Almost done now, doing primer on the walls. Dry wall finisher is having problems getting the angles taped. My original mounts, Whitetail, Muley, and Antelope. Should be cleaned before putting them back. Any suggestions on how you folks do it?

Just cleaned all of mine...First I used a vaccuum, then wiped them down with Pledge Wipes. They look great.

Thanks Archer. Sounds pretty simple....I like simple. smoker1

A blower does an even better job than a vacuum cleaner. I use one originally manufactured for grooming (live) animals.
Be careful using the Pledge wipes, or anything else which leaves a residue. It looks great initially, but can attract dirt and dust over time. A slightly damp (water) rag can be just as effective.

Bill

Funny you should mention a blow dryer. I have a grooming business and use them daily, although mine are stand type and kinda hard to handle. Get your drift though. Appreciate your input. smoker1

Yep, damp rag is ok. If it is just some dust, a SWIFFER duster works really well. Use the damp rag on antlers/horns and eyes. Use the swiffer on the hair.

I don't recommend a vacuum or any other liquid product.

My Dad is a taxidermist and i have seen some ugly stuff come back that people tried to 'Clean'.

I also use a "swiffer" to dust my animals. A little windex on a Q-tip to clean the eyes and that is about it.

Smoker1,

I was not referring to a blow "dryer". You really don't want to use any heat on the mounts. I have a canister style blower only, used for grooming llamas, sheep, cattle, and other livestock. It is about the size of a traditional canister vacuum, with a long hose, but it "blows" instead of "sucks".

The dog grooming blowers will work if you can turn off the heat, and if they have enough hose to reach your mounts. It seems you do understand the context of my remarks. I just wanted to clarify for others who may not understand the differences.

Good Luck.

Bill

I have seen the Q tip and windex to clean the eyes before but now that I hear it here will use it. Looks like a damp rag should do the job. Thank you all very much for your help. smoker1

I strongly advise against swiffers and other chemical dusting products as mentioned above the residue will ultimately turn your trophies into dust magnets and harsh chemicals are required to remove that residue.

If you have your mounts down take them outdoors and blow them out with the hose reversed on a shop vac. You can use an air compressor and nozzle but I would regulate the preasure to 60psi especially on animals with long hollow hair Deer, elk etc. Also blow with the grain of the hair not against.

Once completely clean wiping with the grain of the hair with a clean moist towel will help remove any light household residue. The moisture will soften the hair enough to allow you to groom he mounts with a soft brush.

If the cooking residues or tabacco smoke are heavy you should probably have the mounts professionally cleaned.

Best regards
Mike Ohlmann
Mike's Custom Taxidermy Inc.
4102 Cane Run Rd.
Louisville KY 40216
502-448-1309
Mike@mikescustomtaxidermy.com

Thank you Sir. Appears that most folks are saying a damp/moist towel. Should work for me as the mounts are not near cooking area or in a tobacco enviornment. Now I have to get the wife to give up her brush. smoker1

I rub them down with powdered borax after vacumn, then vacumn. Use a little alcohol on a Q-Tip for the eyes. Have done this for the past fourty years on some with good results.
One example is my Mtn. Goat that had been in a smokey den in a time when everyone smoked. Cleaned up well. Looks almost as good as the day it came from the taxidermist.

A product that works extremely well for cleaning yellowed or otherwise dirty mount is Sports Wash, made by Atsko.

Mix as suggested and lightly spray on the mount. Let it sit and than pat or lightly wipe the mount down. Then repeat with clear water and then lighly blow dry.