Skunk spray, also called skunk musk, is a potent form of protection the animal emits when it feels under threat. A skunk can shoot its musk several feet, and while the smell is noxious, it is not life threatening. Several steps can be taken to neutralize the smell and allow a human to return to day-to-day life without repelling everyone around him.
Clothes and Accessories
Clothing and accessories will generally be saturated with the smell. They are also the first things that an individual must deal with after being sprayed because if they are kept on, they will hinder the body being cleaned of the smell. Remove the clothes and place them in a washing machine as soon as possible -- the longer they are left with the smell drying on them, the more likely they are to retain it.
Bathing
The best means of removing the smell, or at least its initial layer, is through bathing. As soon as clothes are removed, get in the shower and scrub down several times with a regular bar of soap and rinse vigorously.
White Vinegar
While hydrogen peroxide is generally recommended for skunk smell removal, it is quite harsh on human skin. The safer and similarly effective alternative is white vinegar. When combined with baking soda, it creates a liquid that can be scrubbed all over the body to remove the odor. Combine 1 liter of vinegar with 1/4 cup of dish detergent. Liquid soap may also be added. Scrub all over and rinse off in the shower.
Commercial Cleaners
If both the white vinegar and simple shower are not working, commercial cleaners may be needed to remove the smell. These can generally be found at local outdoor or hunting stores, as those traipsing in the forest are the most likely to be sprayed with a skunk's odor. These cleaners can come in spray or liquid form, and should be applied according to the directions on the bottle.
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