I have a set of sheep horns that I have removed from the core and scrubbed the inside and out. They still smell like the back end of the animal. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to eliminate this rancid odor? It seems like the more I try to clean them, the worse it gets. PLEASE HELP!
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In a solution of baking soda and water. Be generous with the soda, it's cheap. I soaked a pair of ripe antelope horns for near a week and when they came out...very little smell...
I've used the Baking Soda soak too...also try Rittel's Bacteria Aid tablets. Lysol 'use' to do the trick...but not snce they changed the formula.
~ ETCC
Boil some water, with maybe a teaspoon of dawn detergent per gallon of water. When the water comes to a good boil dip a cup or so of hot water out and fill up the horn core cavity....this should be done so that you don't burn yourself. Set the horn up in a vise or some holding tool before pouring water in. Let it set for maybe a 30 seconds and then repeat this soaking process again...you are actually killing the bacteria causing the smell. Then immerse the horn in the hot water and remove...don't immerse for over 5 seconds. This will kill the bacteria on the outside of the horn.
I finally pour Hydrogen Peroxide inside the horn core cavity and let it set for about a minute......this really cleans it up and all the smell will vanish. We rot all of our horns off...and this is the consistent process we use.
Don't forget to wear eye protection and gloves.....watch out for the hot water.
The reason they smell is the bacteria that helped you seperate the cores. To get rid of it. use a dilute bleach solution or formalin solution. Stand the horns up and fill them up. leave set over night. Don't use too much bleach. If it doesn't get rid of it do it again.
Tony
I just did two sets this morning!
All I have ever done after pulling from the core.....is scrub in Dawn diswashing soap......rinse completely with hot water......let air dry for about 15 minutes......that pour some Borax in....shake it up.....dump it out....and let them sit in a humidless environment for AT LEAST 30 DAYS!
I've found that just giving them plenty of time to air out.....takes care of the problem.