Home >> Collecting >> Sea Shell Collecting

How to Clean a Knobby Starfish

Beach-side walks can be relaxing and peaceful. Along with enjoying the comforting sounds of the waves, a beachcomber can collect seashells and sand dollars. While it is not as common to find as shells and sand dollars, sometimes dead starfish, like the knobby starfish, can wash up on shore too. With a few steps, dead starfish can be cleaned up and then preserved to last a lifetime as a decorative reminder of the beach.

Things You'll Need

Water
Mild detergent
Alcohol
Toothbrush
Container with lid
Rocks (one to hold down each arm)

Instructions

- 1
  Rinse the dead knobby starfish and use a toothbrush to scrape off sand or seaweed. A small amount of gentle detergent can be used too.
- 2
  Place the knobby starfish in a plastic container and fill it with alcohol. Make sure the starfish is completely covered and allow it to soak in the alcohol for 48 hours.
- 3
  Remove knobby starfish from alcohol. Lay it out on a flat, dry and warm surface. Place a rock or piece of brick onto each arm to hold it down, or else the arms will shrivel up as they dry.

Sea Shell Collecting