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How to Clean and Preserve Animal Skulls

Preserving animal skulls is a way to show others who visit your home the game you have killed when hunting or fishing. It is also a way to preserve and study an animal's anatomy. Whether for educational or decorative purposes, preserving animal skulls can be time-consuming but will provide long-lasting results if done properly.

Things You'll Need

Gloves
Knife
Spoon
Pot
Peroxide
Polyurethane

Instructions

- 1
  Put on gloves and wear protective gear or old clothes.
- 2
  Remove the hide and as much flesh as possible using a knife. Be careful not to cut too deeply. Brain tissue can be removed with a spoon.
- 3
  Place the skull in a pot of water and bring the water to a slight boil. The boiling water will help remove any remaining flesh. Remove the skull from the water and scrape away any remaining flesh. Do not boil for a long period of time because this will cause the skull to break.
- 4
  Soak the skull in a peroxide solution. Mix 10 parts water to one part 5 percent or 6 percent hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide will bleach the skull and remove yellowing blood stains. Keep a close eye on the skull; too much bleaching can make the skull bones brittle.
- 5
  Allow the skull to dry for 24 to 48 hours. The drying may take less time depending on the temperature and humidity level.
- 6
  Spray a polyurethane sealant on the skull to seal and protect it.

Animals & Science