It'll work out if your not in any hurry for it lad. Just keep it out of reach of dogs and cats that could bring it off. Boiling etc might be quicker, but these little skulls are quite delicate.
ive got the mesh lashed to a breeze block in my pile of rubble so hopefully i cant see it being taken away . I have a plan to get my friends camping stove and take it up my dads in the countryside to simmer for a few hours . Like you said im a bit worried about it all falling apart . I seriously considered getting some of those carrion bettles to clean it but they seemed a lot of effort for one mi