How To Treat The Smell of Seashells

Collect shells that have no one home. Shells, made of calcium carbonate, which is the same material eggshells are made of, are the exoskeletons of animals. Shells are also reused by other animals, like fiddler crabs, as a temporary home. When collecting seashells ensure each shell is vacant. You should also discard any shells that looked like they have been lived in recently. Animal tissue is what causes the bad smell, so its best to avoid it in the first place.

Sort the seashells into a fragile pile and a sturdy pile. It is easier to clean and preserve the shells if they are separated into these two simple categories. You will use two different cleaning solutions for each group. Separating them will also avoid the sturdy shells from damaging the fragile ones.

Mix a solution of equal parts bleach and water in a large bowl or bucket. Place the sturdy seashells into the solution using rubber gloves. Scrub the shells encrusted with algae using a tooth brush. Let the seashells soak for one hour. Rinse well using fresh water. Place the shells on a paper towel, letting dry overnight.

Mix warm water with regular dish detergent. Place the fragile shells in the solution, letting soak for one hour. Use a toothbrush to gently clean the shells. Place the seashells on a paper towel to dry overnight.