How to Clean Your Sanibel Shells

• Wash shells in cleaning sink to remove loose debris and sand with ……

• Use tweezers, dental pick, or coat hanger to remove dead critters. Dispose of critters in garbage container.

• Soak shells overnight in a solution of 50% water and 50% bleach. Solution may be used several times before discarding. (please do not bring bleach into condos)

• Do not use bleach on shiny shells like kings crowns, tulip shells, olives, or cowries. It will ……

• When working with a bleach solution or removing dead animals, a mask, gloves, goggles, and old clothes should be worn.

• Soaking time is dictated by the type of shell, the quantity of shells being cleaned, and how heavy the periostracum (outer covering of the shell) is. Generally soaking overnight is sufficient.

• After soaking in the bleach solution overnight, scrub both the inside and outside of the shell with a brush. A steel dental pick can be used to remove barnacles or clean the ridges in cockle shells and scallops.

• Spiral shaped shells may be cleaned inside by using a small curved wire brush on a twisted wire stem (like a brush used to clean baby bottles).

• If you use bleach on sand dollars only leave them in the solution for about 20 – 30 minutes.

• After you have finished cleaning and soaking your shells rinse them with water in the cleaning sink and let them dry outside.

• To bring out the color in your shells rub with a cotton ball soaked in mineral oil. Let stand about 30 minutes and then remove excess oil with a dry cotton ball.

• Coat sand dollars, sea urchins, and other fragile shells with a solution of 50% water and 50% Elmer’s glue. Mix and apply solution to one side with a paint brush, dry and then flip over and do the other side. Apply a total of three coats. This will ensure ……

This information has been provided courtesy of:
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road

Enjoy Shelling on Sanibel!

Sanibel, Florida 33957
239.395.2233
www.shellmuseum.org
open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
check the website for upcoming programs