Home Camping Tips How to Eliminate Skunk Smell on Humans
How to Eliminate Skunk Smell on Humans

5 min

September 7, 2023

Getting sprayed by a skunk is no joke, and the lingering smell will stick around for a while as a friendly reminder. While it’s not extremely common for humans to get sprayed, it happens. You may come across one while camping, taking an afternoon hike through the woods, or even taking the trash out at night. Pets and children are naturally curious so they may stand a higher chance of being sprayed. If possible, it’s best to stay away from skunks all together, but if you find yourself face-to-face with one and a pungent odor begins wafting through the air, you are going to be in immediate need of skunk spray removal.  

Warning Signs

Skunks don’t spray for no reason, they have to feel trapped or threatened. Before they release their toxic smelling odors, they generally give off a few warning signs. Here are some behaviors to look out for.

  1. Stamping of the front feet
  2. Arching of the back
  3. Shuffling away from you

If you don’t heed these warnings, there’s a good chance you will get sprayed.

What to do if You Get Sprayed by a Skunk

Contrary to popular belief, tomato juice does not remove the odor. It may cover up the smell for a short time, but it doesn’t get rid of it.

If you get sprayed in the eyes, immediately flush them out. The spray will burn and has the power to cause temporary blindness.

Try not to go inside if there is an outdoor water source available, the smell will follow you. If staying outside isn’t an option, don’t touch furniture or other objects. If there is someone else around, ask them to assist you.

Skunk Spray Removal Ingredients

  • 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide
  • ¼ cup baking soda (vinegar also works)
  • 1 teaspoon of dish detergent or liquid soap

Preparation and Application

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. When you are done, you can either use the solution right out of the bowl or put it in spray bottle (great for dogs).

If you are inside, stand in the shower and lather up with the solution, do not rinse your body first.  Make sure to focus on the specific areas that got sprayed. Leave the mixture on for 5 minutes and then rinse it off. If you still smell, repeat the cycle.

The mixture is unstable so it needs to be used immediately and then disposed of when you are done.

The best thing you can do if you encounter a skunk is to remain calm. They aren’t likely to spray if they don’t feel threatened. On the off chance that you, your child, or your pet does gets sprayed, the mixture above should get rid of the smell.

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