I took the bones out of the box so I have pictures so I can inventory them while the cleaning process takes place. The bones were pretty clean already but I want to get them really clean and white.
The simplest way to clean bones is Maceration.*
What is maceration? Using bacterial action in water to clean bone is called maceration. This is
the simplest method for cleaning bone and works best for large sturdy bones, for example mammal
skulls and long bones. It is not recommended for very delicate bones such as those found in birds or
reptiles, or for skeletons you would like to keep together (articulated). ALL of the bones will
separate, as maceration removes the connective tissue that keeps the skeleton together.
Step 1: Remove any remaining tissue or hide to the best of your ability. This will
make the maceration go faster.
Step 2: Fully immerse the bone in a plastic container of plain water.
Bones-->Container
Step 3: Leave the container in a warm location where you won’t mind the smell.
Step 4: Periodically pour the greasy, smelly water out (gardens love it!) and top off
with fresh water.
Step 5: When the water remains clear, the bacteria have finished breaking down any
remaining tissue.
Step 6: If you wish to whiten or sterilize the bones, transfer them into a container
of hydrogen peroxide (drug-store strength is fine). Remove them when they have
reached the shade of white you desire.
NEVER USE BLEACH. Chlorine-based bleaches will degrade bone. The chlorine
remains behind and continues to eat away at the bone, eventually reducing it to a
white powder. Hydrogen Peroxide is a safer alternative.
Step 7: Some teeth may have fallen out during the maceration process. Once the
skull is clean and dry, you can glue these back into place using a simple white glue
(also called PVA glues) such as Weldbond or Elmer’s.
*http://www.boneroom.com/faqs/maceration.pdf
Evolve@boneroom.com. "The Bone Room." N.p., n.d. Web.
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