Cleaning shells with muriatic acid & comparing acid to using mineral oil. Which works is better?

Cleaning shells with muriatic acid is something I had put off for a while, but once I finally tried it I was addicted! This is the second time I'm doing this to my shells and the results are just fantastic. That being said, using muriatic acid isn't the only way to clean your shells. Mineral oil can also be used to bring back the color, so I wanted to see how shells would look after using muriatic acid compared to using mineral oil to bring back the color to sea shells. I was actually pretty surprised by the results!

[@jtcowboy5518]

I actually don't mind watching 2+ hours of you dipping all those shells in the bucket! lol Addicting to watch.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I got that reaction a lot from the first acid dipping video, so I went ahead and let this one be a little bit longer - LOL! Thanks so much for watching!

[@MoreReddMan10]

@@SWFBeachLife what is the acid and mineral that you use and where do you get it

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@MoreReddMan10 It's muriatic acid and I purchase it at Home Depot or Lowes. I have a new acid that I will be making a video about in a few weeks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@MoreReddMan10 I use muriatic acid and I get it at Lowe's or Home Depot.

[@shanaynay6652]

I make the same sounds when I am using the acid to clean my shells.. OOOH AHHH.. lol I love seeing them come back to life after a quick dunk. Thanks for sharing your tips..

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's so cool to see the shells clean up in seconds! The acid is way more dramatic than the oil - that's for sure. Thanks so much for watching!

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

Fun and very satisfying results. Thanks for the share!

[@hildamydear4481]

I would love watching this for hours & hours, take your time, luv it 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's so satisfying isn't it? Thanks for watching!

[@idasands845]

Thank you for doing the comparison. I was hesitant about the acid. Glad to see the mineral oil will be just as good.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was REALLY hesitant the first time I used the acid and people in apartments were asking me questions about getting rid of the acid. I thought it would be a good alternative and I wanted to compare the results myself. When in question, the mineral oil will work!

[@terrisimmers9784]

It has been 50 years scense I was on the beach shelling but I still have the bug. So when I saw your video I just had to watch. I am hooked! Love Terri Simmers.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks Terri! I have a new shelling video every week!

[@diannpowell1077]

That was so very interesting and fun to watch. I can't believe how much they cleaned up! I think I like the acid the best,but I also like the option of the oil. Thanks again for a fantastic and enjoyable time.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's quite addicting! I was so nervous the first time I tried it but wow the results! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch!

[@LilKream]

Keep making awesome content! We love you!

[@SWFBeachLife]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 😍

[@bkrajewski6756]

Wow! This girl from Nebraska loved watching this!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Howdy Nebraska! Thanks so much for watching. My BFF lives in Wayne, NE!

[@tammyharnegie4208]

I found you about a month ago! I love watching you out shelling!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so glad you found my channel! I love sharing the beach and all the goodies I find :)

[@LindaRosem]

Also, have you found a safe way to clean shiny shells like cowries?

[@jenniferbeasley9966]

All look so beautiful after their dip nice!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's like magic!

[@krysw4233]

Love watching cleaning shells with acid!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's addicting!!! Thanks for watching!

[@ruththomas7164]

Very satisfying!👍

[@barbarajarrett3185]

That's amazing!

[@lindagiammarco2687]

Even though it's more dangerous, I think the acid does a great job and its permanent. You don't have to go back and do it again. I'm sitting here watching and go " WOW look at that" every time there is a big change in the color. Thanks for your great videos, I learn so much about shells. I have a small collection of shells, some were purchased, others were found on the North Wildwood beach. Thank you for teaching us as you go along on your shell collecting journeys.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't like messing with the acid, but I sure do like the results. It's like magic!! North Wildwood NJ? As a kid my family went to Wildwood Crest for vacation a few times. I've always loved the beach - I didn't know how much I was going to love the shells down here! Thanks so much for coming along with me on my journeys!

[@marie-josetimperley3825]

Both give great results but I think I prefer the acid! Great video, thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

For a permanent solution I have to agree, but I was surprised how well the oil worked! Thank you for watching!

[@vancolucci5949]

I prefer soaking my seashells in half bleach and half water overnight for the seashells that don’t have hard calcium carbonate built-up. As for those seashells with thick and hard calcium carbonate built-up and/or with stubborn barnacles, I would soak them for a few more days before I use the dental pick to scrape them off. The majority of the time they come off quite easily. After a good rinse under running water, I let them dry completely before I apply a coat of mineral oil. Personally, since I collect seashells, I think this method of cleaning is the safest way for the seashells….and for me too. P.S. Thank you so much for your informative and educational videos of your shelling experience! I thoroughly enjoy watching them along with your funny comments. They are so entertaining and I always look forward to see your next videos. 😍🐚🐚🐚🙏

[@SWFBeachLife]

I recently included information about buying shells ethically in a recent video and got me thinking about my shells. They never smell. I mean sometimes there will be a beach aroma, but not stinky, smelly, shells. And I think it's because they've been picked clean by other critters and literally cleaned by nature. And I definitely agree with the mineral oil! I was such a chicken about using the acid but once I was a little more comfortable with it I don't get as terrified, however using the oil does just as good a job - without the fear and danger!!

[@crystalcloud6720]

I Love This Soooo Much! WOW factor big time.

[@alicewilson1874]

Very informative

[@dianebookmyer6733]

After viewing, I prefer mineral oil over the acid. Very fun and helpful video. ThanksII

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was actually really surprised how well the oil held up against the acid!

[@morningdewgarden7432]

Personally I like the acid results better because it is permanent. I have the outside space needed for the acid procedure, so, I am going to try it! Thanks so much for the tips and insights! Can't wait to start cleaning up my treasures!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It’s incredible! And find an old junk shell to leave in the acid when you’re done dipping. It helps neutralize the acid in order to get rid if it safely! Happy dipping!

[@maddiepost1]

The acid scares me so I’m happy to see the mineral oil is a similar effect-would love to see over time what the results are. Thanks for always giving us great content!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I still have the two "teams" separated. Maybe I'll let them sit and see what happens over time. I assume the oiled ones will revert back to looking white but I wonder how long it will take. I guess we shall see! Thank you for watching!

[@vasunseeker]

@@SWFBeachLife it's been over a year now, any updates?

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@vasunseeker Believe it or not, after a year they’re still looking similar. The scallop that had oil is ever so faintly duller than the other, but otherwise the shells look the same. Go figure!

[@saolyartstudio752]

Wow they came out beautiful. Sure is Just like magic. Now I am interesting in getting the acid to clean my shells. I think acid clean good. Amazing awesome 😍👍. Thanks

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed - thanks so much for watching!

[@cindyd523]

Very informative video.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you liked it

[@nancywhittington3535]

thanks that was fun

[@cherylbee9899]

Really pretty shells. I use the acid.

[@KnuxRoxMySox]

Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Holy cow! Thank you so much!

[@heatherwatson8273]

Some of those I would leave in the acid to the count of 6 or 8, and after they have dried I would paint them with a thin coat of wood vanish. New subscriber, greetings from Sydney Australia.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well hello beach friend from down under! I've heard of others using varnish and polyurethane to get the shells shiny again after the acid bath. I'll have to keep that in mind for my future acid dips. Thanks so much for subscribing and welcome to my channel!

[@laurensmith0710]

If you’re ever over on the east coast (Jupiter or Stuart), I’d love to join you searching for shells. I moved to FL 11 yrs ago and began my shell obsession. I’m a novice by all means, but I’ve tried learning as much as I could. After battling aggressive progression with my Multiple Sclerosis since 2014 and the beginning of a new life as a single parent in a new city last year, I had to put my hobby on hold. My kids will always be my top priority, but it would be nice to bring some much needed shell happiness back into my life again 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hello! I went to the East Coast and did 2 shelling trips, the one from Coral Cove Park airs tonight, the Hobe Sound one is already published. I'm sorry that we didn't connect sooner, but I'll keep you in mind should we travel back to the East Coast. You've had many changes in your life and I can see why some beach therapy is in order! We don't have any plans to go back East right now, but please send me an email at swfbeachlife.com so I can find you quicker should I need to reach out. It will be impossible for me to remember which video your comment is from! Thanks so much for watching and I hope my videos can give you a little beach time if you can't get there yourself. ❤

[@jenneliz2020x]

I love your videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!!

[@susanreed1557]

That was fun!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's addicting!

[@artiejohnson703]

That is very cool. How did you dispose of the acid and the acid water? Don’t worry about a long video, I could watch you for 2 hours. The transformation is Awesome. Love your videos over everybody’s else’s.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Someone had given me the tip to leave an old shell in the acid until it stopped bubbling. I did that andI then mixed that solution with more water and sprinkled some baking soda in the water. Nothing happened, so I poured the water in a place in my yard where we aren't growing anything (just in case). Thank you for the amazing compliment about my videos!!!

[@imari2305]

These shells are absolutely beautiful. I used to clean mine with a baking soda paste I would make and brush them clean with the paste then wash with a light dish soap and water. I would add peroxide to the baking soda but this acid stuff seems to work faster and in seconds! First time visiting your channel and I enjoyed the video.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was hesitant to try the acid, but once I did I knew it was something I would continue to do. The results are amazing! Thanks so much for watching!

[@robinmp3841]

Ok, I finally found how you clean them up. I do like the acid dips better but what if you acid dip and when those are dry you oil them also....I think that may keep the wet look longer, you could also for a craft project paint clear fingernail polish for more gloss effect....I would only do that though if they arent going to be knocking against other shells and test ahead of time to determine the degree of yellowing. I use clear wet look polish for some of my projects, so far no problems...experiment, I would, there is always thinners and mineral spirits that you could try that arent as dangerous as the acid, Acetone, etc for example. would like to see results if you try test subjects on that.

[@PatchesandPotholes]

This is such a good video. I have always wanted to try the acid but I’m chicken. I usually just use baby oil. I think the ones dipped in acid look a little brighter, but I’m glad the oil works pretty good too.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It’s good to have options! Someone living in an apartment had reached out about the acid so I wanted to provide a comparison for those who might not want to do the acid. 😃

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

* Do you add a teaspoon or tablespoon of Baking Soda to your rinse water?? It will help especially on the inside as you rinse more shells. you won't be leaving mild acid inside them after many rinses.. Just wondered..

[@SWFBeachLife]

I didn't, but since making this video I've had that tip passed to me and in the future I will add that baking soda to neutralize the rinse water. Thank you for also passing that info along!

[@janetizzo8186]

I'm going to be in Naples next week and trips to Sanabel. I will hope to see you! As a Minnesotan, I think I'm the only shell Nazi in the state! I love your videos...especially when I am missing the beach!

[@SWFBeachLife]

When I would vacation here and go home I was wishing there was a KZbin channel that I could follow to see what was going on at the beaches down here - so I started one! I always shell with my husband and I always carry a bring orange shell bag. I'll also probably be wearing a black floppy hat. By all means stop me if you see me! I hope you have a wonderful trip to our lovely beaches down here!

[@joanjames9012]

Oh you are not the only one😊😊😊

[@andreah.5962]

I could watch 2 hours of this. lol I want to try the acid, and I definitely noticed a difference in the moon snail comparison.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's addicting isn't it? I had a similar reaction to the first acid video I made so I went ahead and let this one be a little longer :) Thank you for watching!

[@shannonellwood-conrad541]

Using metal tongs can cause discoloration or can be damaging.

[@randyruney5704]

I’ve used olive oil. Have to experiment now. Thanks

[@SWFBeachLife]

I’ve heard the food oils can “spoil” and that mineral oil is best. I’ve even heard of people using sunscreen to shine them up!

[@msdixie1972]

I have some that have green mold or whatever all over them. What would you say is best to easily clean that off? I've boiled in water with vinegar and dish soap, and gently cleaned with a toothbrush which isn't really getting much of it off. I may just try the acid dip next.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Anything green I soak in bleach (and I have the ruined shirts to prove it - LOL!). I put 100% bleach in a rubbermaid so I can reuse it and I let the shells soak at least overnight. It almost always takes care of the green stuff. I hope it works for you too!

[@arlycesuedel6518]

Just found your channel today. My sister lives in Cape Coral and I spent 5 months there due to Covid. Plan on going back this winter and I hope to be able to do some shelliing this time. Thanks for your informative video. What is it about shells that they are so addictive?? I have some from all over the country and want to collect more. LOL!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

If you're going to have an addiction, I think finding shells is a good one - LOL! I just think it's so much fun to go to the beach and hunt for shells. Hopefully this winter will be as good for shelling as last winter. The summer has been a little slow, but the hunt is half the fun! Thanks so much for watching and I hope you get to come back and get some shells!

[@LindaRosem]

Have you ever tried soaking in Vinegar? Would love to see a comparison between vinegar longer soaks compared to the muriatic acid short soaks to see if you can get the same results but with a safer solution

[@SWFBeachLife]

I did try vinegar and it left MORE white residue on the shell! If I read a tip that I think might work I'll give it a whirl and if it woks I'll share the info ☺️

[@ingridcollier5292]

Thank you for this very informative and fun video. I have a question which is: if the mineral oil would dry to be non-sticky. I tried this with olive oil about 6 months ago and the shells are still sticky. Any recommendations or solutions? Thank you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

The edible oils can spoil, so I would wash the shells with soap and water and then apply mineral oil. Mineral oil "might" need to be reapplied (mine are fine) but they won't turn or get sticky. I used a washcloth to take the excess oil off and they are fabulous ☺️

[@kd5txo]

What would be the effect of acid dipping/rinsing followed by a mineral oil coating? Would you see an additive improvement?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't think you'd see an improvement on the color, however it would bring a little of that shine back to the shell!

[@acumen0332]

Hi, it's really very important share, would ask for the acid specifications.

[@acumen0332]

Would like to ask for the acid title you use in this job done. I assume it was a hydrochloric acid 50%.

[@sunnybunny222]

I think I like the acid wash best. But they both are beautiful. I do have a question. You have so many shells. what do you do with them? Thanks. Donna

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hi Donna! I get asked that question a lot!! I show at the end of this video some of the things we've done with shells: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmi2nneLmNuXoLc And then in this video, I finally got around to making a shell mirror I had been wanting to make: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5eYhImjbdJopJo I have a few more projects I'd like to tackle - i just need to find the time!!! And I will do a more up-to-date video of my shell collection. I get asked this question all the time and I am happy to share all the goodies I've collected since I found this amazing past time!

[@salishseaquest7952]

That was fun! Not that I would probably try the acid, it was amazing to watch the transformation. But I will agree, it was a tie.

[@marykruse9384]

Salish Sea Quest it’s what is used in swimming pools.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I really thought the acid would give a much better result than the oil but I was surprised at how close the results were! Thanks so much for watching!

[@salishseaquest7952]

@@SWFBeachLife I agree -- when I saw them coming up from the rinse, I thought, "Wow". But side-by-side comparison showed that they were so similar at the end. I'll play it safer and try the mineral oil....but my shells are not as gorgeous as yours. Here's hoping you find that FULL junonia someday soon!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@salishseaquest7952 Oh my josh me too! I promise I'll share the video about it :)

[@ingridcollier5292]

I have a ton of shells to dip. Any ideas on what to use to dip more than one at a time? Would a metal colander work if I add some metal handles to it made out of a metal hanger? Thoughts?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have used a fish tank net and I have also made little "packages" of shells with plastic netting and rubber bands and then I used tongs to dip the package into the acid. You have to be careful with the tiny ones as they can float when they fizz. If I ever perfect a method I promise to share!

[@vickiesdouns6093]

Wow what a difference in some. Do you have a video where you are picking off the barnacles? I would love to see that process as well.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I explain how it's easy to pick off barnacles after they've soaked in bleach in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3zRfJeQepVgd68

[@vickiesdouns6093]

@@SWFBeachLife thank you.

[@777sgiles]

What about vinegar? Have you set some in resin? You can put sand in a layer at the bottom then add shells hovering above it in clear resin and it’ll keep the shells shined and a nice vignette as well. I’m going to try it.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have not tried vinegar yet but I want to to try to clean up my Florida Fighting Conchs. Let me know how the resin works out!

[@luana1600]

I love all your videos!! 😊🐬🐚🐙🐚🌺🌊😎

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@luana1600]

@@SWFBeachLife You're so welcome!!!

[@Malcalmdown]

Those shells are beautiful 😍 One piece of advice though. Its perfectly fine working with acid as long as you're safe. But I would recommend you getting a tripod for your camera, as it is much better to have two hands.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That is indeed good advice. It's so hard shooting and making these videos solo!

[@Malcalmdown]

@@SWFBeachLife Well please keep on making them! I learned a lot and I will be trying that method when we get back from Marco Island.

[@danielmaggio772]

I seem to like the acid better even though the oil is easier.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's always good to have options right? Thanks so much for watching!

[@beverlycovato9812]

You could put the oil on the acid shells too. To see if that even brightens them more.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I bet it would! Thank you!

[@brendachew3769]

I've just got some acid.not as bad as it sounds.brick cleaner basically . but protect eyes hands arms,clothes, work outside, not near kids or pets, oh and don't breath in the. fumes wear a masks told you it was nothing to worry about. tried on some unimportant ones and worked up. must say I'm impressed. brought out colours i didn't know where there. did over do it on some knobbly ones that I really like because i was sure they hiding some lovely colours.turns out they weren't .and looked better knobbly. what it did show me was what happened if you overdo it. it left a see through lacy effect. It's a learning curve. only one thing left to do. find out where you dispose of remaining stuff you used. oh and i diluted 50. 50

[@brendachew3769]

add on to last post.you def need some of those tongs . forks just don't work.

[@brendachew3769]

extra post .I left batch soaking in water to make sure stuff was neutralised because it carries on working.and will rinse under tap to make sure none went inside

[@SWFBeachLife]

I mix the acid/water mixture with a bunch more water and add some baking soda to neutralize the mixture. Once it stops bubbling I pour it in a spot in my yard that I don't plan on growing anything.

[@LilKream]

Hey I love your vids!

[@LilKream]

When I grow up I meant yo be a marine biologist and live with my current girlfriend as my wife and be a mother of two kids, and I've actually always wanted to live in Sanibel!

[@LilKream]

Keep making awesome content! We love you!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I appreciate you watching my videos - thank you!!

[@jaymehamilton4580]

NOT SURE if its just me but the acid doesn't seem to anything really, definitely not enough to constitute using it, to me at least. Definitely going to use the oil though....

[@kylelawson4964]

Is the acid dip a permanent shine? My understanding is the mineral oil will wear off after a couple months or so.

[@SWFBeachLife]

The acid will permanently remove the calcium deposits from the shells, however the mineral oil may need to be reapplied. I have been keeping the shells from this video to the side to see how long the mineral oil will last. It looks like it is just about ready for a new coat so I would say the oil works for a little over a year or so.

[@lexiemuncy6173]

I found a BUNCH of sea snail shells (I THINK they're from Teluga snails?) about a year and a half ago, then I made the mistake of putting them in a bag and forgetting about them. Would either of these methods still work to clean/restore them? Or are they a lost cause? (I'm going to try either way, but I figured I should ask first lol)

[@SWFBeachLife]

I would give one of your shells a try and see if it's worth cleaning them all. There is a disease called Byne's disease that happens to shells when not stored properly. It happens with shells stored in common paper and wood-based materials. That's why museums use acid-free materials of archival quality. I went on a tour of a shell shop and got this info from the owner 😃

[@lindamccoy4871]

I found a larger Lightning Well, over 18 inches. I have it to my Uncle. He cleaned it and Now it is no longer grey.

[@SWFBeachLife]

There are some pretty colors hiding on those gray/whiteish shells sometimes! Over 18" is a HUGE one! I haven't found anything that big yet, but I hope to! Thank you for watching!

[@rebecaman7466]

What happen if you use acid for clening and after drying use mineral oil to kip them wet .. ?

[@SWFBeachLife]

You could do that but I like to try to keep the shells as natural looking as possible.

[@annjohnson543]

So I'm a newbie sheller. Do you clean the shells in bleach and THEN dip them? Or is the acid dip enough to do it all? How do you dispose of the used acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't do anything to prepare the shells before dipping them in acid. The acid seems to do a great job all on it's own! When I was done dipping I put an old beat up shell in the acid mixture and let it bubble until it stopped. Then I added water to this mixture to dilute it a little more. Then I sprinkled baking soda in the mixture to confirm there was no further reaction and dumped everything in an area in my yard that we don't grow anything (just in case). Hope this helps!

[@annjohnson543]

@@SWFBeachLife it does! Thank you!!

[@NoNo-zx4gt]

The white on the shells with acid were brighter than the ones with oil.

[@sharonburkhard5380]

Just curious, after using the acid, how do you dispose of it? Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

The first time I tried it I mixed the acid with more water and used baking soda to neutralize the acid. Once it stopped bubbling I poured the water in an area in my yard that nothing grows. The second time I left a big shell in the acid water and eventually it stopped bubbling. Again, tested it with baking soda to make sure there was no bubbling and then disposed of the water in the same place. The last time I did it (I didn't make a video) I saved the acid water! I made a batch and put it in a glass mason jar and now I already have the acid water mixture ready to go. It's such a process but the results are so worth it!

[@sharonburkhard5380]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank you. I'll try to save mine as well. Love your videos. 😊

[@jenniferbeasley9966]

I bought a pretty red helmet shelll it had a little calcium on it I spayed on product lime, calcium and rust on the outside of if and it came off but it wasn't that bad

[@SWFBeachLife]

I want to try that on shells that I don't want to dip in acid. I have the stuff, I just haven't tried it yet. I'll report what I find when I finally get around to trying it!

[@jenniferbeasley9966]

@@SWFBeachLife sounds good😊

[@glicelglicelmoralesmorales7951]

Only 3 seconds and the color comes a live... ❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know! It's like magic!

[@tonyafarhad6993]

could you use a soft toothbrush to get some of the junk off that the acid didnt get?

[@SWFBeachLife]

You sure could! Or a paint brush. Anything other than a paper towel probably would have worked better!

[@deetngator4191]

How often do you change your rinse water. Is it regular water or purified

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's regular ol' tap water and I don't change it. I try to use enough so it will last through as many shells as I'm dipping at the time. Hope that helped! Thanks for watching!

[@letticiapatterdon2285]

Would it look any different if you oiled them after dipping in the acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

That's a great question!I bet it would give a little shine back to the shells, but I don't think it would assist in bringing back any color since the layer of calcium would have already been removed. Thank you for watching!

[@lisanorris8516]

You say "we can't do all of these because it would be a two-hour video," like that's a bad thing. I would love a two-hour video of acid dipping!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It is rather hypnotic isn't it? I could see doing a really long video but I'd just throw music in the background and not yammer on the whole time. I'll give that some thought!

[@lisanorris8516]

@@SWFBeachLife you could do the shells that tend to change color a lot like the scallops, lightning whelks, Florida fighting conchs, etc. Just a thought!

[@lindac1713]

How do u expose of the acid after ur done or do u reuse the acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I add water and baking soda to the acid mixture until until it stops bubbling - then I dump the mixture in a part of my yard that I don't plan on growing anything, just in case. Hope this helps!

[@carriechristie9058]

Are there any shells that you would not put in acid? Do you put mineral oil on any of the shells after they are dipped an acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't dip any shells that are naturally shiny in acid and I will use mineral oil on some of the shells to get more of the shell color to come out.

[@carriechristie9058]

Thank you

[@Mari443Garrett1]

Will the muriatic acid works on new shells like conch caught yesterday?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, it will work on new or old shells, but keep in mind it will take any shine away from your shell!

[@lisacenturelli3239]

can you do oil over the acid washed shells after they dry??

[@SWFBeachLife]

You sure can! It helps bring back a little shine to those shells since the acid will strip off any natural shine the shells may of had.

[@777sgiles]

And how about a small stainless strainer like a tea strainer. That way you don’t fear dropping the shell in the acid.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I tried a bend a ladle of sorts but it was just a disaster. I like the idea of a small stainless strainer. I'll be on the lookout for something that will work for next time!

[@brendenh6790]

You have mercy!?!

[@marykruse9384]

I used to do 25 or 30 at a time.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That is a good plan and I'm going to have to make some sort of contraption so I can do more than one at a time!

[@shellstories]

Cool comparison! I feel like acid is better for getting gunk off shells, and mineral oil is better for shining them up. Although the acid is dangerous as you've said and you really need to know what you're doing. I feel like bleach might be a good relatively safer substitution for the acid if you don't want to play around with the dangerous stuff.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Bleach works great on the sand dollars and urchins but I haven't had much luck with it getting gunk off with it. I do want to try it on those two shells that have little green still on them. I had someone ask me about using the acid in an apartment and it gave me the idea to compare the acid with the oil, since clearly using the oil is a safer alternative. Thank you for watching!!!

[@terrisimmers9784]

A few of them needed more seconds Like 1 or 2 but other then that I think they were really good.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I agree but I'm also nervous about damaging the shells!

[@vinachetri7969]

How do you dispose of the acid when done?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I left a pretty sizable old shell in the acid mix until it stopped bubbling. Then mixed it with more water and sprinkled baking soda in the mixture to make sure the acid was neutralized. When nothing happened I poured liquid in my yard where nothing grows.

[@babak.art02]

What solution is inside the red bucket?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Water is in the red bucket, to stop the acid from continuing to eat the surface of the shells :)

[@LLS1190]

On average, I've found that mineral oil or acid-dip are tied for *most* shells. I've done SO many experiments comparing them. There are a FEW shells that acid really was needed. Certain species (king's crown may be one) are more likely to benefit from the acid, but even within the species that come to mind as possibly being better with acid, it really depends on the starting shell.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was surprised how well the mineral oil did in comparison to the acid. My understanding is the oil will eventually wear off, but the ones I used in the comparison are still as good as the acid dipped shells. I'll have to see how they hold up over time but it is absolutely a viable option! Even though the oil works, I'll probably continue to dip the really calcified ones. If I'm feeling lazy I can always use the oil!

[@ktr2345]

@@SWFBeachLife How long would you estimate the oil sheen lasted? Amazing video as always btw!! :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@ktr2345 I made the video well over a year ago so I would say at least 18 months. I have a brand new cleaning method that I’ll be sharing soon!! It’s safe to use too!

[@ktr2345]

@@SWFBeachLife Amazing, can't wait! Thank you!

[@777ecila]

Hi @@SWFBeachLife ! Love your content and was looking for your most recent washing process video. I just noticed this comment but cannot find any more recent video about it on your channel. Is it posted already or not ? Would love to see this new method !

[@janetpressler7787]

With the oil you may have to do them again but the acid is more permanent.

[@helenegbertmoffett9019]

How do you dispose of the acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

This time I left an old shell in the acid mixture until it stopped reacting (bubbling). Then just to make sure I sprinkled a little baking soda in the mixture to neutralize any left over acid. Once there was no more bubbling I dumped the mixture in a part of my yard that I don't grow anything in - just in case.

[@susangailkoch3935]

Very interesting....( I’d probably use the oil as I am somewhat klutzy...lol).

[@SWFBeachLife]

Good plan! Working with the acid definitely makes me a little nervous! Thanks for watching!

[@glicelglicelmoralesmorales7951]

Can you leave them at least 10 seconds? Will they melt if you leave them?

[@SWFBeachLife]

You can leave them in longer, but it will indeed start eating away at the shell instead of just the outer covering. Once you get the hang of it you can kind of tell which ones can be dipped a little longer.

[@phyllisgosch1381]

What do you do with the water after you neutralize it?

[@SWFBeachLife]

"They" say you can pour it down the drain but I dump it in a place in my yard where I don't plan on growing anything just in case.

[@bettylackie7394]

What do you do with the acid when you are done?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Last time I used baking soda to neutralize the acid. This time I left an old shell in the acid and it ate away at most of the shell and once it stopped bubbling I mixed it with more water and sprinkled some baking soda in the water to see if I'd get a reaction and nothing happened, so the mixture was neutralized and I poured it in a place in my yard that nothing gowns in - just in case. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@martiwalsh2069]

Well, clearly you cannot see my frantic stabbing at the screen telling you which one I want you to do next!

[@SWFBeachLife]

😅😅😅 It's like magic!

[@natalieearley9311]

Tied

[@marykruse9384]

What happens if you leave in over time.

[@SWFBeachLife]

This time to neutralize the acid I left an old shell in the acid mixture. Eventually the acid mixture stopped bubbling and the shell was about half eaten away. It was a pretty big shell - I bet if I left a smaller one in there the shell would just be completely eaten away by the acid. That's why to clean the shells they only get a dip and not a bath! Thanks for watching!

[@beckymungo1333]

You can do this at speeded up and let us watch that.

[@turtlelilysgarden5258]

What do you do with the used acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

In my first video I talk about how I neutralize the acid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g37OqqGeqq6SZ9k This time I left an old shell in the acid until it stopped bubbling. I then mixed that solution with more water and then put a little baking soda in the mixture and there was no reaction/bubbling. Then I poured it in my yard where nothing grows (just in case).

[@pennywharton5074]

How about team oil after acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Hmmm - that might defeat my little experiment. I still have both teams in a bowl and they still look pretty similar! I was wondering what would happen over time and which will be the eventual winner.

[@Nightstormshadow1]

I've heard you can use hydrogen peroxide in place of this acid. Is that true?

[@SWFBeachLife]

That’s a great question! I have never heard that but I’ll give it a try to see what happens!

[@kristyglennkg]

Mineral oil will eventually rub off or the shell will just soak it off. Rather quickly too. It’s definitely a no brainer... Fun to watch the acid dipping ones though...

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm going to start "saving" my acid mix so I don't have to mix it every time I want to dip shells! I still have more to dip and I'm hoping if I have the mix ready to go I can dip more often! Thank you for watching!

[@melaniewhittington7857]

What do you do with the acid when you are finished?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was adding a big shell and letting it kinda bubble out to get the acid to neutralize. Then I added water and baking soda until the bubbling stopped. Once it was neutralized I dumped it in a place in my yard where nothing grows. Now I make a batch and keep it in a resealable mason jar so I can use it over and over again ☺️

[@Double-X2-Points]

It makes for a refreshing beverage when all is said and done. Goes down smooth every time, especially after burning a hole through your throat

[@amykitzmiller9987]

I don’t understand how the acid doesn’t ruin the finish of the shells. It’s like magic.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It will ruin a shiny shell like an olive but it works wonders on all the rest! Thank you for watching!

[@tommieopell1009]

Don't take the barnacles off. That's what makes him so special!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Some people love them and I do leave them on some of the scallops I find :)