Re: The ovloV whut got skunked. :-)

[Alan Cordeiro <cordeiro@avlna.com>]

>Do any of you AGAs (Audi Gurus of America) know of a "cure" for a skunked car -
>got a brand new V*l*o in the herd (300miles) and the exterior got sprayed.
>We've done the car wash deal twice - and can't tell exactly what parts have
> 
> Randy,
> 
> "Eau d' Skunk" is a mercaptan or a hydrosulfide mixture (largely butyl
> mercaptan - C4H9-SH) which is a mildly acidic material.  To wash it away
> from your Swedish brick ovloV you need a basic or alkaline substance to
> dissolve it.  The principle is the weaker the acid, the stronger the base
> needed to dissolve it.  Start with a weak base and work up to stronger ones
> as needed.  Don't go too strong or you may lose a car finish.
> 
> I'd suggest getting a box of baking soda, NaHCO3, (maybe a large economy
> size :-) )and making up a solution of sodium bicarbonate in water.  Use the
> clear solution, not any undissolved (abrasive) paste in the bottom of the
> pail.  If you use enough water, there won't be any paste.  Use a mop or
> sponge, well soaked in the bicarb solution, to wash the car.  Be generous
> with the solution.  Pay close attention to any cracks and crevices in which


By coincidence there is a timely short article in the latest Popular
Science, which gives a mixture to remove skunk odor from pets.

x parts Hydrogen Peroxide, y parts Baking Soda, a teaspoonful of
liquid dishwashing soap, mix all with a gallon of water in a beaker,
and ( wash the pet...car ? )  in it. I wish I could remember the 
amounts of x and y.

You may want to be cautious while mixing the above ingredients, apparently
the combination is difficult to "bottle" and sell...

Alan Cordeiro