How to Clean Shell Buttons

Shell buttons are often found on fine clothing, and vintage shell buttons are a favorite of collectors. Shell buttons are rarely made from seashells, but from mussels found in fresh water, especially in the rivers of the mid-west. Because overfishing of mussels has resulted in strict regulatory requirements, shell buttons are rarely manufactured in the United States, making them even more collectible.

Things You'll Need

• Mineral oil
• Detergent
• Soft cloth
• Soft toothbrush

Instructions

1. Moisten a soft cloth with mineral oil and rub the button gently. If the button has no paint or trim, it can safely be soaked in the mineral oil for a few minutes, and then buffed lightly with a dry cloth.

2. Wash shell buttons in gentle detergent and warm water if the buttons are plain and have no metal trim or paint. Use a soft toothbrush to clean the button, then dry it with a soft cloth. Polish the clean button with cloth dipped in mineral oil.

3. Request that shell buttons on dry-cleanable clothing be covered with foil to protect them from the dry-cleaning chemicals, or remove the buttons carefully and sew them back on after cleaning. Otherwise, wash garments by hand, and never put garments adorned with shell buttons in the dryer.

References

• Further Thoughts on Buttons
• Button Identification and Cleaning by Christen Brown
• Cleaning & Restoring Buttons

Resources

• Harvesting the River