I have 13 mounts and need help on how to clean them. They are some exotics like Kudu and Zebra to deer and a Bear. Any help on what to use and how to clean so I do not screw up the hides.

I use air from the cans of compressed air to blow the dust off of my mounts. Use low pressure and blow in the direction that the hair is running. I dont know if this is the right way but I have did it for years and have had no problems. You might want to givce a local taxidermist a call. You do not want to use the air on animals like turkeys or other birds.

Kudu
go buy your self a soft brissell (spelling) paint brush works great.

Thanks for the reply. Is there anything I could spray on them to help clean?

i was told by the taxidermist that windex on a rag works great.. but i wouldnt use the windex with ammonia dont know what that will do

Windex is supposedly good to use on the eyes, but for the fur most people recommend using a rag with furniture polish, like Pledge. Here is a link with some pretty good information on cleaning your mounts:

http://www.seybrite.com/cleaning.shtml

THis cleaner worked great for me. My mount had an odor to it when I got it back and this cleared it up in a just a few cleanings.

To keep the noses black and shining on my mounts I rub my forehead with my hand then rub the nose of the mount. I was told by a taxidermist
that the oil in your skin is similar to a deers. I have to do this about once a year along with dusting them off with a feather duster keeps them looking good

I just bought some on your tip, haven't gotten to it yet, but thanks for the tip.

Use household alcohol to clean your mounts. I tell all my customers to use alcohol. It doesnt leave any residue on the fur, and dries instantly.

Never use paper towels to clean any mounts, use old rags.

The alcohol is also great for cleaning birds.

On fish, I've seen people bring in fish that were nightmares, many like to use windex, well thats fine if the taxidermist who mounted it used a top coat/clear coat/gloss coat. So unless you know for sure, I would recommend using vinegar and water...2 tbsp. of vinegar to 1 cup of water.

>>lori->