Abstract: Hides and skins are disinfected and preserved by contacting them with a mixture of an inorganic zinc salt and an acid amide and subsequently with common salt and an acid having a disinfectant and preservative action. The mixture of zinc salt and acid amide is used in general in an amount of at most 2 weight %. The efficiency of the mixture may be improved by using additionally a further organic preservative. Carboxylic acids are especially suitable for the aftertreatment using a salt-acid pickle. The process is particularly appropriate for preserving hides and skins as well as furskins of different kinds and provenance.