A seashell will most likely be dirty and covered with algae and barnacles and some shells have an outer covering called periostracum. After you wash them, the shells will be beautiful.
Steps
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Get a large bucket and fill it with a solution of water and bleach (read the label on the bleach, don't use more than it suggests for cleaning things).
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Dump your seashells in the bucket.
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Let soak until they look clean. There is no set time to clean each shell.
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Finished.
Tips
- For a permanent shiny "wet look," you can paint the shells with shellac or clear nail polish. Water-based polyurethane, thinly applied with a sponge, will work nicely, too.
- If you want to give your seashells a shine, then rub them with mineral oil. Baby oil has a pleasant scent, but only for the first year or so. After that, it breaks down chemically and smells rather unpleasant. Use mineral oil, which is the same thing as baby oil, only without the scent.
Warnings
- Bleach is a caustic chemical and can burn your hair, eyes and skin. The fumes can also cause lung injury. Use only a diluted amount, make sure you work in a properly ventilated area, and wear safety gear.
