BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Clean Seashells

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Rate: (13 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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1

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.

Step2

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.

Step3

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

Step4

Allow the shell to dry completely.

Step5

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

Step6

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 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 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 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.