If you have collected sea shells, it is important to clean them when you get home. A properly cleaned shell is a great souvenir to keep for years. To begin with, soak it in bleach for a day. At that point, remove the encrusted barnacles before polishing it with mineral oil.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Soak the Shells in Bleach
Step 1. Put on protective clothing
When using bleach, it's important to protect your skin so you don't take any chances. Put on thick gloves and work glasses before creating your solution. Also, be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors or in the garage.
Step 2. Prepare the bleach solution
To clean a shell, make a solution with half bleach and half water. The precise quantities depend on the number of shells to be cleaned. You need enough liquid to fully submerge them.
Step 3. Keep the shells submerged for 24 hours
Once the bleach and water are mixed, put the shells in the solution. After about 24 hours, you can remove them. Some of the dirt will have come off and all the encrusted barnacles will come off more easily.
Be sure to wear gloves when putting the shells in the solution and when removing them
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Barnacles
Step 1. Remove all barnacles
You can do this with a flathead screwdriver, a sturdy toothpick, or a dentist's tool. Stick the tip under the parasites and gently pry them off. It should be pretty easy to remove them, as the bleach has weakened them.
If the barnacles do not come off, remove them using a hammer and screwdriver. Tilt the screwdriver under the parasite and gently tap the hammer on the handle. The barnacle should come off
Step 2. Rub the shell
Once the parasites are removed, take a brush and clean the valves. Do this with light, circular movements to remove all the dirt and debris left on the shell.
If any stains or debris don't come off, scratch the shell with your fingernails
Step 3. Air dry the shells
This step is important. Put them in a dry place where they won't move, such as a pantry or cabinet. Do not attempt to polish them until they are completely dry when you touch them.
In some cases it takes time for the shells to dry completely, especially if you live in an area with a harsh climate. It is not unusual for it to take a couple of days
Step 4. Cover the shell with oil
Once dry, it may have lost some of its original shine due to the cleaning operation. To polish it, wet a disk or cotton swab with mineral oil, then scrub it thoroughly. If after just one application the shell is still not as shiny as you would like, repeat the operation.
If you are going to apply multiple coats of oil to the shell, let it dry for 12 hours between one application and the next
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Step 1. Examine the shells before taking them from the beach
Make sure they don't contain marine animals. Once they are taken, tap them lightly to make sure they are empty. If you feel movement or see an animal inside, put them back in place.
Step 2. Don't leave the shells in the sun for too long
You can keep them in the sun to let them dry sooner. However, don't leave them exposed for more than a couple of hours or they will start to lose their color.
Step 3. Be careful not to break the shell when removing the barnacles
You must proceed with great caution and use the chisel method only if it is absolutely necessary. Do not risk breaking or damaging it.
