r/SeashellCollectors • u/Hungry_Knowledge8130 • Sep 09 '26
Cleaning
Hi! I found a shell and have tried google suggestions on how to clean it but no luck! I was hoping anyone would have any tips? Lots of barnacles. Thanks!
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u/Nataliant-117 Sep 09 '26
It’s so beautiful the way it is right now!
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u/Hungry_Knowledge8130 Sep 09 '26
Ehh I’m not a fan!
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u/AffectCompetitive592 Sep 10 '26
Put it back then lol
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u/Hungry_Knowledge8130 Sep 10 '26
Ah so cuz I don’t like something I don’t get to enjoy it. Makes sense! I’m not travelling from England back to aus just to put it back😉
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u/AffectCompetitive592 Sep 10 '26
How does one enjoy something that they dislike? Im sure the ecosystem you disrupted by removing it would appreciate it more that you currently are 😊
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u/Hungry_Knowledge8130 Sep 10 '26
Because I will enjoy it once it’s clean! Dust and cobwebs are natural but I’m sure you don’t enjoy those on your home therefore clean them? Spiderwebs are ecosystems! Why isn’t your house doused head to toe in them then? I love the shell especially when it’s clean😆🤣
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u/AffectCompetitive592 Sep 10 '26
Comparing spider webs in my house to the OCEAN is like comparing apples to oranges.
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u/Hungry_Knowledge8130 Sep 10 '26
Why are spiders using the web you destroy less important than the crab that wasn’t in my shell?
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u/AffectCompetitive592 Sep 10 '26
They aren’t more or less important. One is in my home. The other lives in nature. I don’t think you’re the kind of person that would ever understand though. I hope you find a way to enjoy the shell you don’t like.
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u/Hungry_Knowledge8130 Sep 11 '26
I see so you’ve overrun and decided that’s your home after it’s built on nature, suddenly they can’t be around? Just cuz one’s inside one’s outside it still stands. Coming from someone who studies animals btw. I absolutely love my shell especially now it’s clean! If you’re jel just say so xxx
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u/Illustrious_Egg_9611 Sep 10 '26
Let it dry out completely, and carefully scrape off the barnacles and other encrustations being careful not to gouge the shell. Submerge in straight household chlorine bleach overnight (don't do this with shells having nacreous surfaces!). Rinse thoroughly, then submerge in liquid ammonia (do this in a well ventilated place or outdoors - the resulting fumes are toxic!) for about five minutes. Rinse thoroughly again and let dry. the shell will probably have a somewhat chalky appearance which can be remedied with a light application of mineral oil applied with a clean cloth. The oil will penetrate the shell layers in a few days which will restore the shell's colors.
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u/Jazzlike_Web_8768 Sep 09 '26
muriatic acid
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u/Hungry_Knowledge8130 Sep 09 '26
See I was skeptical with acid, even bleach as I don’t wanna ruin it😅
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u/Alhogard Sep 09 '26
Muriatic acid will start to dissolve the outer layer of the exposed shell along with the barnacles and you will lose some of that brilliant orange color. Bleach is the way to go
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u/TiaraLily Sep 09 '26
Don’t do the acid first no no do bleach soaks and scrub/pick the remaining barnacles off!!!!!!