How to Clean Seashells by the Seashore

on June 28, 2009 at 8:52 AM

Do your kids collect seashells at the beach during the summer? They can be great for art projects or displayed as mementos...as long as you clean them. Otherwise, trust me, they will stink to high heaven! Here's an easy way to clean seashells.

The method below is only for cleaning dead seashells—meaning, shells without animals still living in them. I strong encourage you to only pick up dead seashells because not only are they much easier to clean, but many areas prohibit collecting the live ones.

Make a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Soak shells in the solution for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally to be sure the bleach solution is sanitizing all the cracks, crevices, and crannies. This should be enough time to rid the shell of any organic material or microbes that still might be inside. Rinse shells thoroughly with fresh water and allow to dry.

Do you collect shells?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.