When you get home, it's important to clean the shells you picked up at the ocean.A properly cleaned shell is a great souvenir.For a day, soak your shell in bleach.Pick off any barnacles and polish the shell with mineral oil.
Step 1: Put on protective gear.
It's important to wear protective gear when working with bleach.Gloves and goggles are required for mixing solution.In a garage, be sure to mix bleach in a well-ventilated area.
Step 2: Prepare a solution of bleach.
If you want to soak a conch, mix a solution with bleach and water.The amount of each depends on the number of conches you're soaking.To fully submerge your conches, you need enough bleach and water.
Step 3: You should soak your shells for 24 hours.
Add your conches to the solution after you've mixed the bleach and water.You can remove them from the solution in about 24 hours.The dirt will have come off and the barnacles will be easier to remove.When putting your conches in the solution and removing them, make sure to wear gloves.
Step 4: Pick up any barnacles.
A dental tool is used to pick up barnacles.Remove the pick or tool from the barnacle.The bleach should have loosened the barnacles.To remove barnacles, use a hammer and screwdriver.Press the end of the hammer on the screwdriver under the barnacle.The barnacle should be removed.
Step 5: You should scrub down your shell.
Take a scrub brush and wipe your conches after removing barnacles.Light and scrubbing motions can be used to remove dirt and debris from the shell.If some dirt or stains are not coming off, use your thumbnail to gently scratch them out of the shell.
Step 6: Allow the shells to dry.
It's important that your shells are dry.They will not be disturbed if they are placed in a cupboard or cabinet.Don't polish your shells until they are completely dry.If you live in a cooler region, it can take a long time for the shells to dry.It is not unusual for shells to take a couple of days to dry.
Step 7: You can cover your shell with oil.
The shells may look dull once they are dry.Mineral oil can be applied to a cotton pad or cotton ball.Rub the cotton on the shell and cover it with oil.If the shells are not as shiny as you want, add another layer.Allow the shell to dry for 12 hours between coats if you do multiple coats.
Step 8: Take your shells to the beach.
Make sure the shells you take from the beach are out of the water.Pick up the shell and make sure it's empty.If you see an animal in the shell, put it back where you found it.
Step 9: Don't leave shells in the sun for too long.
You can place your shells in the sun to dry them faster.Do not leave them in the sun for more than a few hours.If shells are left in the sun for too long, they will lose their color.
Step 10: Don't crack the shell when removing barnacles.
Be careful when removing barnacles.If it's absolutely necessary, use the chiseling method.You don't want to damage your shell while removing barnacles.