How to Clean Seashells
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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Things You'll Need
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Seashells
- Liquid Bleach
- Soft Rags
- Mineral Oils
- Silicone Lubricants
- Soft Toothbrushes
- Bowls
- Buckets
- WD-40
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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Rinse the shell thoroughly in running water. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush and mild dishwashing soap.
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Allow the shell to dry completely.
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Use a soft rag to rub mineral oil onto the shell and let it soak in for a few hours.
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Wipe the excess oil off and enjoy!
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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.
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Comments
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Mar 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. -
Mar 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.
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Nov 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.
