Cleaning those Seashell Treasures You Find on the Beach
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Time to read 7 min
Table of contents
Bringing Out the Beauty of Your Coastal Treasures Why Cleaning Seashells Matters What You’ll Need to Clean Seashells from the Beach Displaying Your Clean Seashells at Home 🩵 Product Spotlight: Coastal Seashell Glass Prints Collection Tips for Preserving Seashells Long-Term Keep the Beach Feeling Alive
Learn how to clean seashells from the beach using gentle, natural methods.
Discover step-by-step cleaning tips to preserve shine and color.
Find easy ways to display seashells in your coastal home decor.
Avoid harsh chemicals — keep your shells bright and beautiful naturally.
Pair your cleaned shells with Echoes of the Sea Coastal Glass Prints for ocean-inspired decor.
Bringing Out the Beauty of Your Coastal Treasures
Seashells are the ocean’s souvenirs — each one holding the whisper of waves and memories of long beach walks. Whether you collect them for art, display, or simple nostalgia, knowing how to clean seashells from the beach ensures they stay beautiful and last for years to come.
Before you begin, remember to check every shell for living creatures. If someone’s still inside, gently return it to the sea — that shell is still home to another life.
Why Cleaning Seashells Matters
When you bring shells home from your beach trip, they often carry sand, salt, and sometimes remnants of marine life. Cleaning seashells from the beach isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about preserving their natural patterns, preventing odor, and preparing them for display.
A clean shell reveals the intricate designs and colors sculpted by the sea. With a little care, you can restore that fresh-from-the-shore glow and turn your finds into meaningful decor pieces that reflect your love of the coast.
What You’ll Need to Clean Seashells from the Beach
Gather a few simple supplies before you start. These will help keep your cleaning process gentle and safe for both you and your shells:
Two large bowls or buckets of clean water
Warm water
Mild dish soap
A soft-bristle toothbrush
Toothpicks and a soft cloth
A small glass bowl
White vinegar (for stubborn residue)
Tongs (for dipping shells)
Optional: Acid Magic (for tough calcium deposits — follow all safety instructions)
A drying tray or towel
Tip: Always clean shells in a well-ventilated area and handle acids with care.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Seashells from the Beach
1. Rinse with Water
Start by rinsing each seashell under warm running water. This removes loose sand and debris. Be gentle — some shells, especially delicate species, can chip or break if handled roughly.
2. Soak in Soapy Water
Fill a bucket with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Soak your shells for one to two hours. The warm, soapy soak loosens grime and dissolves salt buildup, making later steps easier.
3. Gently Scrub
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub away any remaining dirt or sand. Focus on crevices and ridges, where debris tends to hide. Avoid metal brushes — they can scratch the shell’s surface and dull its shine.
4. Address Stubborn Residue
If some areas are still dirty or covered with barnacles, dip a toothpick in warm, soapy water and gently work it into the tight spaces.
For especially tough grime, mix equal parts vinegar and water and apply carefully — just for a few seconds — to help dissolve residue.
5. Use Acid Magic (Optional)
For shells that have heavy calcium buildup or faded color, Acid Magic can restore brightness.
Be careful with shells that have shine, this will dull the shine some. You can use mineral oil to bring it back if your shell needs the tougher cleaning power of Acid Magic.
Dilute according to the product’s label.
Using tongs, dip each shell for about three seconds.
Remove immediately and rinse in a bucket of fresh water to neutralize the acid.
This process removes dull outer layers and reveals the true color beneath. Always wear gloves and eye protection, and never leave shells soaking in acid.
6. Dry Thoroughly
Lay your cleaned seashells on a towel or baking tray in a well-ventilated area. Let them dry completely out of direct sunlight — harsh rays can bleach natural color over time.
7. Polish for Shine
Once dry, gently buff each shell with a soft cloth. For extra luster, apply a small amount of mineral oil or baby oil and wipe clean. This enhances natural colors and gives a smooth, satin finish — perfect for display.
Displaying Your Clean Seashells at Home
Now that your shells are sparkling, it’s time to showcase them! Displaying seashells connects your home decor to the peaceful rhythm of the ocean. Here are a few ideas:
Arrange them in a glass bowl or shadow box for a natural coastal centerpiece.
Create a beach-themed tray with sand and candles for your dining table.
Place a few polished shells near your Echoes of the Sea Coastal Glass Prints to layer natural and artistic beauty together.
🩵 Product Spotlight: Coastal Seashell Glass Prints Collection
Capture the timeless charm of your favorite beach finds with the Echoes of the Sea – Seashell Glass Prints Collection.
Each piece is inspired by the textures and soft hues of real shells — creamy whites, sandy beiges, and pearlescent blues — designed to bring the ocean’s calm into your home.
Our seashell glass prints blend photography and glass artistry, creating luminous reflections that echo the sea itself. They pair beautifully with your own cleaned shell displays, completing your coastal aesthetic.
Tips for Preserving Seashells Long-Term
Keep your shells looking their best with these simple tips:
Store them in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture damage.
Avoid harsh cleaners — mild soap is all you need.
Keep them away from direct sunlight to preserve natural tones.
Dust occasionally with a soft, dry cloth.
If you love DIY projects, try turning your shells into photo frames, wreaths, or mosaic art pieces — each one a reminder of your beach adventures.
Keep the Beach Feeling Alive
Learning how to clean seashells from the beach helps preserve more than just the shells themselves — it keeps your memories of the sea vivid and alive.
Bring that same feeling of calm, beauty, and reflection into your home with Echoes of the Sea Coastal Glass Prints. Inspired by the ocean’s natural textures and colors, these pieces help you hold onto the serenity of the shore every day.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning seashells is a small but meaningful ritual — a way to reconnect with the quiet rhythm of the waves and carry a little of that peace back home. Whether you use them for art, display, or simple joy, each shell tells the story of the sea that shaped it.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and let your collection — and your decor — reflect the beauty of the coast.
What is the best way to clean seashells from the beach?
The best way to clean seashells is to soak them in warm, soapy water for one to two hours, then gently scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. This removes sand, salt, and organic residue without damaging the shell’s surface.
Can I use bleach to clean seashells?
It’s best to avoid bleach — it can make shells brittle and dull their natural color. Instead, use a mild vinegar-and-water solution for stubborn grime or calcium buildup. You can also use hydrogen peroxide for a safe cleaning solution. This is IDEAL for soaking those sanddollars that have not been sun bleached and are a little green.
How do I make seashells shiny again?
After cleaning and drying, gently rub each shell with a soft cloth and a small amount of mineral or baby oil. This restores luster and enhances natural patterns.
How can I display my cleaned seashells?
Display your seashells in glass bowls, shadow boxes, or decorative trays filled with sand. For a more artistic touch, pair them with Echoes of the Sea Coastal Glass Prints, which capture the ocean’s textures and hues for a cohesive coastal aesthetic.
Can I clean seashells that still smell bad after washing?
Yes! If your shells still have an odor, soak them overnight in a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water, then rinse thoroughly and air dry. The smell usually disappears completely.
Is it okay to take seashells from the beach?
Always check local regulations before collecting. Some beaches prohibit shelling, while others allow it as long as the shells are uninhabited. Be respectful — if a shell still has a creature living in it, return it gently to the sea.
About the Author — Lisa Reid
Lisa Reid is the creative force behind Echoes of the Sea LLC, where coastal art meets soulful design. Blending her lifelong love of the ocean with a passion for meaningful décor, Lisa creates glass wall art that celebrates the calm, beauty, and resilience of coastal life. Each collection is inspired by the rhythms of the sea and designed to bring serenity, reflection, and connection into your home.
Explore more of Lisa’s work and inspiration in The Coastal Journal, where she shares insights on coastal décor styles, ocean-inspired living, and the healing power of art for the soul.
“Every wave tells a story — my art simply helps it find its way home.”
