Deer antlers make attractive and distinctive décor elements, as well as being popular for use in knife handles, crafts, and other projects. However, before you can display or repurpose them, you’ll need to clean your antlers correctly without damaging their natural beauty. Follow these eight steps for optimal results.

1. Gather the necessary materials

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

– Warm water

– A soft brush

– A mild detergent

– A pair of rubber gloves

– A nonabrasive cloth

– Hydrogen peroxide (optional)

– Towels or rags for drying

2. Wear protective gloves

When handling antlers during the cleaning process, it’s a good idea to wear a pair of rubber gloves. This helps prevent any natural oils from your hands from transferring onto the antlers.

3. Create a cleaning solutio

Mix warm water with a few drops of mild detergent to create a soapy solution for cleaning the antlers gently but effectively.

4. Begin brushing the antlers

Using your soft brush dipped into your soapy cleaning solution, carefully start scrubbing away any dirt or debris on the surface of the antlers. Pay special attention to any nooks and crevices where dirt may have accumulated.

5. Wipe away soap residue

After brushing, use a nonabrasive cloth to wipe away any remaining soap residue from the antlers. To ensure that no soap remains on the surface to cause discoloration over time, you may want to dampen the cloth slightly with clean water during this step.

6. Dry the antlers thoroughly

Once you’ve wiped away all soap residue, use towels or rags to dry the antlers completely. It’s essential to remove all moisture from their surface since excessive dampness could lead to mold and mildew growth.

7. Optional whitening step

If you’d like to whiten your antlers for a more polished appearance, you can use hydrogen peroxide. Carefully apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the antlers, avoiding the base, and let it dry. This process should help brighten any discolored areas without damaging the natural patina.

8. Display or use your newly cleaned antlers

With your antlers now clean and dry, you’re ready to display them in your home, repurpose them into crafts, or use them in any way you choose. By following these steps to clean deer antlers, you can ensure that they’ll continue looking their best for many years to come.