Warning: As with any chemical solutions, this should only be done by adults in a well ventilated area. Proper safety apparel should be worn at all times. Cleaning shells using muriatic acid is dangerous and is done at your own risk.
Recently, I’ve started to decorate with a lot of shells and wanted to learn how to clean them. So, like most people, I scoured the internet to learn how to clean all the gunk and calcium build-up on shells. I found that there are two common ways to clean shells, bleach or muriatic acid, but not a lot of people discussed how to dispose of the acid solution. So today, I’m going to share how to clean sea shells with muriatic acid solution AND how to neutralize and dispose it.
Supplies:
- safety googles
- rubber gloves
- respiratory mask
- muriatic acid (buy at Lowes or Home Depot for around $8)
- water
- tongs
- glass bottles (I used large glass vases)
- glass measuring cup (do not reuse for food)
- baking soda or lime
- paper towels/towel
- metal pick (optional)
- metal scrub brush (optional)
- large plastic bucket or tub for acid neutralizing
Before starting, here are a few precautions:
- DO NOT do this indoors or near anything that is stainless steel as it can discolor the metal.
- DO NOT allow children to do this or be anywhere near you while doing this.
- Make sure you have all the proper safety equipment on BEFORE and DURING the shell cleaning process as the acid can burn the skin. If any acid gets on the skin, immediately wash off with water.
- Have water and a large box of baking soda or lime ready to neutralize the acid in case of any accidental spills.
How to Clean Sea Shells with Muriatic Acid Solution
Directions:
- In a large glass bottle, add 3/4 cup water and then 1/4 cup of the acid (always add water and then the concentrated acid).
- Fill another bottle with just water.
- Use the tongs and dip one shell at a time into the muriatic solution for about 3-seconds. You will seeing “fizzing” as the acid attacks the calcium build-up on the shells. Leaving the shells in longer than 3-seconds can compromise the shell and color.
- Immediately dip the shell into the water to rinse and place on a towel to dry.
- If shells still have growths or large white calcium build up on it, softly scrub with a wire brush or use a metal pick to scraps it off.
How to Neutralize and Dispose of the Muriatic Acid
DO NOT dump the muriatic acid solution down your drain or into the sewer system without neutralizing it first. To neutralize the solution, add water and baking soda or lime in another large container and slowly add the muriatic solution. Alternate between the baking soda and muriatic solution until there is no “fizzing”. Once there is no more fizzing, it should be safe to dispose.
If you have other ways to clean sea shells, I would love to hear about it in the comments below.
Sea Shell Crafts ~
Giant DIY Seashell Seahorse Art
DIY Seashell Pineapple Jar
DIY Aloha Seashell Pineapple Sign
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Mitzi says
Please tell me how to clean and polish green limpet shells. One side is a beautiful blue-green and shiny. The other side is rough like a clam shell.
Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
Hi Mitzi, I’ve never cleaned a limpet, but check out this video on YT for an abalone shell. I think you might be able to use the same technique with limpets. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_1qzy5pMKg
Julie ~julsofparadise says
Yes this process of muriatic acid for 3 seconds works very well for crusty shells.
Just be EXTREMELY CAREFUL not to spill or splash the acid.
Of course as stated DO NOT dump the muriatic acid down your sink. Actually I keep the acid in a large glass jar with a tight cover – like a pasta sauce jar – and I mark the jar with “CAUTION – ACID FOR CLEANING SEASHELLS”. Keep it on a high shelf in the garage. It can be reused for a long time – each time I go to the beach I always find a few shells that need to be dipped. Just be very careful using muriatic acid. Note: don’t use this acid dip on shiny shells – it will etch and dull the shine.
Non crusty shells that just need a good cleaning – I boil them in a pot used only for shell cleaning. I add one tablespoon of bleach to the pot of water and boil for a few minutes.
HAPPY SHELLING!
Mother of 3 says
I honestly only ever rinsed off the shells with a bit of soap and water so this is fascinating! Thanks so much for sharing at the Summer Time Fun Linky. Pinned.
Tracy says
How do you dispose of solution once it is neutralized? Is it safe to dispose in sink?
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
I don’t use it in the house, but once it’s neutralized I dispose of it in our outside drain.
Cheri says
Was wondering if anyone has used “green” muriatic acid. Thank you 😀
Erlene at My Pinterventures says
I haven’t tried using ‘green’ muriatic acid, but it looks like the same thing with less fumes so I think it should work fine. I really only use it on shells with heavy calcium build up and those that look a little dull. Otherwise, I try to just scrub the shells with a soft brush.
Kim~madeinaday says
Wow the shells look great after doing this! Love that Seahorse pic too! Pinned & sharing on FB & Twitter
Kim
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