Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Make Seashells Not Smell

The seashells you brought home from the beach are natural works of art. But, if you don't take some preventive measures, your new treasures may develop an intense and awful odor. Tiny fragments of the shell's former inhabitant or other organic materials that may not be visible can begin to decompose after a few days, or hours. You can clean your shells to keep them from smelling -- or stop the odor if it has already begun.

Things You'll Need

Liquid dish soap
Bleach
Toothbrush
Dental pick
Paper towels
Hair dryer (optional)
Silicone grease
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a bowl with warm, soapy water and soak the shells for several hours. Gently scrub each shell with an old toothbrush, making sure to get the bristles up into any small corners or whorls. Scrape away any dried organic matter with the dental pick or other pointed metal tool, being careful not to scratch or break the shell.
- 2
  Examine each shell and place the clean shells face-down on paper towels to dry. Soak shells that have discoloration or residual debris in a bowl filled with a solution that is equal parts of bleach and water for several days. Rinse them thoroughly after they have soaked and set them out to dry.
- 3
  Probe each shell with the dental pick to check for any remnants of organic matter. Coat the shells with a small amount of silicone, making sure to cover all possible surfaces, to seal them. Polish each shell with a soft towel to remove excess silicone.

Animals & Science