How to clean shells properly - VEAMAR

Introduction

Shells are not only natural decorations but also excellent materials for creating unique decorative items. However, before starting to use them in projects, it is important to clean the shells properly to preserve their natural beauty and durability. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right shells for cleaning, what tools and materials to use, and how to clean shells step by step, so they are ready for further use.

Which shells are suitable for cleaning?

Before starting to clean shells, it is important to choose the right specimens. This will help avoid unnecessary difficulties and preserve their aesthetic appearance. Here are the main recommendations for selection:

Shells found on the beach

Shells collected from the shore of the sea or ocean are often partially cleaned by nature. Water, sand, and sunlight help remove most of the organic residues. Such shells:

Usually do not require complex treatment, apart from removing sand and dirt.
Often have natural wear or small damages that give them a “vintage” look.

Fresh shells (with mollusc remnants)

If you have shells with molluscs (e.g., after eating oysters or scallops), cleaning them will take more time.

These shells often look brighter and smoother but may contain organic remains inside.

Removing soft tissue is an important step to prevent odour or mould formation.

Tip: If you plan to work with such shells, try to clean them immediately after use, before the organic remains dry out.

Shell integrity

Before starting the work, carefully examine the shells:

Suitable: shells with a strong structure, without large cracks or breakages. These specimens are easier to clean and will retain their shape after processing.
Not suitable: shells that are too fragile or cracked. They may break during cleaning or processing.

Tools and materials for cleaning

The proper choice of tools and materials is key to successful shell cleaning. They will help you effectively remove dirt without damaging the shell itself. Here’s a list of everything you need for the job:

2.1. Rubber gloves

Rubber gloves are recommended when working with shells. They provide:

Protection for your hands from sharp edges of shells. Even when cleaning large shells, you might accidentally cut yourself.
Hygiene during the process when working with dirty shells, especially if they were found on the beach or contain organic remains.
Comfort during long periods of work to avoid skin irritation from contact with chemicals.

2.2. Soft or medium-hard brush

A brush is the main tool for removing dirt, sand, and small particles from the shell’s surface. It’s best to choose a brush with soft or medium bristles to avoid damaging the shell’s surface.

Cleaning or dish brushes work well for most shells, especially those with a smooth surface.

For cleaning the inside surfaces and hard-to-reach areas, use a small brush with narrow bristles.

2.3. Soaking container

You will need a container to soak the shells in water or a solution. This helps soften the dirt and makes it easier to remove.

A medium-sized plastic or glass container can be used depending on the number of shells you need to clean.

For shells with organic material residues, a larger bowl is convenient so the shells can float freely without overlapping.

2.4. Bleach

Bleach is your main tool for cleaning shells, especially if you want to achieve a bright and clean look. It helps not only to remove dirt but also to refresh the colour of the shell.

Type of bleach: use regular liquid chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach, which is gentler and safer for the environment.

How to apply: dilute bleach with water in a 1:1 ratio (or according to the instructions on the packaging) and soak the shells in the solution for 8 to 48 hours, depending on the level of contamination.

Tip: Watch the soaking time — prolonged exposure to bleach may damage the shells.

2.5. Baking soda and soap

Baking soda and soap are useful additions to help clean the shells from excess debris and odours, especially after using bleach.

Baking soda: ideal for removing stubborn dirt and odours. It has abrasive properties but is soft enough not to damage the shells.

Soap: use gentle soap or liquid hand soap to wash off any remaining chemicals from the surface of the shells after soaking.

How to use: After soaking the shells in bleach, gently rub them with a soft brush and add baking soda or soap to remove any remaining chemicals and dirt.

2.6. Towels for drying

Once the shells are cleaned, they need to be dried. Use soft towels or paper napkins to carefully remove moisture.

How to dry: place the shells on a clean towel or paper napkins in a single layer so they can dry naturally.

Safety tips

When working with bleach, always do so in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Do not mix bleach with other chemicals like ammonia or vinegar to avoid producing harmful toxic fumes.
Use safety goggles when working with bleach to prevent splashes in your eyes.

Now that you have the necessary tools, let’s move on to the cleaning process. In the next section, we’ll go over a step-by-step guide.

Step-by-step guide to cleaning shells

Now that you have all the necessary tools and materials, it’s time to start cleaning the shells. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve great results and preserve the beauty of your shells.

Step 1. Remove organic remains

If you’re working with shells that still contain parts of molluscs (e.g., oysters or scallops), the first thing to do is remove the organic remains.

Soak in warm water: Place the shells in a container with warm water (not hot, to avoid damaging the shell structure). This will help soften any mollusc remains inside. Leave them for 1-2 hours.
Remove soft parts: Use a brush to remove any mollusc remains from the shell.
Clean the inside: If there is any dirt, sand, or slime inside the shell, use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean it out.

Step 2. Soak in bleach solution

Now that the organic remains are removed, soak the shells in a bleach solution to clean them of dirt and make them bright and white.

Prepare the solution: In a container, mix 1 part bleach with 1 part warm water. If you’re using oxygen bleach, you can make the solution more concentrated.
Soaking: Place the shells in the solution and leave them for 8-48 hours. The soaking time depends on the level of contamination, but usually 12 hours is enough.
Monitor the condition: Sometimes, bleach can be too harsh for very thin shells, so it’s best to check on them periodically. If you notice the shell starting to break down, stop the process immediately.

Step 3. Clean the outer surface

After soaking, the shells will be easy to clean from any remaining dirt.

Use a brush: Take a brush with soft or medium bristles and gently scrub the surface of the shell. This will help remove any remaining dirt, sand, and small organic debris.
Remove stains: If there are stains from bleach or dirt on the shell, gently rub them with baking soda. Baking soda’s abrasive properties will help remove stubborn stains.

Step 4. Final rinse

After the shells are clean and white, thoroughly rinse them to remove all chemical residues. You can also use soap.

Rinse under water: Place the shells under a stream of cold water and rinse them thoroughly. Use a brush to remove all traces of chemicals.
Check cleanliness: After rinsing, make sure no bleach or other contaminants remain on the shell. If necessary, repeat the rinse.

Step 5. Dry the shells

After cleaning, the shells need to be dried properly to prevent any damage.

Place on a towel: Lay the shells on a soft towel or paper napkins in a single layer. This ensures even drying.
Natural drying: Leave the shells in the open air for natural drying. Do not use a hairdryer or other heaters, as this could cause cracks or damage to the shell.
Check dryness: Ensure that the shells are completely dry before proceeding with further use or storage.

Now your shells are clean and ready for use! Whether for creating jewellery, decorative interior elements, or other purposes, they will look wonderful.

Conclusion

Cleaning shells is not only an essential step in preparing these natural materials for further use but also an enjoyable process that reveals their true beauty. By using the correct methods, tools, and chemicals, you can clean shells effectively without damaging their structure and preserve their appealing appearance.

It is important to remember that every shell is unique, and different types of shells require special care. Be careful when handling them, adhere to the recommended soaking times, use safe and effective cleaning agents, and don’t forget about proper drying.

We hope this guide helps you master the art of shell cleaning and inspires you to create new stunning projects!