How do I clean and cure a animal hide?

I already heard that you put borax on but is that before or after you clean the fur. like how do i get rid of any fleas and dirt with shampoo? or what. and also do I put borax on the skin side alone or in the fur too? one last question when I put on the borax do I just lay it out on the flat surface or what? thx for all you're help.