How to Get Rid of a Skunk Smell With Tomato Juice

Skunk odor is notoriously difficult to get rid of. Skunk spray is a lethal combination of sulfurous chemical oils meant to protect the skunk from predators. One way to get rid of the smell is with tomato juice. The premise is that the acids in the tomato juice will dissolve and counteract the oils in the skunk spray. So try it next time in your pet's bath or your own.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag
• Tomato juice
• Soap

Instructions

1. If the spray comes into contact with your eyes, immediately rinse them out in cool running water for five minutes, or until the burning stops and vision returns to normal.

2. Remove any clothes and put in a plastic bag to prevent the spread of skunk oil.

3. Fill the bathtub half full with water at the preferred temperatures. Mix in three cans of tomato juice.

4. Bathe in the tomato juice mixture, taking care not to get it in your eyes. Scrub your hair or your pet's fur thoroughly to ensure the acid in the tomato juice breaks down as much of the oil as possible.

5. Drain the tub, then fill it with clean water. Rinse off the remaining tomato juice then bathe with your usual soap or use pet shampoo on your pet. Rinse off.

Tips & Warnings

• The tomato juice may dye a light-colored animal's fur pink. This is temporary.

• Do not use tomato juice to wash the smell out of clothing because it will stain. Use a diluted ammonia mixture instead.

References

• New Mexico State University Extension: Controlling Skunks In New Mexico
• University of Minnesota Extension: Skunks-Odor and Control