How to Clean an Alligator Skull

Soaking

• 1

  Cut and scrape off as much hide and meat from the skull as possible. Remove the eyes, tongue and jowls.

• 2

  Fill a large trash can or bucket with water and mix in 1 cup of Borax.

• 3

  Allow the skull to soak for four days.

Boiling and Removing Teeth

• 4

  Fill your large steel or aluminum pot with water and mix in 1 cup of Borax. Put it on the propane burner and allow it to come to a boil.

• 5

  Add the skull and turn the heat down so it is simmering.

• 6

  Simmer for an hour or until the flesh starts to pull away from the bone, the hide can be removed and the teeth can be pulled out easily.

• 7

  Pull the teeth and use the air compressor blowgun to remove the pulp from the tooth cavities.

• 8

  Use an egg carton to separate the teeth. Label the carton "upper" and "lower," and "left" and "right," so you don't get confused when replacing the teeth into the skull.

Drying and Bleaching

• 9

  Allow the skull to sit outdoors for a few days to dry.

• 10

  Use a Dremel tool to remove any remaining bits of flesh and to clean and smooth the skull completely.

• 11

  Re-cement the teeth into the skull with epoxy adhesive.

• 12

  Mix together a 50/50 solution of 40-volume peroxide gel and bleaching powder. Apply the mixture with a paint brush to all parts of the skull, inside and out. A 2-inch brush works well, but any size will do.

• 13

  Place the skull in a large, clear plastic bag and let it sit in the sun for 2 to 3 days or until it is as white as you would like.

• 14

  Wash the skull thoroughly.