How to Clean Shells

Remove Sea Life

• 1

  Place shells suspected of holding sea life, such as a mollusk, in a plastic container. Put the container in the freezer.

• 2

  Let the shells freeze for two to three days. Remove the shells and leave out for a day.

• 3

  Repeat the freezing process for another two days. Then remove the shells again.

• 4

  Poke the inside of the shell with a curved dental instrument. Scrape out the dead animal.

• 5

  Clean the rest out of the shell by jetting in water pressure using a water jet toothbrush without the head.

• 6

  Remove stubborn pieces by placing the shell outside in an ant bed. The ants will pick the rest of the creature out of the shell. Use a water jet again to remove the mollusk remnants.

Clean Out Sand

• 7

  Place a large plastic colander in the sink. Pour a handful of seashells in the colander. Rinse them well with clean water. Use a toothbrush to brush away sand and debris.

• 8

  Fill a second sink with warm, clean water and a capful of bleach. Place cleaned shells in the bleach water carefully. Avoid breaking the shells. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes.

• 9

  Continue to clean and soak the shells until all the shells are in the sink. Drain water.

• 10

  Spread the shells out on a clean doubled, towel. After they dry, store them as you like.

• 11

  Polish up shells with baby or mineral oil to give them a sheen.