When it comes to cleaning bones, there's an unusual but effective method that many enthusiasts swear by: burial. This technique might not be the fastest, but it's perfect for those who aren't in a rush and prefer a hands-off approach.

Burial involves burying bones underground and letting nature do the work. Over time, worms and soil bacteria break down the tissue, gradually cleaning the bones. This process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on factors like soil conditions and temperature.

While buried, bones may still end up with dirt and blood stains. This depends on how they were buried and the conditions underground. After unearthing them, bones usually need a bit of extra cleaning to get rid of any remaining grime before they are sent to a degreasing bath.

The Plant Pot Trick
One simple way to bury bones to clean them is to use a plant pot with holes in the bottom.

Place a mesh at the bottom of the pot to prevent the bones from touching the ground directly. Lay the bones on top of the mesh and fill the pot with soil to cover the bones. After a few months, check on the bones to see how they're doing, this may not be the best thing to do if you're squeamish--if this is the case, wait another couple months before unearthing.

To speed up the process, it's best to skin and gut the animal before burying it. This helps the bones decompose faster. But if you can't do this for some reason, like if it's a pet, don't worry. You can still bury the animal as is, but it'll take longer—usually a year or more depending on its size.