How to Clean Taxidermy: Easy Tips to Keep Your Mounts Looking Like New

Taxidermy can be a stunning way to preserve animals, but it’s important to know how to clean taxidermy properly to maintain its life-like appearance. Whether it's a mammal mount, bird mounts, or even a deer trophy, proper care for your taxidermy will ensure that it lasts a lifetime. Cleaning taxidermy specimens isn’t complicated, but it requires the right tools and techniques to avoid damage.

Let’s explore simple ways to clean your taxidermy mounts and keep them looking their best!

Key Takeaways:

• Regular cleaning helps preserve your taxidermy and prevent fading.

• Use gentle, non-abrasive methods to care for the fur, feathers, and antlers.

• The right cleaning tools, like a feather duster and compressed air, can make the job easy.

How to Clean Taxidermy: General Cleaning Guidelines

When it comes to cleaning taxidermy, the key is to be gentle and consistent. Over time, dust and dirt will naturally build up on your mounts, whether it’s a big game specimen like an antelope or boar, or a small squirrel. Regular cleaning will help your taxidermy last longer and maintain its lifelike appearance.

Here are a few general tips you can follow when you need to clean old mounts:

1. Dust Regularly

The most important part of taxidermy care is dusting. Use a feather duster or a soft cloth to gently wipe off the dust and dirt. This helps prevent buildup and keeps your taxidermy looking fresh.

2. Compressed Air

For hard-to-reach places, like around the eyes or antlers, you can use compressed air to blow away and clean the dust. This works especially well on bird mounts or taxidermy with delicate features.

3. Use a Damp Cloth

If the dust won’t come off with a dry cloth, you can use a damp cloth to gently wipe the surface. Be sure the cloth is just slightly damp—too much water can damage the mount. For mammal mounts, use a cloth dampened slightly and follow the natural direction of the hair to clean the fur without disturbing it.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Never use furniture polish like Pledge or strong cleaners like ammonia. These can damage the taxidermy or cause the colors to fade. Stick with mild, non-abrasive cleaners such as glass cleaner or Windex, but always test on a small area first.

5. Keep It Dry

While cleaning, always make sure your taxidermy stays dry. Avoid soaking any part of the mount, especially the fur, feathers, or eyes. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth or cause the taxidermy to deteriorate.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your taxidermy looking as good as the day you brought it home. Regular, gentle cleaning is the best way to ensure your mount stays vibrant and well-preserved for years to come.

Cleaning Specific Types of Taxidermy Mounts

Different types of taxidermy require slightly different cleaning methods. Whether you're caring for a deer mount, a bird specimen, or a fur mount, each one needs special attention. Let’s dive into the best ways to clean your taxidermy, based on the type of mount.

Mammal Mounts (e.g., Deer, Bears, Squirrels)

• Dusting: Use a soft brush or a compressed air can to gently remove dust from the fur and around the antlers or horns. Be careful around delicate areas like the eyes and nose to avoid any damage.

• Cleaning the Fur: If the fur is dirty or has sticky spots, lightly dampen a cloth with a mild detergent solution (like a few drops of dish soap mixed with water). Gently wipe the fur in the direction of the hair to avoid disturbing the texture. Be sure not to saturate the fur, as too much moisture can cause it to lose its shape or texture.

• Antlers and Horns: These hard surfaces can accumulate dust as well. A soft, dry cloth is the best way to clean them. For tougher grime, use a mild cleaner on a damp cloth, but make sure to wipe it off quickly to avoid moisture seeping into the mount.

• Around the Eyes: The eyes are a focal point of any mammal mount, so it’s essential to keep them clean. Use a lightly dampened cotton swab (Q-tip) to gently clean around the eyes and nostrils. Be very careful not to touch the glass eyes with too much moisture, as this could cause clouding or damage.

Bird Mounts (e.g., Waterfowl, Songbirds)

• Feathers: For bird mounts, feathers can easily trap dust. A feather duster works well for light dusting. For more stubborn dirt, you can use compressed air to blow it out of the feathers.

• Cleaning: If your bird mount has visible dirt spots, dampen a cloth with a mild cleaner (like Windex or glass cleaner) and gently wipe the affected area. Always wipe in the natural direction of the feathers to avoid disrupting their delicate structure.

• Eyes: Similar to mammal mounts, cleaning the eyes of bird mounts requires extra care. Use a lightly dampened Q-tip to clean around the eyes without oversaturating. Make sure the cleaner is non-abrasive and safe for use on delicate areas.

Fur Mounts (Small Mammals, Pelts, etc.)

• Dusting: Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust from the fur. This works best for smaller mounts like a squirrel or a badger.

• Cleaning Fur: If the fur has stains, lightly dampen a rag with warm water and a little mild detergent. Gently wipe the stain, being careful not to wet the fur too much. Always follow the natural direction of the fur to preserve texture.

• Storage: After cleaning, make sure to store fur-lined mounts in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as these can cause fading or deterioration over time.

By adjusting your cleaning approach for each type of taxidermy, you can ensure that every mount remains in great condition for years to come.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Taxidermy

Proper cleaning is just one part of caring for your taxidermy mounts. To help your specimens last a lifetime, it's essential to maintain them properly. Here are a few tips that will ensure your mounts stay in great shape and retain their lifelike appearance for years.

• Keep Out of Direct Sunlight: UV rays can cause fading. Display your mounts in a shaded area or use UV-protective glass.

• Control Temperature & Humidity: Store in a place with stable temperatures (60-70°F) and humidity (40-55%) to avoid damage.

• Handle with Care: Always wear gloves and handle your mounts gently to avoid transferring oils or causing damage.

• Regular Dusting: Use a feather duster or compressed air to keep your mounts clean. Lightly dampen a cloth if needed.

• Check for Pests: Regularly inspect for pests like moths and take action if you spot any signs of bug infestation.

• Store Properly: If you need to store your mounts, keep them in a cool, dry place or a protective case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking care of taxidermy is easy once you know what to do, but it’s just as important to avoid certain mistakes that can damage your mounts. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t Over-Wet the Mount: Avoid using too much moisture, especially on fur, feathers, or eyes. A damp cloth is fine, but never soak the mount.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of strong cleaners like ammonia or bleach. These can damage your mount’s material or discolor it. Stick with gentle products like glass cleaner or Windex.

• No Abrasive Brushes: Don’t use rough brushes or sponges on your taxidermy mounts. Always use a soft cloth or feather duster to clean.

• Neglecting Regular Care: Forgetting to clean or inspect your taxidermy for dust or pests can lead to damage over time. Make it a habit to dust regularly and check for any signs of wear.

FAQs

Can I use furniture polish on my taxidermy mount?

No, furniture polish can leave a residue that attracts more dust and can damage your beautiful mount over time. Stick to gentle products for cleaning.

How do I clean the eyes of my taxidermy mount?

Use a lightly dampened cotton swab or Q-tip. Gently clean around the eyes without oversaturating, and avoid getting moisture directly on the glass eyes.

Can I wash my taxidermy mount with soap and water?

It’s not a good idea to wash the mount with soap and water. Instead, use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution for spot cleaning and always follow the natural direction of fur or feathers.

How often should I clean my taxidermy mount?

Taxidermists recommend regular dusting at least once a month, or more often if your mount is exposed to high-dust areas. For deeper cleaning, do this every few months or when necessary.

How do I prevent pests from damaging my taxidermy mount?

Inspect your mounts regularly for signs of pests like moths or insects. If you spot any, use a vacuum cleaner to gently clean the mount or freeze it (in a sealed bag) for at least 72 hours to kill any pests.

Conclusion

Cleaning and caring for your taxidermy mounts doesn’t have to be difficult—it’s all about using the right tools and being gentle. By following these simple steps, you can keep your trophy mounts, bird mounts, and other custom taxidermy specimens in great condition, making sure they last a lifetime and continue to bring beauty to your home.

If you're unsure about how to clean or maintain the mounts or if you’re looking for professional care, we’re here to help. At Peaceful Veterinary Care, we offer expert advice and services to ensure your taxidermy stays in top shape.

Need assistance? Reach out to us today to learn more about proper taxidermy care or schedule a consultation. We're always here to help you preserve the memories that matter most.