Lime-free and sulfide-free liming process

A lime-free and sulfide-free process for liming skins and hides which comprises treating the hair-bearing animal skins or hair-bearing animal hides with a mixture of

• (a) sodium hydroxide solution,
• (b) at least one sodium salt of dicarboxylic acids of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and
• (c) sodium sulfate,
• wherein the sodium hydroxide solution loosens the attachment of the hair to the hides or skins, the proportion of the sodium salt of dicarboxylic acids in the sum of components (b) and (c) being at least 10% by weight, and wherein said components (b) and (c) are agents for controlling swelling of the skins or hides.