Gretchen Messersmith's Skunk Odor Removal Update Skin & Clothes: Two Targets of Skunk Spray...Here's How to Get The Smell Out It's Easier Than You May First Think There are few encounters with Mother Nature that are more memorable than a brush with a skunk. Unless proper steps are taken, those memories are likely to linger - and linger. Getting skunk odors out of clothing and skin is not an easy proposition, but it can be done. Don't go canceling big weekend plans or other important engagements just yet before looking into these skunk odor removal tips. Whether you've come into direct contact with the business end of a skunk, or your clothing has due to a pet's encounter, there are some great ways to make sure the odor doesn't stick around for long. The trick is to act as quickly as possible without contaminating anything else in the process. Remember, don't get too mad at the skunk either. That smell is one of the only ways these little 10-pound and under critters have to protect themselves. As soon as contact happens, it is a very good idea to start taking steps to protect anything else from absorbing the spray. This means removing clothing as fast as possible and putting items into the wash. It also means soaking skin to stop it from absorbing the scent. The ways to remove skunk odors from both skin and clothing are similar, but the methods vary a bit. Getting Odors Off The Skin While it's quite possible a skunked person will be OK with things if clothing gets ruined, it is a safe bet to say no one wants to go around with their skin smelling like skunk. To get rid of the smells, try: Soaking the affected areas in a vinegar and water bath. Wash with regular soap and repeat if the smells are still present. Soak in a bath of baking soda, water and a touch of peroxide. Rinse and repeat as necessary. Purchase professional supplies. If the spray got into hair and on a lot of the skin, it is not a bad idea to consider serious skunk smell removers. Contact a physician for suggestions if allergy problems or skin sensitivities are showing up as a result of the spray. Soda bath. Believe it or not, a bath in Sprite or other similar, clear sodas can help. Soak the affected area and then wash normally. Repeat if necessary. Removing Smells From Clothing All of the above ideas can work well on clothing. With the exception of the peroxide blend, the products should do no damage to the fabrics. Other options for clothes include: A water, soap and bleach blending for whites. Soak and then wash as normal. Dry cleaning cleansers. These can remove smells, but do follow directions carefully. Feminine douche products. These can also remove the smells from the skin. When trying to get skunk odors out of clothes, make sure to carefully check them before tossing in the dryer. If the smell is not completely gone, redo the wash. If the method is not working, try a different one. When getting skunk odors out of clothing and skin, it's true that a little bit of effort can sure go a long way. Patience, persistency and a nose plug make the process a whole lot more bearable.