Cleaning a real skunk sporran?

[attworth]

I had a full mask skunk sporran made for me a while back. I was very pleased with how it turned out, but a little turned off by the smell. Granted, I bought the pelt on ebay and it was probably roadkill, but sheesh.

Is there anything I can do to clean it without ruining it? I know tomato juice is supposed to help on people, but I'd hate to stain or ruin it.

Any ideas?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Try using SIMPLE SOLUTION Cat Stain and Odor Remover. Just follow the directions on the bottle, and let the sporran dry outside in plenty of fresh air. With skunk odor it may take two or three cleanings to remove the smell. Allow at least 60 hours between treatments to avoid possible damage to the hair. If that doesn't do the trick, check with your local veterinarian and see what he suggests.

Oh, and the tomato juice idea? Forget it. It doesn't work.

[Andy]

I had a full mask skunk sporran made for me a while back. I was very pleased with how it turned out, but a little turned off by the smell. Granted, I bought the pelt on ebay and it was probably roadkill, but sheesh.

Is there anything I can do to clean it without ruining it? I know tomato juice is supposed to help on people, but I'd hate to stain or ruin it.

Any ideas?

As crass as this may sound, the best thing I've found to remove skunk smell from anything (mostly my dogs) is with some Massengill Vinegar And Water douche. Tomato juice does absolutely nothing to take the skunk smell out of hair, but I've found that the douche works great. There might still be a trace of scent, but that can disappear in a day or two. I would suggest doing a test spot though first because I'm not sure how the chemicals in a douche would work with fur that is no longer living.

[sydnie7]

Is it skunk smell you are fighting, or the odor of a poorly tanned hide? May not be any cure, so to speak, for the latter. . . but might help to clarify the issue for those who know more about it than I. All I know is to join the chorus of "tomato juice doesn't work!"

[RoadKilt chef]

Here is a link to the best formula I know. It works on people , boots, and dogs. The trick is to apply this solution when the target is dry. Let it set for a few minutes and rinse off. It may take two or three applications, but it's not expensive as you mix it yourself. sydnie7 brings up a good point. If it's a soured or moldy smell this may not work. If this link does not work let me know. Good luck!
http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/skunksmellremovalrid.htm

Note: Because of the peroxide, you might test on a smal section of black to make sure it doesn't bleach. It shouldn't. My Jack Russell has endured several cleaning and always comes out with her black spots.

[attworth]

It is indeed the skunk smell. I thought maybe being sealed away in a plastic bag for a while during shipping might have something to do with it, but having it out in the open hasn't helped much. I'll have to try the cat smell remover and vinegar water methods.

[The Barry]

Darn it! I was going to suggest tomato juice!

[Tattoo Bradley]

I guess that's the risk ya run using road kill. I'm so happy my skunk mask doesn't tote that forsaken aroma.

Best of luck!

[lethearen]

Mythbusters did an episode on removing eau d' skunk. I think the H2O2/baking soda approach was the most successful.

Apparently the mixture releases oxygen compounds that bond with thiols and neutralize their smell.