Best way to safely clean seashells! And it's economical too!

For fun, don't pass by broken fighting conchs that have good color or potential for good color. You can grind them to shape using a belt sander rounding off the jagged edges. Then get this, you can paint various designs on them with acrylic paint. Let the paint dry, then dip them in acid. The part covered with paint won't be affected by acid. The part that is exposed to the acid will burn away and so when you rinse it off then peal off the acrylic paint you are left with a raised or etched design and in the fighting conchs if you leave them in acid long enough it will burn through the top color layer leaving a different color layer below so your etched design will have a nice two or more color contrast, usually white and tan though other colors are possible. I have made letter pendants this way. Really fine delicate work an be achieved with practice and experience.

For safety, and this may seem like overkill but I've been an OSHA industrial safety auditor and I can tell you acid is not to be trifled with, so I use PPE (Personal Protection Equipment). Goggles are a very good idea. I also add a full face shield OVER the goggles because goggles are not full proof. I wear a full length acid resistant neoprene apron and full arm neoprene gloves. And ALWAYS use acid OUTDOORS not indoors unless you either have industrial strength ventilation and a respirator ANSI certified for use around acid fumes. I got my goggles, face shield, gloves and apron all from Amazon combined for under $100 delivered. I consider that an essential investment.

I love how the shells turned out so cool.

I really like watching you dipping your shells in the acid! Thanks for this video!

Awesome tips...thanks! I love seeing transformations like that! I don't know why but it is so satisfying to see the dirt (etc...) vanish, leaving a beautiful shell after.

I try not to use too much acid as it can damage shells easily. I dilute mine with water which slows down the process allowing me greater control. I also have found that lightly oiling my shells goes a long way in preserving the color and texture. Over time, most shells will dry out a bit on their own and by that I mean they will tend towards a slightly chalky texture. I only ever use mineral oil as it is inorganic and so won't turn rancid. Nothing worse than a smelly shell collection. Also, oil can be used as a substitute for acid if you are afraid of acid but don't use it if you are using your shells for crafts as it will prevent glue/cement from sticking. I have shells I collected over 50 years ago that look like I collected them yesterday, in fact they look still wet from the ocean.

This is Great! I have a box of shells and want to paint them and was searching how to clean them first. What an eye opener...would not have guessed they would look like this after cleaning. Excited to try this. Thank you for sharing.

Wonderful results with the new acid!!! 👍💯👍

You are so smart. I Love that you share all your tips with everyone. This process looks so safe and easy. Can't wait to try it, Thanks!

Nice! I will definitely try this. Never heard of it till now. Thank you!

That orange Horse Conch is phenomenal. 😮 😎

I can't believe how quick and effective it is! Thanks for sharing! 😊

What a great way to clean shells. Thank you❣️

Wow, the shells cleaned up beautifully 😍♥️

Wow the shells look gorgeous

These are my favorite videos. You do such a great job.

Omg! The horse conch is BEAUTIFUL! 🤩

I love how the shells seemingly transform after the acid bath. I love when you do these videos with the acid baths, they’re so relaxing! ☺️

Thank you!! New to shelling and want to learn. I’ll be traveling via video with you from here on out. Love your presentation!

That True, though!!!! Gorgeous after it’s acid bath. Such a huge difference!