How to Clean Deer Antlers: A Comprehensive Guide

Deer antlers are a fascinating part of the natural world. Whether you’ve found a shed antler in the woods, harvested a deer and kept the antlers as a trophy, or purchased them for decorative purposes, cleaning them properly is essential to preserve their beauty and prevent them from deteriorating. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of cleaning deer antlers, providing detailed steps and helpful tips to ensure a professional-looking result.

## Why Clean Deer Antlers?

Cleaning deer antlers is crucial for several reasons:

* **Aesthetics:** Cleaning removes dirt, grime, blood, velvet (if present), and other debris that can dull the natural beauty of the antlers. A clean set of antlers looks significantly better than a dirty one.
* **Hygiene:** Antlers can harbor bacteria and insects. Cleaning eliminates these potential health hazards.
* **Preservation:** Removing organic matter like blood and velvet prevents decomposition, which can damage the antler structure over time. This is especially important for preserving trophy antlers or those intended for long-term display.
* **Preventing Odor:** Decomposition of remaining tissue and blood can cause unpleasant odors, especially in warm environments. Cleaning effectively eliminates this issue.

## Types of Antlers and Cleaning Considerations

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand the different types of antlers you might encounter:

* **Shed Antlers:** These are antlers naturally shed by deer each year. They are typically dry and may have some dirt or moss attached.
* **Freshly Harvested Antlers:** These are antlers still attached to the skull of a recently harvested deer. They may have blood, tissue, and velvet (the soft, fuzzy covering that nourishes growing antlers) present.
* **Mounted Antlers:** These are antlers that have already been professionally mounted on a plaque or skull plate. Cleaning mounted antlers requires extra care to avoid damaging the mount.
* **Antler Chews/Dog Treats:** These are antlers that have been processed for dogs to chew on. Cleaning may involve different detergents.

The cleaning method you choose will depend on the type of antler you have. For example, removing velvet from freshly harvested antlers requires a different approach than cleaning shed antlers.

## Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gather these tools and materials before you begin:

* **Gloves:** To protect your hands from dirt, bacteria, and cleaning chemicals.
* **Safety Glasses:** To protect your eyes from splashes and debris.
* **Soft-bristled Brush:** A toothbrush, scrub brush, or detailing brush works well for removing dirt and grime.
* **Hose with Adjustable Nozzle:** For rinsing the antlers.
* **Bucket:** For soaking and washing.
* **Mild Dish Soap:** For general cleaning.
* **Degreaser (Optional):** For removing stubborn grease or oil.
* **Hydrogen Peroxide (3%):** For whitening and sanitizing.
* **Basic White (Hair Developer 40%):** For creating a whitening paste (use with caution and appropriate safety measures!).
* **Mixing Bowl:** For creating a paste (if needed).
* **Paintbrush (Optional):** For applying whitening paste.
* **Fine-grit Sandpaper (Optional):** For smoothing rough spots (use sparingly).
* **Clear Matte Sealer (Optional):** To protect and seal the cleaned antlers.
* **Sharp Knife/Scalpel (for Velvet Removal):** For precise velvet removal. Only use sharp knives if you are comfortable with them.
* **Pot and Propane Burner (for Velvet Removal):** For boiling velvet covered antlers.

## Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Follow these steps to clean your deer antlers:

### Step 1: Initial Cleaning and Preparation

* **Put on your gloves and safety glasses.**
* **Rinse the antlers:** Use a hose to rinse off loose dirt, mud, and debris. A pressure washer set on a low setting can be used but be very careful not to damage the surface of the antler.
* **Soak the antlers:** Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Submerge the antlers in the soapy water and let them soak for 30-60 minutes. This will help loosen any remaining dirt and grime.

### Step 2: Scrubbing and Cleaning

* **Remove the antlers from the bucket.**
* **Scrub the antlers:** Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the entire surface of the antlers, paying close attention to crevices and hard-to-reach areas. For stubborn dirt, you can use a degreaser or a slightly stiffer brush, but be careful not to scratch the antler.
* **Rinse thoroughly:** Rinse the antlers with clean water to remove all traces of soap and dirt.

### Step 3: Removing Velvet (If Applicable)

If the antlers still have velvet attached, you’ll need to remove it. There are two main methods for removing velvet:

**Method 1: Scraping**

* **Using a sharp knife or scalpel, carefully scrape off the velvet.** Work in small sections, using short, controlled strokes. Be careful not to cut into the antler itself.
* **This method is best for small areas of velvet or for antlers where you want to preserve some of the velvet.**

**Method 2: Boiling**

* **This method works best if you intend to remove the entire velvet covering.**
* **Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.**
* **Submerge the antler in the boiling water for a short period of time (a few minutes).**
* **Remove the antler from the water and immediately begin scraping off the velvet.** The heat will loosen the velvet, making it easier to remove. You can use a knife or pliers to grip and pull the velvet off.
* **Repeat the boiling and scraping process as needed until all the velvet is removed.**

**Important Note:** Boiling antlers can cause them to become brittle. Be careful not to over boil them. Also, this process can cause very unpleasant smells so it should be done outdoors.

### Step 4: Whitening (Optional)

If you want to whiten the antlers, you can use hydrogen peroxide or a bleaching paste. Keep in mind that whitening can alter the natural color of the antlers, so proceed with caution.

**Method 1: Hydrogen Peroxide**

* **Soak the antlers in 3% hydrogen peroxide for several hours or overnight.**
* **Rinse the antlers with clean water.**
* **Allow the antlers to dry completely.**

**Method 2: Basic White Bleaching Paste**

* **Mix Basic White (hair developer 40%) and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.** The thickness should resemble a thick smoothie or yogurt. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn. The paste needs to be mixed in a plastic bowl and the tools need to be plastic as well.
* **Apply the paste evenly to the antlers using a brush.**
* **Let the paste sit for several hours or overnight, depending on the desired level of whitening.**
* **Rinse the antlers thoroughly with clean water.**
* **Allow the antlers to dry completely.**

**Caution:** Bleaching paste is a strong chemical and can cause burns. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling it. Work in a well-ventilated area. Over bleaching can weaken the antlers. This is best done with multiple thin coatings instead of one thick one to make sure you do not ruin the antlers.

### Step 5: Drying and Sealing (Optional)

* **Dry the antlers:** Allow the antlers to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause them to fade or crack.
* **Seal the antlers (optional):** Once the antlers are dry, you can apply a clear matte sealer to protect them from moisture and dirt. This will also help preserve their color and prevent them from becoming brittle. Apply the sealer in thin, even coats, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

## Additional Tips and Considerations

* **Avoid harsh chemicals:** Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals, as they can damage the antlers. It’s best to stick with mild dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
* **Be gentle:** Avoid using abrasive scrub brushes or excessive force, as this can scratch the surface of the antlers.
* **Inspect for damage:** Before cleaning, inspect the antlers for any cracks or damage. If you find any, be extra careful when cleaning those areas to avoid further damage.
* **Protect mounted antlers:** When cleaning mounted antlers, be careful not to get water or cleaning solutions on the mount. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the antlers, and avoid submerging them in water.
* **Consider professional cleaning:** If you have valuable or antique antlers, consider having them professionally cleaned by a taxidermist or antler restoration specialist. They have the expertise and tools to clean them safely and effectively.
* **Removing Antler Stain:** Do not try to remove the natural color variation on the antlers. Deer antler has a natural stain that comes from the vegetation that deer eat when the antlers are growing. This natural stain cannot be removed, so do not attempt to.

## Cleaning Antler Dog Chews

Cleaning antler dog chews is a similar process, but you should use a different approach to ensure your dog’s safety:

* **Use warm water and mild dish soap:** Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners that could be harmful to your dog.
* **Scrub thoroughly:** Use a scrub brush to remove any saliva, food particles, or other debris.
* **Rinse well:** Rinse the antler thoroughly to remove all traces of soap.
* **Dry completely:** Allow the antler to dry completely before giving it back to your dog.
* **Inspect regularly:** Check the antler regularly for sharp edges or splinters. Discard the antler if it becomes damaged or worn down.

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

* **Stubborn Dirt:** If you’re having trouble removing stubborn dirt, try soaking the antlers in warm water and dish soap for a longer period of time. You can also use a degreaser or a paste made from baking soda and water.
* **Greasy Residue:** If the antlers have a greasy residue, try using a degreaser specifically designed for removing grease and oil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
* **Mold or Mildew:** If the antlers have mold or mildew, mix a solution of water and bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). Apply the solution to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub the antlers with a brush and rinse thoroughly.
* **Unpleasant Odor:** If the antlers have an unpleasant odor, try soaking them in a solution of water and vinegar (1 part vinegar to 1 part water) for several hours. You can also sprinkle baking soda on the antlers and let it sit overnight before rinsing.

## Conclusion

Cleaning deer antlers is a relatively simple process that can significantly enhance their appearance and longevity. By following these steps and tips, you can keep your antlers looking their best for years to come. Remember to always use caution when handling chemicals and sharp tools, and to prioritize safety throughout the cleaning process. Whether you’re preserving a trophy, displaying a shed antler, or providing a chew toy for your dog, proper cleaning is essential for maintaining the beauty and integrity of these fascinating natural objects.