Things You'll Need
Vacuum with upholstery-brush attachment
Lint-free cloths
Spray bottle
Rubbing alcohol
Towel
White vinegar
Linseed oil
Small bowl
Cotton swab
Feather duster
A deer-head mount allows the hunter to show off his success while adding a rustic touch to the room. Over time, the deer-head mount will begin to collect dust, dirt and -- if there is a smoker or fireplace in the home -- smoke residue. The buildup will cause the deer head to look old and dingy and to have an unpleasant odor. With proper cleaning and care, your deer-head mount will look its best for years to come.
Cleaning
Step 1
Remove the deer-head mount from the wall.
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Step 2
Attach the upholstery brush to your vacuum. Turn on the vacuum and run the brush over the deer-head mount in the direction of the fur, removing surface debris.
Step 3
Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with cool water. Wipe the mount in the direction of the fur.
Step 4
Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup rubbing alcohol and mist the fur lightly. Wipe the mount with a clean, lint-free cloth in the direction of the fur. Pat the fur dry with a clean, soft towel.
Step 5
Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with white vinegar and rub the antlers gently. Wipe the antlers dry with the towel.
Step 6
Apply two to three drops of linseed oil to a clean, lint-free cloth and rub the antlers gently. Buff the antlers with the cloth to make them shine.
Step 7
Fill a small bowl with rubbing alcohol. Dip the tip of a cotton swab into the rubbing alcohol. Rub the deer's eyes with the cotton swab in a gentle, circular motion. Continue rubbing until the eyes are clean and clear. Wipe the eyes clean with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Care
Step 1
Keep the deer-head mount out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause the fur and antlers to fade. Furthermore, the mount should be placed away from direct heat such as a fireplace and heaters.
Step 2
Place the mount in an area of your home that is relatively bug-free. Bugs -- such as moths, beetles and dust mites -- will eat away at the mount and burrow into it.
Step 3
Refrain from placing the mount in a basement or other damp location. The excess moisture will increase the chance of fungus growth -- such as mold and mildew -- on the mount.
Step 4
Dust the mount regularly with a feather duster.
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