, then combine hydrogen peroxide with dish washing fluid and baking soda, and use this to shampoo the dog. If you can do this before the skunk's spray has dried, then it will be easier to wash, but if left untended, the smell can last for weeks.

Removing Skunk Odor From Your Car

Skunk odor can usually be removed by using normal car cleaning products, and in most cases the scent on the exterior will be worst, and this can be removed by washing the car with a good shampoo, and using a tire cleaner on the rubber. In the interior, wash all of the surfaces with the appropriate cleaner, and hang a good deodorizer from the mirror.

Deodorizing A Person Sprayed By A Skunk

The mixture used to clean a person who has been sprayed is the same as that used to clean a dog, and this mixture will often deal with the smell that has found its way on to the skin. You will also need to deal with the clothing, and it is best to wash those with that same hydrogen peroxide mixture before washing in the usual way.

Removing Skunk Odor From A Domestic Property

Although it may not be pleasant, if you are sprayed by the skunk, try not to go into the domestic property before removing your clothes, otherwise the scent will spread throughout your home. All solid surfaces that are durable should be cleaned with bleach, while the hydrogen peroxide mix can be used on cloth and other sensitive surfaces. For more information, you may want to click on one of these guides that I wrote:
How much does skunk removal cost? - get the lowdown on prices.
How to get rid of skunks - my main skunk removal info guide.

How To Protect Yourself From A Spraying Skunk

One of the worst things that can happen to you if you encounter a skunk is that it will spray you with the foul smelling fluid produced in the anal glands, and while it smells bad, it can also have other effects too. As well as being very strong in terms of its smell, this substance is also toxic, and can cause a variety of symptoms including swelling and a rash, and if it touches the eyes then it can even cause temporary blindness.



Why Does A Skunk Spray?

The skunk's spray is really a self defense mechanism that is used to help deter predators from trying to attack the skunk, and because the glands only hold a small amount of this substance, they are usually quite reluctant to spray unless there is no other option. However, when it is cornered or it feels that a baby skunk is in danger, then it will try to spray you, and can be accurate from up to ten meters away.

Signs The Skunk May Be About To Spray

Because the skunks are reluctant to use their ability to spray unless they absolutely have to, they will usually show a series of signs to indicate to any threat that they are going to spray them unless they move away. These signs including flicking their tail up dramatically, hissing and stamping on the ground.

Protecting Yourself From The Spray

The first thing that you should try to do if you get the opportunity is to retreat from the skunk as soon as possible, and to avoid any kind of direct confrontation with the animal. If you are in a location where you cannot do this without getting closer to the animal, then try to give the skunk the opportunity to retreat. Cover your eyes and face, but try to avoid turning your back on the animal, as you do not want to be scratched or bitten by the skunk either.

Cleaning And Washing Soiled Clothing And Material

Although tomato juice is said to remove the smell of the skunk's spray, the reality is that you'll probably need to either dispose of the clothing, or use a stronger chemical cleaner. A common detergent that is used to clean such material is made by combining hydrogen peroxide, liquid detergent and baking soda, and this will need to be applied several times to fully remove the smell produced by the skunks. For more information, you may want to click on one of these guides that I wrote:
How much does skunk removal cost? - get the lowdown on prices.
How to get rid of skunks - my main skunk removal info guide.
How To Protect Yourself From A Spraying Skunk