How to clean seashells?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

BubblPopElectrc · 03-29-2008, 09:02 PM

I brought back a ton of shells from the beach. I soaked them in a bleach/water mixture for a few hours and then let them sit outside for a couple of days and they STILL smell! They don't smell as bad as they did when we got them but it's still bad!

I'm pretty positive there is nothing in them as most of the shells are bivalves.

Any suggestions??

Oh- and living them outside isn't really an option as I live in the city and am without my own yard.

For My Coby · 03-29-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubblPopElectrc

I brought back a ton of shells from the beach. I soaked them in a bleach/water mixture for a few hours and then let them sit outside for a couple of days and they STILL smell! They don't smell as bad as they did when we got them but it's still bad!

I'm pretty positive there is nothing in them as most of the shells are bivalves.

Any suggestions??

Oh- and living them outside isn't really an option as I live in the city and am without my own yard.

Ocassionally, we've brought back some that have been too recently inhabited. On a couple, the only thing that we've found that works is lots of sunlight outside. I remember one that took about two weeks outside to be odor-free. (I'm always careful that there is no living creatures still using the "house" of course, but if they've recently been inhabited, they can sure stink!)

But stinky or not, I'm jealous that you've been to the beach already this year!!

moosie's mom · 03-29-2008, 09:37 PM

Outside in the sun for a couple of weeks!

BubblPopElectrc · 03-29-2008, 09:45 PM

Aww, I live in the city so I can't put them outside.

For My Coby · 03-29-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubblPopElectrc

Aww, I live in the city so I can't put them outside.

How 'bout in a window sill in an unused room?

BubblPopElectrc · 03-30-2008, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by For My Coby

How 'bout in a window sill in an unused room?

No.

I think I might try bleaching them again. Maybe I could try vinegar too (not at the same time, of course).

For My Coby · 03-30-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BubblPopElectrc

No.

I think I might try bleaching them again. Maybe I could try vinegar too (not at the same time, of course).

I wonder if pouring salt inside would help "dry" whatever's left.

I know many live in salt water, but that does dissolve slugs.

TootiesMom · 03-30-2008, 04:45 PM

unfortunately, the only thing that I found that really works is TIME... Vinegar will help speed up the process, but time is the key....
good luck!
d

03-29-2008, 09:02 PM	#1
BubblPopElectrc Kyle Plus 3 Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 6,929	How to clean seashells?? I brought back a ton of shells from the beach. I soaked them in a bleach/water mixture for a few hours and then let them sit outside for a couple of days and they STILL smell! They don't smell as bad as they did when we got them but it's still bad! I'm pretty positive there is nothing in them as most of the shells are bivalves. Any suggestions?? Oh- and living them outside isn't really an option as I live in the city and am without my own yard. __________________ Kyle (me), Britney, Brooklyn, and Coral

03-29-2008, 09:37 PM	#3
moosie's mom And Mimi's too! Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Coast of CA Posts: 4,086	Outside in the sun for a couple of weeks! __________________ Hugs and Yorkie Kisses from Linda, Moose and Mimi : The Moose is Loose: Moose wubs AprilLove

03-29-2008, 09:45 PM	#4
BubblPopElectrc Kyle Plus 3 Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 6,929	Aww, I live in the city so I can't put them outside. __________________ Kyle (me), Britney, Brooklyn, and Coral

03-30-2008, 04:45 PM	#8
TootiesMom and Hopeys Mom Too Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,109	unfortunately, the only thing that I found that really works is TIME... Vinegar will help speed up the process, but time is the key.... good luck! d __________________ Donna's little herd.... Tooties Dogster http://www.dogster.com/?271687 Hopeys Dogster http://www.dogster.com/?448723 and Tinker, TBone(RIP) Laci .. OH, and Me-Kitty(RIP)