How to Clean a Taxidermy Fish
The cost of having a trophy fish mounted by a qualified taxidermist can be substantial. It is important to clean the fish mount regularly to prevent deterioration. Proper cleaning protects the investment by preserving the finish and appearance, giving you bragging rights.
- Carefully remove the fish mount from the wall. Get a good grip on the item because some mounts are heavy. Be careful not to scrape the nail or screw behind the mount.
- Lay the fish on a table or other flat, stable surface. If the fish is large, it will be necessary to walk around the table during cleaning instead of moving the mount.
- Wet a clean, soft cloth with cool water.
- Squeeze most of the water from the cloth so it is only slightly damp.
- With very slight pressure, gently wipe the fish in the direction of the scales, nose to tail. Use care around the fins, eyes, tail and other breakable features. Do not force the cloth into small crevices or joints.
- Periodically rinse and squeeze the water from the cloth so that it does not reapply dirt to the fish.
- Continue until the entire surface of the fish is clean.
- Lightly dampen a cotton swab.
- Use the swab to clean the small crevices, joints, fins, tail and other small features.
- Replace the swab with a clean one when it becomes soiled.
- Once clean, rehang the fish in its original position. Use care not to scratch the back of the fish with the hanger, and make sure it is secure before removing support.
Optional:
A product made for dusting furniture such as Pledge or Endust can be sprayed on a soft, clean cloth instead of using cool water. Apply the spray to the cloth, not the fish. Do not over spray.
Do Not Use:
- solvents
- a vacuum cleaner
- a feather duster
- a brush