Cleaning bones and skulls is mostly about patience. It’s not something you can do quickly, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Let me walk you through how I handle it.

 

Removing Flesh and Tissue

The first step is getting rid of all the flesh and tissue. If the bones have been lying around for a while and nature has already done most of the work, this part is pretty easy. But if there’s still some stubborn bits left, you’ve got two options:

• Maceration (Soaking)

  This is the process where you let the bones soak in water for a while. Nature takes over, breaking down the flesh without you having to interfere much. It can take a few weeks, but honestly, I always find it worth it. Just pop the bones into a bucket of water with a bit of dish soap. Check on them every few days, change the water if it starts to stink too much, and gently scrub the bones with a brush.
   

• Burial Method

  If soaking isn’t your thing, or if the bones are too big, you can also bury them. Mother Nature will handle the rest. This is perfect for larger bones and lets you take it easy. (Not ideal for small animals or delicate bones, though.) Sometimes I just leave them hidden in the garden, inside a bag or container, out of direct sunlight and covered with natural materials. It works the same as burying but keeps everything together.

 

Giving Them a Proper Clean

Once the bones are free from all the meat, it’s time to give them a good scrub. I use an old brush and some warm, soapy water with biodegradable dish soap. This helps get rid of grease and grime. If the bones are extra greasy, give them another soak in fresh soapy water. Depending on how they look, I sometimes let them soak for another week.

 

Whitening and Freshening Up

Finally, the part where you make the bones look fresh.
But hold up: gloves, goggles, and a mask are your best friends here, seriously. Avoid bleach (like chlorine), because it makes bones brittle and ruins them.

Hydrogen peroxide is the way to go. I use 12% hydrogen peroxide and mix it 50/50 with water. Carefully place the bones or skulls in the mixture and pop a lid on the container. Let them sit for about 24 hours. Check afterward to see if they need a bit longer, but usually, a day does the trick.

For smaller bones or a bunch of mixed ones, I sometimes throw them into little mesh bags first. That way, everything stays together, and I don’t end up losing anything. Rinse them off thoroughly afterward and let them dry. You’ll notice they look even whiter as they dry.

 

Finishing Touches

If any bits have come loose, like teeth or small bones, you can glue them back in place with a bit of white glue. And there you have it!

 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• Always wear rubber gloves when working with animal materials and especially when handling hydrogen peroxide.

• Get yourself a mask, you’ll thank me later because it can seriously stink. 😂

• Work in a well-ventilated space if possible, not just for the smell but also for the hydrogen peroxide fumes.

• Read the instructions on any chemicals you use.

 

Cleaning bones and skulls is definitely not a job for someone in a rush, but the results are always worth it.