Boiling Hermit Crab Shells

Rinse out the hermit crab shell with de-chlorinated tap water or de-chlorinated salt water. Spring water, which is often sold as bottled water, can also be used. You can also purchased de-chlorination kit at many pet stores that carry fish, aquariums and other marine-like products. Be sure to rinse it out from all angles, as these shells can have many crevices where debris can hide.

Swab the inside of the shell with an ear swab to remove any stuck-on particles or remnants. Try to remove as much material from the shell as you can on your own.

Fill a bowl with de-chlorinated water and allow it to soak overnight if particles still remain.

Fill a small pot with enough water to submerge the hermit crab shell by a few inches. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Insert the hermit crab shells and leave them in the boiling water for 5 minutes or so.

Remove the shells from the boiling water with a strainer and check them for any remaining particles. If they appear to be clean, place them on a towel to dry. If they still have particles or appear unclean, place them back into the water for another few minutes before setting them aside to dry.

Allow the shells to cool completely before placing them into the aquarium or terrarium with the hermit crabs.

Wait patiently as they get used to the new objects and decide whether or not they want to inhabit these shells.