Ep 13. Skull Cleaner

In Dirty Jobs season 2 episode 13, entitled "Skull Cleaner," host Mike Rowe travels to New Orleans to take on the dirty and smelly job of cleaning skulls. The episode opens with Mike visiting a taxidermist who specializes in preserving animal heads and skulls, and who has enlisted his services to clean a variety of animal skulls.

Mike starts out by donning protective gear and picking up a large vat of water, which he uses to submerge the first skull and begin the cleaning process. He explains that the goal of skull cleaning is to remove all flesh and brain matter in order to reveal the bone structure underneath, which can then be preserved and used for study or display.

Throughout the episode, Mike struggles to keep his lunch down as he scrubs and scrapes away at the skulls, occasionally stopping to gag and take a breather. He also learns about the various tools used in skull cleaning, from small brushes and dental picks to giant pressure washers and even massive concrete mixers.

As Mike works his way through a mountain of animal skulls, the stench becomes overwhelming and he's forced to take breaks to empty his stomach and catch his breath. He also learns about the different chemicals and cleaning agents used in skull cleaning, including hydrogen peroxide and a mixture of bleach and water.

In addition to cleaning animal skulls, Mike spends some time with a forensic anthropologist who uses similar techniques to clean and analyze human remains. He watches as the anthropologist examines a skull to determine the gender, age, and cause of death, and discusses how the information gathered from such analyses can be used to identify and solve crimes.

Throughout the episode, Mike also touches on the controversy surrounding the use of animal skulls for decorative purposes, acknowledging that some people find it distasteful or disrespectful. However, he points out that there are many legitimate reasons for studying and using animal skulls, from scientific research to artistic expression.

Overall, "Skull Cleaner" is a stomach-churning yet fascinating look at a little-known corner of the taxidermy world. Mike Rowe's trademark humor and enthusiasm help to make the dirty and difficult work seem both engaging and worthwhile, and viewers are sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the skill and dedication required to clean and preserve animal skulls.