How to Clean a Deer Mount With Smoke Damage
Maybe you inherited a family heirloom or you’ve purchased an antique mount – whichever the case, it’s possible your deer mount has seen better days. Smoke or cigarette smoke damage is one of the most common types of damage that happens to deer mounts.
If you suspect your deer mount is smoke-damaged, this blog is for you. Read on to learn how to clean deer mounts with cigarette smoke damage or other types of smoke damage.
If your home or business has just suffered from a fire, call (855) 724-6269 for 24/7 emergency service or request an appointment online. We make disasters disappear!
The Importance of Careful Taxidermy Cleaning
Cleaning a cigarette smoke-damaged deer mount is an important if you want to keep the taxidermy trophy looking its best for years to come. If the damage is extensive or is coupled with other signs of degradation, a DIY solution may not be the best course of action. As always, consider working with a local taxidermy professional to have your deer mount cleaned - especially in the case of extensive damage.
How to Clean a Deer Mount
Taxidermy, specifically deer mounts, must be handled with great care while being cleaned. In order to carefully clean your deer mount, gather the following materials:
- A soft-bristled brush or paintbrush
- A clean sponge
- A bucket of water
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Clean cloths
- Cotton swabs
- Glass cleaner
How to Clean Deer Mounts with Cigarette Smoke Damage or other Smoke Damage in 6 Steps
Follow these steps to carefully clean your smoke-damaged deer mount or other taxidermy:
- Remove Lingering Dust
Use the soft-bristled brush or paintbrush to remove as much of the dust, debris and soot as possible. - Create a Solution
Mix three drops of dish soap in a bucket with warm water, agitating it to create a sudsy solution. - Gently Clean
Saturate a clean sponge in the soap solution then squeeze out the excess solution so it is damp but not soaking wet. Use a wiping motion following the lay of the hair to clean the mount. As you clean, continue to rinse and squeeze the sponge frequently. - Deodorize
After you have successfully wiped down the head, use a cloth dampened with white vinegar to further clean and deodorize. The vinegar will continue to remove any lingering smoke odor as it dries on the mount. - Clean the Eyes
Dip the cotton swab in glass cleaner and dab the eyes to remove existing soot and debris. - Dry
Allow the deer mount to air-dry.
Choose Rainbow Restoration for Smoke Damage Restoration
At Rainbow Restoration, our IICRC-certified teams are equipped to remediate smoke damage and fire damage, improve the air quality and remove lingering smoke odors from your home. Some of our locations even offer contents pack out and content remediation services.
If your home has suffered smoke damage as the result of a fire or smoke event or if you’re seeking cigarette smoke damage solutions, choose Rainbow Restoration. Call (855) 724-6269 or request an appointment online to get started.