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Fact Sheet
Krebaum Skunk Odor
Eliminator
The skunk odor neutralizing
formula set out below was devised by Paul Krebaum, a chemist
employed by Molex, Inc. of Lisle, Illinois.
Krebaum originally developed
this formula as an alternative to tomato juice or tincture
of time in helping rid his laboratory of odor while he was
conducting research on a group of chemicals called thiols.
These are a group of organic compounds that are naturally
produced, often in association with the degradation of protein.
These compounds stink to high heaven, and, it turns out, they
are also the primary cause of the foul odor associated with
skunks.
According to Krebaum, his formula
causes oxygen molecules to bind to thiols, thus effectively
neutralizing their fetid odor.
Krebaum devised the formula
and used it in his laboratory for some time before a colleague
asked him to help with a pet cat that had been sprayed by
a skunk. Realizing that thiols were at the root of skunk odor,
Krebaum modified his laboratory cleaning formula so that it
could be used on animals. Krebaum's colleague reported that
the formula worked like a charm, removing every trace of odor
from the cat.
Due to packaging and transportation
difficulties associated with the ingredients, Krebaum decided
against trying to patent his formula and subsequently placed
it in the public domain. The formula was first published in
the October 1993 edition of Chemical and Engineering News.
Here is the formula:
In Krebaum's formula, the soap functions to
disperse and break up the oils in the skunk spray. This then
allows the other ingredients to neutralize the thiols in the
skunk spray.
When using Krebaum's formula,
normal bathing procedures should be used to protect the pets
eyes. After lathering the pet with Krebaum's formula, be sure
to rinse the pet well with plain water.
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