How can I clean shells picked up at the beach?
by
Jane
+3
Feel like I should do some sort of cleaning before I bring shells inside? I’ve done a wash in plain water but is bleaching them necessary? Also open to any ideas from you creative folks on what to do with all these shells! Thanks
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Here is a good article https://m.wikihow.com/Clean-and-Polish-Seashells
Chlorine bleach at $1 a gallon is an easy thing to do.
Sometimes there’s a now-dead critter inside the complicated shells & it will smell bad.
Make sure they’re very dry before bringing them inside.
Soak them in white vinegar overnight. This removes the smell and cleans them safely.
I soak mine in white vinegar for at least 8 hours, then rinse and let dry outside, turning as needed.
Hi Jane,
Soak in soapy water and dry outside before bringing inside, just incase!
My sister _in-law use to boil them, then let them dry I take a tooth brush with it.