Proper Way to Clean a Deer Mount

Remove the deer mount from the wall. Use a step ladder to gain access to the mount if necessary. Place the mount on a sturdy flat surface.

Dampen a clean cloth in a pail of water and wipe the antlers to remove any dust or debris. Rinse the cloth and repeat as necessary to get the antlers clean. Take the time needed to clean the shallow grooves in the antlers. It is not necessary to use any type of cleaning chemicals since these may damage the surface of the antlers.

Clean the eyes with cotton swabs that have been dipped in window cleaner. Avoid the skin areas around the eyelids. The taxidermist used paint to make these look realistic when finishing the mount, and the window cleaner may inadvertently remove some of this paint.

Brush the fur with a soft bristle dog brush to remove any dust. Do not brush against the lay of the fur (the hair will break and damage easily after being mounted). Give the top and back of the head and the top of the neck a little extra attention. This is where most of the dust and debris will collect.

Check the nose for any tears or cracks. Repair any existing cracks or tears with a small amount of glue. Wipe off any excess glue with a cotton swab and allow ample time for the glue to dry. Clean the nose by gently rubbing it with a damp cloth. Use gentle strokes because the nose is often a hard paper reproduction, which will peel and crack if care is not used in the cleaning process. Use a black marker to conceal any lines that may be evident after repair and cleaning.