Q&A for How to Clean Bones

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Found a porkchop bone in the yard completely free of flesh and guts. Scraped out the dirt maybe a little too well. Any other prep before I put it on my shelf?

Roxie Whitman

Community Answer

You should degrease it if you haven't already, or if you want it to be whiter, you should leave it in hydrogen peroxide for about a day.

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Question

What to do if end of long bone is not cleared from soft tissue in case of embalm cadaver? Also, I have 2% H2O2, how do I use it ?

Community Answer

1. You can try the boiling method to get rid of the soft tissue. 2. You can use 2% hydrogen peroxide instead of 20%, it just takes much longer to whiten the bones. You will have to change the 2% hydrogen peroxide every time it gets used up.

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Is boiling necessary for cleaning bones if I can't do it in my kitchen?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

Boiling is commonly used to remove flesh and tissue, but you can use maceration instead. Soak the bones in water at room temperature, changing the water every few days. Afterward, degrease the bones in warm water and dish detergent. Finally, soak them in hydrogen peroxide for whitening.

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How can I remove the bad smell from a bone I've nearly cleaned completely?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

Soak the bone in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for a day or two, which whitens the bone and helps eliminate odors. Sun-drying the bone for a couple of days can act as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Additionally, you can coat the bone in baking soda to absorb odors or soak it in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for a few hours, then rinse and dry.

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Is there another way to clean bones without using hydrogen peroxide?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

Here are other ways to reduce odors in bones: Vinegar Soak - Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water. Soak the bone in this solution for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly. Baking Soda Paste - Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the bone, let it sit for several hours or overnight, then brush off. Sun Exposure - Place the bone in direct sunlight for a day or two. Essential Oils - After cleaning, you can lightly brush the bone with water and a few drops of essential oils like lavender or lemon for a pleasant scent.

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Question

How can I clean a spot on a bone that's out of reach and won't fit in a container?

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the spot gently. Dampen a cloth with cleaning solution and apply it directly to the area, letting it sit before scrubbing. Alternatively, use a spray bottle with cleaning solution to soak the spot before scrubbing.

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Question

How long does it take for a medium-sized bird carcass to decompose? I found a crow carcass with the skull attached and want to retrieve the bones.

Lina DaSilva

Top Answerer

Decomposition time can vary greatly depending on several factors, but for a medium-sized bird like a crow, it typically takes a few weeks to several months to decompose sufficiently to retrieve the bones.

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