How to Clean and Preserve Animal Skulls

Preserve the skull from the game of your next hunting trip to show friends.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• The teeth may fall out during the boiling process. Save them and glue them in later.

• A decaying skull will produce a very strong, foul odor when boiled. Boil the skull outdoors in a pot that can be discarded afterward.

References

• Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Wildlife Conservation: How to Clean a Skull
• The University of Arizona: Cleaning and Preserving Animal Skulls
• Using Peroxide for Bleaching Animal Skulls and Bones