How to Clean Sea Shells

Sea shells that have washed up onshore may no longer have any living creatures in them, but they could still have organic tissue, algae, seaweed and other matter on them that affect the look and smell of you sea shell.

Required Materials

• Bleach
• Water
• Baby oil

Required Tools

• Bucket
• Measuring cup
• Toothbrush
• Toothpick
• Towel
• Buffing cloth

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of water and 1 cup of bleach into your bucket. Place the shells in the bucket and soak them for one hour. Double the solution for a large amount of sea shells.
2. Drain the bucket leaving the sea shells inside. Add water and rinse the sea shells thoroughly.
3. Pick up each shell and brush with the toothbrush. Pay special attention to grooves on the outside of the shell and the inside of the shell. Scrub the shells thoroughly until all debris is removed. Use a toothpick to chip away any stubborn residue or sand.
4. Lay each shell on the towel and allow them to dry overnight.
5. Once dry, rub each shell with the buffing cloth until shiny.
6. To add extra shine to the sea shells, pour a pea-sized amount of baby oil on each shell and rub in with the towel. Be sure to wipe off any excess oil so that it doesn’t leave an oily residue on any surfaces.