How does tomato juice make skunk smell go away? (2024)

FAQs

How does tomato juice make skunk smell go away? ›

Debunking the tomato juice myth

Tomato juice does not make skunk odor go away. More specifically, tomato juice does not react chemically with the skunk odor to destroy it. Instead, it simply has a strong enough smell on its own to partially mask the skunk smell.

Chemist Paul Krebaum discovered a solution that changes the odorous thiols into odorless acids, thereby chemically neutralizing the skunk odor. The formula is: 1 quart of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (fresh bottle), • ¼ cup of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and • 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap.

Tomato juice might wash off some of the thiols and thioacetates that cause skunk odor, but it doesn't chemically alter or neutralize those compounds and, subsequently, their smell. Changing the thiols into chemicals that have little or no odor is the key to getting rid of skunk stink.

Here's what you need to do if your pet gets skunked. Veterinarians recommend using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and dish soap for pets who have been sprayed by a skunk.

Thiols can be neutralized chemically, though not with tomato juice. Instead, mix half a gallon (about two liters) of 3% hydrogen peroxide with half a cup of baking soda.

If your dog was sprayed by a skunk, your first thought might be to reach for the tomato juice. However, professional dog groomers and zoologists say that won't work.

It may seem ironic, but skunks hate certain odors (as if they have room to judge). Citrus, ammonia, mothballs and predator urine (dog, coyote, etc) are three smells that can scare off skunks. If you use mothballs or ammonia-soaked cotton balls, be sure to keep them far away from children.

One good and natural option is vinegar. Skunks hate the smell of vinegar, so spraying it around your property can help keep them away. To repel skunks, mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.

Skunk odor can linger for days or weeks, depending on its intensity. Here are some tips for in-house skunk smell removal. Open all of your windows and let as much sunlight in as possible to oxidize the odor and shorten its lifespan. Also, run the fan in your central heating or AC system to circulate the air.

How to get lingering skunk smell out of house? ›

Just sprinkle some baking soda around the affected area, and the odors will start to dissipate. You may need to apply more than once, but eventually, the baking soda will absorb all the skunk smell, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean again.

If a skunk sprays your dog, the scent can linger for up to three weeks. The thiol in the liquid binds to proteins in your dog's skin and fur, making it difficult to remove from their coat once it dries, so it's vital to act quickly in the event of a smelly encounter between your dog and a skunk.

Will a car wash get rid of skunk smell? Probably not. Basic soap and water won't be effective enough to fully remove the smell. Mix dish detergent or car soap with distilled vinegar.

Contrary to urban legend and online myth, tomato products, such as tomato juice and sauce, do not eliminate skunk smell. These products may help mask odor, but they do not oxidize or destroy the thiols or thioacetates that cause them.

To remove skunk smell from dogs, mix one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap. Apply the mixture to your dog's coat, avoiding their eyes and mouth, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.

To remove skunk smell from dogs, mix one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1-2 teaspoons of dish soap. Apply the mixture to your dog's coat, avoiding their eyes and mouth, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water. Repeat as needed.

Nature's Miracle Skunk Odor Remover with nature's Bio-Enzymatic Formula completely eliminates skunk odors. The fast acting formula breaks down the oils sprayed by the skunks to permanently remove all traces of odor upon application. Safe for use around children and pets, when used as directed.

Neutralize the Odor in the Skunk's Oil

Have your dog wait outside while you prepare a simple mixture containing: a quart of hydrogen peroxide. ¼ cup baking soda. 1 – 2 tsp dishwashing detergent (blue Dawn dish soap)