Category: Chemistry Published: August 29, 2013
By: Christopher S. Baird, author of The Top 50 Science Questions with Surprising Answers and Associate Professor of Physics at West Texas A&M University
![How does tomato juice make skunk smell go away? (1) How does tomato juice make skunk smell go away? (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Public Domain Image, source: US National Park Service.
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. But in this respect, it is no different from any other strong odor. Perfume or scented candles will do just as well as tomato juice to mask the skunk smell. As soon as the tomato juice scent wears away, the skunk odor becomes noticeable again. A better approach is to deactivate the skunk spray through chemical reactions. Your allies in this effort are bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. Wash clothes and fabrics that have the skunk smell in bleach. To clean hard surfaces that have the skunk odor, spray on a cleaning solution that contains bleach, let it sit, and then wipe off. To clean items that can not withstand bleach, such as pet fur or colored clothes, instead use a hydrogen peroxide/baking soda solution. Combine one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 tbsp. liquid dish detergent for an excellent skunk odor killer that is safe enough to bath pets in. For best results, this solution should be scrubbed into the fur or fabric while still foaming. Note that this mixture is potentially explosive if left to sit too long in a sealed container. Discard the unused portion instead of storing it.
The culprits in skunk spray are chemicals called thiols which contain sulfur. Skunk spray also contain thioacetates, which degrade slowly into stinky thiols. This degradation process is what gives skunk odor its longevity. Reactive agents such as bleach and hydrogen peroxide work to deactivate the thiols and thioacetates.
Topics: odor, skunk, skunk smell, smell, thiol, tomato juice
FAQs
Debunking the tomato juice myth
Does tomato juice actually get rid of skunk smell? ›
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.
What neutralizes 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.
Why does tomato juice get rid of smell? ›
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.
How to use tomato juice to get rid of skunk smell on a dog? ›
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.
Do you bathe in tomato juice if you get 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.
Can I bathe my dog in tomato juice? ›
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.
What scents do skunks hate? ›
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.
What is the best homemade skunk repellent? ›
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.
Will skunk odor eventually go away? ›
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.
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.
How long will my dog smell like skunk? ›
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? ›
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.
What is the best skunk odor remover? ›
Mix together:
- 1 quart of 3-% hydrogen peroxide (available at any pharmacy)
- 1/4 cup baking soda.
- 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap.
Is tomato soup or juice better for skunk smell? ›
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.
What kills skunk odor on dogs? ›
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.
How to neutralize skunk smell on a dog? ›
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.
Does Nature's Miracle work on skunk? ›
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.
How do I get skunk smell out of my house? ›
How to Get Rid of Skunk Smells in Your House
- Get the Air Flowing. ...
- Air Out and Clean Furniture. ...
- Clean Your Carpets. ...
- Wipe Down the Walls. ...
- Use Vinegar to Lift Lingering Odors. ...
- Change Air Filters. ...
- Give Your Pet a Bath ASAP. ...
- Soak in the Soap.
Does Dawn remove skunk smell from dogs? ›
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)