I have a skull that I need to clean. I'm out of Sal Soada and was wondering if there is a substitute I could use? What about Borax?
Just some info, I don't have "bugs" and I don't want to soak it for weeks again...that is N A S T Y! ;)
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most laundry detergents [dry] has it in it,so, a hand full will help .
Simmer try not yo hard boil.
If you are trying to macerate a skull then you do not need sal soda. Sal Soda is usually used when boiling skulls. Which most people do not boil skulls or skull plates any more. It weakens the bone.
Todd B
I have used Baking Soda and it worked ok, and I have heard Borax also works. Just don't try and simmer it in soapy water. It seems to have the opposite effect on cleaning for some reason. I have tried it before and it does nothing to help free the meat, it only smells nice.
I simmer all my skulls with Sal Soda and have never had a problem with weak bone. I think bleaching it with Hydro is what kills the bone.
WASCO sells Sal Soda for bone cleaning at http://www.taxidermy.com/cat/15/skull.html