How To

How to Clean Seashells

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(18 Ratings)

Polishing seashells requires grinding away the outermost layer of a shell, which not only is very messy but also ruins the value if you happen to be a collector. Proper cleaning and a little bit of mineral oil will bring out the natural beauty without causing damage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Seashells
  • Liquid Bleach
  • Soft Rags
  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Mineral Oils
  • Silicone Lubricants
  • Soft Toothbrushes
  • Bowls
  • Buckets
  • WD-40
  • Bowls
  1. Step 1

    Wash the shell out with a garden hose or in the kitchen sink. You want to remove whatever is still inside or you will likely smell your mistake later.

  2. Step 2

    Mix a solution of 50 percent household bleach and 50 percent water. Soak the shell in the solution for 24 hours to remove any remnants of the inhabitant.

  3. Step 3

    Rinse the shell thoroughly in running water. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush and mild dishwashing soap.

  4. Step 4

    Allow the shell to dry completely.

  5. Step 5

    Use a soft rag to rub mineral oil onto the shell and let it soak in for a few hours.

  6. Step 6

    Wipe the excess oil off and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings
  • Some collectors spray their shells with WD-40 or silicon spray (which isn't wiped off).
  • Keep in mind that many varieties of seashells - cowries, for instance - are naturally shiny and never need polishing.
  • Do not use vegetable oil, which can become rancid.

Comments  

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/20/2006 The cheapest way to check if there are no critters in the shell is to bury it in hot sand for a day and then look inside.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If I find a stinky shell (already in my collection or from the beach), I rinse it, then pack it with Arm & Hammer baking soda and put it in a coffee can filled with a bed of wet newspaper. Leave it set overnight, then rinse it in the morning. This only works if there is only residue or a hermit crab inside. Live shells with the original creature have to be handled separately.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Whenever I find a shell or rock at the beach that I want to treasure forever, I boil it in a small saucepan for about 5 to 10 minutes. This ensures that the shell is clean and no critters remain inside.

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