Finding seashells on a family beach vacation is like discovering pirate treasure. Toddlers, grands and everyone in-between can participate in a stroll along the shoreline. Bring your bucket and hunt for blue-gray quahogs or pastel-pink conchs. I have many wonderful memories of my family sharing shell finds at dinnertime as the sun sinks into the sea.
But what do you do with the shells next? On most trips, we’d leave them outside, baking in the hot sun, until they began to smell strongly of low tide. On other trips, we’d toss them in the back of the car with luggage, beach chairs and coolers. When we got home, the kids would be heartbroken to discover their treasure was smashed. But you can clean and store seashells so they last for years. Here’s a simple how-to guide plus tips for displaying your shells at home.
What You Need to Collect Seashells
A family beach vacation is the highlight of many summers. Collecting pretty shells is one of the activities everyone can enjoy, including toddlers, teens and Grandpa.
Best of all, there’s no expensive equipment needed.
However, there are a few things you can have on hand to make shelling easier.
- Color coded buckets for every member of your family are definitely something you should pack for your beach vacation. This will help you remember which shells are Suzy’s and which ones are Billy’s. Trust me. One person will find the BEST shell and everyone will fight over it.
- If you’re flying to your destination, buy inexpensive pails at a local dollar store. Or use the bags hanging in your closet, provided by hotels for laundry orders.
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A Seashell is Kinda Like an RV for Sea Critters
It’s really important to explain to kids that seashells are tiny homes for all kinds of living creatures. Most of the shells you’ll find washed up on a beach are the hard casings of mollusks like clams, oysters and mussels. Beaches usually prohibit removing living creatures and may even post signs about endangered species in the area. Places like the Cabrillo National Monument tide pools in San Diego stress the “no touch” rule.
How can you tell if you’ve found a live seashell? Get up close and touch them…gently. If there’s any sign of movement, chances are you’ve found a live shell and there’s something still using the shell as home.
With sand dollars, if they’re gray in color and turn your fingers yellow when you touch them, they are alive.
How to Clean Seashells
Once you have collected the perfect seashells to take home, you will want to give them a good cleaning ASAP. You may notice a kind of flaky skin on the outside of your seashells. This outer covering, which resembles a sunburn that is peeling, is known as the periostracum. Removing this covering is the first step to clean shells.
Soaking Solution
Using a shallow plastic container, spread out your seashells submerged in a solution that is half bleach and half water. I have found that at least two hours is a good rule of thumb for soaking. However, it’s best to keep an eye on them and remove the shells as soon as the periostracum is gone.
Some folks recommend using a muriatic acid solution. Muriatic acid is a strong chemical and I don’t recommend using it. Bleach may even be too much for you. For many shells, Dawn or another dish detergent might just do the trick.
Then, rinse the seashells in cold, clean water and soak them for another couple of hours in fresh water.
Dry Time
Next, spread your seashells out on a towel and let them dry. This is a good time to inspect them for any barnacles or sea bits or animal tissue that detract from their beauty. Use an old toothbrush or wire brush to gently scrub that stuff off.
Before You Store
The final step is to polish your shells. Rub them with baby oil or mineral oil for a shiny finish. Or go all out and paint them with a coat of clear nail polish for real shine.
Alternatively, you may prefer your conch and clam shells to keep their natural look and color. In that case, you’re done!
What NOT to Do With Seashells
SheBuysTravel contributor Allison Bean Taylor recommends leaving seashells out in the sun to dry. But make a reminder note to bring them back inside. Her family left a collection on the patio table….for 2 months!
How to Display Your Seashells
Once you’re home, you’ll need to find a way to display your beautiful shells. If you don’t get to it right away, chances are you’ll find them in an old Ziploc bag one day when you’re cleaning out your hall closet (says the voice of experience).
Fill a Glass Container
If you are craft challenged like me, the easiest way to display your seashells is to purchase a beautiful clear glass bowl or vase. Fill it with your seashells and display it on a dining or console table.
Make a Seashell Frame
Grab that hot glue gun and a simple picture frame and get busy! This is the perfect way to display small, delicate seashells. And you end up with a frame for your favorite family beach photo.
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