Seashells can be wonderful reminders of sunny days at the beach. They are also used in creative projects or to enhance your home decor. If you're collecting seashells, it's important to clean and polish their surfaces both inside and out for better storage.

Collecting Seashells

Step 1. Gather seashells on the beach.

Step 1

Collect seashells on the beach. This could be a beach in your town or one where you're on vacation. Seashells can also be purchased at craft stores or online.

Step 2. Do not collect seashells with live inhabitants.

Step 2

Avoid collecting seashells that have live creatures inside. Be mindful of nature and do not use shells with living organisms. If you turn over a shell and see a creature inside, leave it on the beach.

  • Familiarize yourself with your country's laws and ensure that collecting seashells is legal. For instance, in U.S. waters, collecting the shells of the queen conch is illegal due to overfishing, putting this species at risk of extinction.

Step 3. Determine if the shell is alive or dead.

Step 3

Determine if the shell is alive or dead. A live shell has animal tissue attached to it (this refers to dead tissue, not a living creature). A dead shell is one that lacks any animal tissue.

  • Understanding whether there is animal tissue inside the shell will influence how you clean it. For instance, if there is animal tissue present, it will need to be removed.

Removing Animal Tissue from the Shell

Step 1. Boil the shell to remove animal tissue.

Step 1

Boil the shell to remove animal tissue. Boiling the shell will soften the organic matter, making it easier to remove. You will need a pot and tweezers or another tool, like one used by dentists, to extract the animal tissue. To clean shells by boiling, follow these steps:

  • Place the seashells in a large pot with room temperature water. Fill it with enough water so that the level is about 5 centimeters above the shells. It's crucial to start with room temperature water, as a sudden temperature change can crack the shells.
  • Bring the water to a boil. Let the shells boil for about 5 minutes. If you're boiling more than one shell, increase the boiling time. Keep in mind that larger shells should be boiled longer.
  • Use tongs to remove the shells and carefully place them on a soft surface, like a warm towel.
  • Using tweezers or another suitable tool, gently extract the organic tissue from the shells and dispose of it.[2] X Source

Step 2. Bury the shell in the ground.

Step 2

Bury the shell in the ground. This cleaning method may take longer, but many prefer it as it reduces the risk of damaging the shell. When boiling, freezing, or mechanically removing organic matter, there is a high chance of damaging the shell. To bury the shell, find a safe spot where it will be protected from damage and cleaned of animal tissue naturally. Ants, beetles, and other insects will consume the animal tissue, thus cleaning the shell. To clean the shell by burying it, do the following:

  • Dig a hole in the ground. It should be large enough to fit all your shells with plenty of space in between. The hole should be about 45–60 centimeters deep to prevent animals from digging up the shells or humans stepping on them.
  • Evenly space the shells, leaving enough room between them.
  • Bury the shells.
  • Wait several months for insects, larvae, worms, and bacteria to remove the organic material from the shells. The longer the shells stay in the ground, the better the result will be.[3] X Source
  • Dig up the shells and check for any remaining animal tissue.

Step 3. Freeze the shells.

Step 3

Freeze the shells. Freezing kills any remaining animal tissue inside the shell, making it easier to remove. To clean the shell using freezing, do the following:

  • Place the shells in a ziplock bag. If you have many shells, you may need several bags.
  • Pour enough water into the bag to fully cover all the shells.
  • Put the bag in the freezer.
  • Leave the bag in the freezer for several days until the water turns into a solid block of ice.
  • Remove the bag from the freezer and wait for it to thaw completely.
  • Take out the shells and remove the organic tissue from them.

Cleaning Dead Shells

Step 1. Soak the shells in water for a week.

Step 1

Soak the shells in water for a week. The water will dissolve all the dirt on the surface of the shells, and by the end of the week, they will be sparkling clean.

  • Change the water daily. Regularly changing the water will make the shells even cleaner.
  • You can also boil the shells after soaking them for a week to ensure that all animal tissues have been removed.
  • You can also clean the shells with soapy water mixed with a small amount of vinegar.[5] X Competent Source Patricia Chukerman Image Consultant and Marketing Specialist Expert Recommendation

Step 2. Use bleach to clean the shells.

Step 2

Use bleach to clean the shells. Bleach will remove any dirt, growths, and animal tissue from the shell. However, some shell collectors warn that bleach can affect the color of the shell, and the smell may permanently seep into its porous surface. To clean the shell using bleach, do the following:

  • In a pot, mix equal parts water and bleach. The resulting liquid should fully cover all the shells.
  • Soak the shells in the solution. You may notice a flaky, skin-like film peeling off the shell. This is the periostracum, or organic covering of the shell.
  • Once the coating peels off, remove the shells from the solution. Any remaining particles can be scrubbed off with a toothbrush.
  • Rinse the shells thoroughly and dry them well.
  • Rub the shells with baby or mineral oil to restore their shine.

Step 3. Use toothpaste to clean the shells.

Step 3

Use toothpaste to clean the shells. Toothpaste is a less aggressive alternative to bleach. To clean the shells with toothpaste:

  • Apply a thin layer of toothpaste to each side of the shell.
  • Leave it for at least 5 hours to allow the paste to penetrate the surface. You can leave the shells overnight for a more thorough cleaning.
  • When the paste becomes sticky or hard, depending on the thickness of the layer you applied, take an old toothbrush and a cup of warm water and scrub the shells thoroughly. Make sure to clean out all the tiny crevices and reach all the hard-to-get places.
  • Rinse off all the toothpaste from the surface of the shells, even if you have to wash them under running water after cleaning. This will help remove any grit and other particles left in the paste, as well as smooth out rough edges and sharp fragments, making the surface smooth and with minimal flaws.

Step 4. Scrape off growths

Step 4

Scrape off growths. If there are growths (barnacle shells) on the surface of the shell, use a soft toothbrush or a brush with metal bristles to remove them.

  • This method is most effective if the shell was previously cleaned by soaking or using bleach.

Polishing the Shells

Step 1. Rub each shell with mineral oil for a deep shine.

Step 1

Rub each shell with mineral oil for a deep shine. Let the shells dry for at least a day before applying the oil.

  • Mineral oil not only restores the shine to the shell but also helps preserve it for a long time.
  • You can also use WD-40 for this purpose, but remember to wear gloves while using it.

Step 2. Apply lacquer to the shells.

Step 2

Apply lacquer to the shells. You can use a matte polyurethane varnish or clear nail polish. This coating helps maintain the shell's appearance while adding a glossy finish.

  • Cover one side of the shell each day, as the surface must dry completely before you coat the other side. Each side will take about a day to dry.
  • If you want the shells to look natural, like they do in nature, do not coat them with lacquer.[6] X Competent Source Patricia Chukerman Image Consultant and Marketing Specialist Expert Recommendation