Muriatic Acid Shell Cleaning. What happens to shells cleaned with acid. Tons of before & after!

[@reneeinkona9194]

I could have watched you dip shells all afternoon...haha! Very satisfying seeing the vibrant colors and patterns shine through. Thanks for sharing, love your videos!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! This was really a fun "experiment" and I'm really glad I finally tried it. It was just amazing to see what 3 seconds of acid can do to shells!

[@SaltyReflections]

I was thinking the same thing! I would have watched you dip every single one! :)

[@teresasaponara943]

Oops I guess I put the cart before the horse I kept watching the show in between commercials and didn't finish that now you are going to talk about the acid disposal sorry I should have watched it fully before asking the question LOL

[@NCSWEETPEA910]

Totally!!! So satisfying. Lol. They really are beautiful.

[@kerilittle4379]

You can leave them in longer than 3 seconds. The ones that look bleached out might have more deposit on them. I found that to be true with a few of my shells.

[@kx160]

Your rinse water should also have baking soda in it to neutralize the acid. Otherwise any trace acid left on the shell will continue to eat away at the shell. And as you are rinsing the shells you are introducing acid into the rinse water, if you don't have a neutralizing rinse, your rinse just becomes a mild acid too.

[@SWFBeachLife]

That’s a great idea! I normally put the baking soda in the rinse water once I’m done dipping but making the rinse water basic first would keep the water from going acidic. I’ll have to remember that for next time!

[@nancycross2228]

@@SWFBeachLife I've also seen some videos of 2 rinse buckets..so many different techniques..

[@nunyabiznez6381]

This is good to know though I always use a second bucket of rinse water. My first bucket is 20% muriatic acid 80% water, my first rinse bucket probably is less than 1% muriatic acid when I get done with it and my 2nd rinse bucket is probably less than 0.03% muriatic acid or in other words not much more than about 320 parts per million. According to NSF 1% muriatic Acid in a solution of water is safe to drink.

[@jimdelaney4692]

How much baking soda do you add to water?

[@jamesh1017]

When you mix acid with water, it's extremely important to add the acid to the water rather than the other way around. This is because acid and water react in a vigorous exothermic reaction, releasing heat, sometimes boiling the liquid.

[@lindaroberts710]

Again I could watch you all afternoon dipping shells. When I first saw your video of picking up shells, I didn't know there was anybody out there who liked doing that as much as I did . I have subscribed and I'll be watching more of your videos thank you for sharing.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Welcome to my channel! Yes, I am rather obsessed with shells. I made a second acid video and compared the results with mineral oil. I was shocked the results were pretty similar. Thanks so much for watching!

[@pamelaworkmanvaldes3733]

I just found your site. WOW my favorite thing. Shells and the sea. Since 1985 I have been visiting the island of Cozumel. We have friends there now and used to visit about twice a year Gor 3 weeks at a time. Collecting shells is mpassion. Your videos brightened my day. I am 73 with a disabled back beyond repair. No more trips. Your videos bring me right back to being on the hunt on the beach. Thank you so very much. It's pain 24/7 for me now but you took my mind to my happy place

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm so happy I can get you to your happy place!

[@emu2013]

So much fun, really enjoyed this :) I will add: PLEASE do not shake the tongs as you pull them out of the acid for everyone trying this. Shaking throws the acid around and it can land on your skin, face, or other things nearby. Even just a small amount can be damaging, so I would recommend keeping the tongs steady over the table as you move them over to the water bucket.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for the additional safety info!!!

[@franceselliott6036]

Where do you get the acid at

[@libbygardner3021]

If you do this often, it would be worth picking up some pH tape to be sure that you have completely neutralized the acid prior to disposal. Should be pretty cheap, and very easy to use. Really enjoyed seeing how this worked!

[@SWFBeachLife]

What a good idea! To think that litmus paper I had years ago may finally come in handy...

[@Steff320i]

I was looking for methods to get rid of rust on my car, and I don't know how I landed here. But I love it. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Thanks for sharing this video, lady.

[@SWFBeachLife]

LOL - You are quite welcome! In case you want to learn about seashells I do beach walks every Sunday! 😃

[@nearlynativenursery8638]

Super cool way to clean your shells. I appreciate you calling out the names of the shells you find. Aids me learning them. Jim Rodgers

[@storm2156]

A very interesting video. I started using muriatic acid myself a few years back and have had great results. I use the same mix as you. However, I vary my dipping times based on the calcification and size of the shell. A tiny shell you would only want to dip for maybe 1-2 seconds. Larger and thicker shells like a fighting conch I've done up to 8 seconds or go for 2 rounds. To get the grime off fighting conches, horse conches, black crust on alphabet cones, or algea on a shell I use a bleach solution. I usually start at 1/4 bleach to 3/4 water. I sometimes will add a little more if needed up to no more than 1/2 bleach. Depending on the shell I will even let it sit overnight. I usually let it in to start with for a good 15 minutes to an hour and then scrub the shell with a toothbrush in some fresh water. Just never use bleach on olives, venus sunrays, and probably a few other shells I am forgetting with a glossy finish.

[@jennifermcclain4478]

Wow! That one scallop! Extraordinary colors of purple & yellow. Thank you for sharing.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know! That and the lightning whelk were my favorite dips of the day. :)

[@carolmusso7767]

You are so much fun to watch. I love how excited you get when things go well. These shells looked great after their acid dip. Thank you for teaching me something new! ❤️🐚

[@ipetmermaid8039]

DEFINITELY the best method for cleaning seashells. Just be careful and cautious and educate yourself on the proper way to use this very caustic, corrosive chemical AFTER you've properly diluted it. And this lady absolutely knows what she's doing. I have a concession on St. Pete Beach, so I'm out there sometimes 7 days a week, and I always walk the waterline when I'm done collecting shells, coral, driftwood; and I clean them with this method and string them with beads hanging from driftwood branches and sell them as Coastal Home Decor. Have a blessed day everyone. Loving the beach life!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I would say working 7 days a week is tough, however when you're beachcombing it doesn't feel like work does it? Your creations sound lovely - I'll have to find Coastal Home Decor if I'm ever in the St. Pete area!

[@kristinjoralemon]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing! My son and I can’t wait to dip our first set of shells 🐚 this week. We moved to Florida two years ago, but we have BUNCHES of shells that are just waiting to be crafted and made beautiful again! I used your video for our set of supplies just now! Thanks again!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I found something even better! Acid Magic is a safe way to clean your shells! You can pick it up at Ace Hardware or you can also order it on Amazon. You won't burn your skin!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4SvdXWeedp5sLssi=eEJqtagkwksoMpyH

[@carlaphoenix8965]

I've never heard of using the acid. What an amazing difference it makes in the colors. Wow !

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was hesitant to try it, but once I did I was hooked. It makes such a difference! And then I went and compared the acid to mineral oil, and shockingly the results were very similar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a33bgJyomteia68

[@wmarian5027]

So much fun, thanks for sharing! am sure someone else put this out, but for disposal of acid the phrase for me is "always do as you ought to, add acid to water"

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! Someone else mentioned "A" as in acid means ADD acid to water, which is making it very easy to remember as well.

[@diannpowell1077]

What a great video!,! I've never seen shells cleaned before and it was a real treat to watch. Thank you for showing us how to do things.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome! I love sharing all the things I'm learning!

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

Very interesting changes!!! Observed colors @ the edge of the bubbles in the measuring cup... oranges, red & yellow? You amazed expressions were fun, for me to hear, as the radical changes occurred in front of our eyes!!! I haven't ever seen the cleaning of sea shells, before!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've gotten to the point where I can almost tell which shells are going to clean up nice and which ones are just goners. What the acid can do is like watching magic happen right before your eyes!

[@menthiacarpenter3348]

Thank you for this video. I have been collecting shells for over 10 years now and never knew about dipping them in acid. I am thrilled about the results you got and can't wait., It's cold here in Virginia but come spring, I know exactly what I will be doing. Again, thank you. Your video was well done!!!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! I did another video where I compare acid to using mineral oil. I was thinking about people who live in an apartment or don’t want to mess with the acid. The oil did a pretty good job too, although it’s temporary. Here it is in case you’d like to see that one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a33bgJyomteia68

[@BillMeier]

@@SWFBeachLife I imagine dipping it in acid is a permanent fix as it removes the dull white calcium, and the mineral oil merely hides the problem for a while.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@BillMeier Correct. The acid is permanent while oil is temporary. I’ll tell you the oil is still holding up pretty good. I’ve kept these specific shells separated since I made this video.

[@jwiki1]

I know this is a year old but I just want to say you have a cool channel! I have started to collect shells here in Hawaii because of you! I’ve always picked up shells on the beach that I like. I’ve made a few puka shell necklaces. Now I am going to go about collecting with a purpose! 💞💞😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've recently decided I'd really like to try shelling in Hawaii so I have to admit I'm a little jealous. I'm so glad I've inspired you to go find beach treasures. I hope I get to experience it for myself one day! 🌴🌊🐚

[@jwiki1]

@@SWFBeachLife maybe we can exchange finds sometime. 😊💞

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@jwiki1 I’ve done shell exchanges before, but not from Hawaii yet 😀 Email me at [e-mail] when you’re ready to do an exchange.

[@laurieschapro6036]

That was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING to see !!!!! I have never heard of doing this before and I couldn't have been any more amazed by this !!!! Thank you for experimenting with the acid in front of the KZbin audience !!!

[@galechicago325]

Perfect for all your beige/grey Burns Beach shells. I’m so impressed! Really fun to see the transformation. The creatures that live underwater in the ocean have some beautiful colors to look at!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It is truly incredible all the wonderful things that nature provides. I love learning about it all!

[@nancyholmes1140]

You need to do that more often and longer. I could have watched all night! Very cool!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It can be addicting!

[@jankent5677]

Just started viewing the channel and this may have already been suggested…. As an MT we always learned the phrase “Add Acid” as a way to remember the process and keep it all safe. So glad u showed the cleaning process😃

[@SWFBeachLife]

No one has ever suggested "Add Acid" but I think that's a great way to remember to add the acid to the water and not the other way around. Brilliant! Thanks for the tip!

[@The_Crazy_Garden_Lady]

Beautiful! My grandmother (Marco Island) would scrub the Florida Conch shells with white vinegar before dipping. It would get the slime right off! She had a little potato brush she reserved for the shells.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I will try the white vinegar! I have a particular FCC that I want to see cleaned up so I'm going to soak that guy when I bleach all the sand dollars and urchins I've been meaning to take care of!

[@suzannemoncrieff8647]

This is one of the most satisfying videos I’ve ever watched! Thank you so much! Also, love your reactions 😂❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

The first time I tried the acid I felt like a wizard that had just mastered the coolest spell! Like magic I tell you!!

[@TheLawlessTide]

Great video! Michelle was at work and couldnt wait to get home to watch it. She cant wait to try it on her shells.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've been putting it off but now that I know how good it works I'll definitely be doing it again. I'm sure she gots tons of goodies from the last trip she can dip!

[@glicelglicelmoralesmorales7951]

I saw in someones video that they leave the shells for about 1 hours and i didnt see much change...But with the acid i saw the change right away....thanks for sharing good tips...Blessings 🐙🐚🐬🙌😇🙏❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes the acid only takes a few seconds to work! Bleach and other chemicals might take longer :)

[@brendamarin3931]

And now, l am going to Google to check where muriatic acid can be purchased because my shells are waiting for this luxurious treatment. Thank you so much for this knowledge drop.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Lowe's or Home Depot has it. And if you have any shells with a natural shine that you don't want to dip, use mineral oil. It works great too!

[@brendamarin3931]

Thank you so much for this mineral oil tip as well. I can't even imagine how beautiful my shell collection will look after they undergo the acid or oil applications. I can hardly wait to see!

[@michellephongsavanh6850]

You're killing me! This is amazing, I would be picking up so many more shells! WOW, great video.

[@aries327]

Omg! I was so giddy watching this lol Seriously I love doing this to my shells and you are so right it’s like finding a brand new shell!!! The sizzling, the colors that pop, it’s sooo satisfying 😍

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't know why I was so surprised. I knew it would work but I guess watching the shells go from ho-hum to dazzling in seconds was so much fun!

[@sandramartin603]

This is a great video! I love watching you experiment with the shells and the outcomes. I have watched videos like this but have never seen the neutralizing part. Thank you and happy shelling.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome! I have another one coming soon. After I tried the dipping, I knew I was going to be hooked!

[@beadweaver1289]

Try using CLR (not as caustic as muriatic) and an old soft bristle toothbrush to remove the sea slime from your conchs. I’ve had a lot of success with this method. I also like coating them with clear nail polish to bring back the shine and preserve the color. Happy shelling! Love your videos.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm going to have to try CLR! I love the fighting conchs, but I will often leave some at the beach because of the "slime." Can't wait to try this out - thank you for the tip and thank you for watching!

[@57atk2lr]

What is CLR?

[@beadweaver1289]

@@57atk2lr Calcium Lime Rust remover, sold commercially

[@57atk2lr]

@@beadweaver1289 Thank you very much.

[@shawntaymcarthur7461]

@beadweaver1289 how do you use clr just rinse with water or a baking soda bath then rinse ?

[@katelyn3197]

The results of the shells are so cool! It was so funny when you said you're going to do one more on camera but you end up doing lots more! 🤣 I really liked this video!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yeah...it is addicting once you have all the equipment out. It's like magic and so cool to see over and over! Thank you so much for watching!

[@terichadwick1685]

Hahaha! I thought the same thing ... "she's addicted to dipping!" ... just like I would be if I was doing this (which I plan to be doing at some point). Love this video!

[@elizabethclementson3323]

I so enjoyed this! I watched it with my grandson who is 4! He loved it too!! I enjoy your videos 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so kind! Thank you so much!

[@helenburke9507]

Thank You I’m from Florida and love the gulf coast!!! I too picked up a bucket of the fighting shells lol. Great show.

[@suecox2308]

Beautiful results--and thanks for adding the tips about how to neutralize and dispose of the acid.

[@SWFBeachLife]

My pleasure! Hope it helps you clean up some of your treasures!

[@barbaraknight7374]

That was so interesting! Very informative. Thanks for showing us how the process works. Loved watching how the colors really popped after being dipped in the acid. Shells are beautiful! Glad you take us along!

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Outstanding results! I can see how addictive it is dipping the shells. How fun!

[@cherylbelott]

This was so satisfying to watch! Thanks for including how to dispose of the acid. I love your channel and look forward to every video! 🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Cheryl Belott Thank you so, so much! It was a little nerve wracking but the results made it worthwhile for sure!

[@cherylbelott]

SWF Beach Life I was impressed how you were able to do that so well with a camera/phone in the other hand!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Cheryl Belott All while wearing rubber gloves too! 😂

[@kris2222ify]

The welks were my favorite! Very cool process.

[@juder515]

I loved watching this. The transformation is incredible!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Once I used acid and saw the results I now use it all the time on those whitish shells!

[@SaltyReflections]

So beautiful! I have been wanting to do this with some of mine! You made me want to even more now! They are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had been putting it off since I was really nervous about it but after seeing the results I will most likely be doing this again!

[@mommajoe824]

That's what I'm going to do. My sister brought me back a bunch from Floridal. Thank you for your video.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You're very welcome!

[@kristinswanbeck5430]

Thanks for adding the part about disposing of the acid. Once you add enough baking soda to water with the acid in it and you are no longer getting a reaction from adding more baking soda, what then? Can you flush it down the toilet at that point? Dump it on a concrete surface like a driveway? Or something else? Thanks.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I poured the neutralized acid and water in my yard near a place that nothing is growing - just in case. I'll do a little more research and find out what the experts say and I'll share in my next acid video - coming soon!

[@Amelia-uf9ig]

Don't dump the acid down the toilet.

[@elizabethtowe7470]

Like magic! Love the woooooow after each one - 100% what I would be saying every time! 🐚

[@therrienmichael08]

I have muriatic for my metal detecting finds. The wind shifted and I inhaled fumes once. I'm heading home to NH today for a couple months and looking forward to dipping some shells.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I would wear a mask! I imagine inhaling those fumes are not good for the ol' lungs. Hope the shells you dip clean up nicely :)

[@pattyvalinote8737]

WOW 🤩 really very interesting! The colors that came out on the shells were amazing!🐚🌴👍🏻Thank you for sharing!

[@jerryking5979]

Coat with mineral oil or baby oil

[@SWFBeachLife]

Right? It was really fun seeing the colors change that quickly!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@jerryking5979 I've tried that too and it works pretty good! Definitely a safer alternative.

[@pamfrank3962]

I am not criticizing you...but when counting once you got to 3 you immediately removed from acid..don't shake acid off..it may get on you. This was incredible. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for the tip ☺️

[@brentbrod6974]

That's a fascinating result. Have you considered using some kind of resist to paint the shiny areas from acid, then removing it afterward? A low melting temp wax might be removed by boiling water. There are certainly resists available that can be removed by solvents.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Wow - I never even thought of that. Do you think the wax will hold up in the acid solution? I guess I could always test it - I'll have to consider that for my future acid dipping! Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

[@brentbrod6974]

@@SWFBeachLife I expect that it would as long as it is stuck to the shell with no path between it and the shell. You may even get by trying some of that blue painter's tape as an experiment. The short time you are dipping is not likely to dissolve the tape. Worth a try.

[@brentbrod6974]

@SWF Beach Life Love your videos. My wife is mourning the beach after we cam home last weekend from S. Padre Island, so she's getting a beach fix. I don't know if you can hear here telling you to pick up the pink one!

[@ryanchristiansen9932]

I just bought the acid! This is so amazing I can’t wait! I’m obsessed with shells! Got tons ! Thank you !

[@Valarizator]

What % of acid did you buy?

[@jessicasnaplesfl7474]

This is my FIRST TIME here and I'm now a NEW SUBSCRIBER. Two hints for your ACID CLEANING: (1) NO METAL TONGS! Metal reacts with the HCl. PLASTIC is less reactive. Is there such a thing as GLASS TONGS? TEMPORARY SOLUTION: Put rubber examination gloves over the working ends of the metal tongs to keep the acid from reacting with the metal. The rubber provides a good grip as well as protection. You need the THIN rubber gloves physicians use for all their patient examinations, NOT the protection gloves you are using to protect you from the acid. Use one glove per each side. You may be able to cut the thumbs off each glove and then slip the thumb rubber over each side of the tongs. Make sure each open end is fastened, so no acid gets between the rubber and the metal, OR, make your cut to include much extra rubber with the thumb part. This extra rubber can be fastened up high on each tong so it remains well above the acid. (2) WATER is PLENTIFUL. Your RINSE BUCKET could have been filled to the top. BEST is to use TWO RINSE BUCKETS. If not running water, FILL EACH WATER BUCKET TO THE TOP with rinse water. After each initial rinse, you can rinse and collect each shell in the second rinse bucket until ALL your shells have been acid treated and through the first rinse. This might save you some time and the shells can safely remain in the second rinse bucket until all have been treated and rinsed. SUGGESTION?: Smear VASELINE over the shiny parts that you want to keep away from the acid. This may work to protect those parts from the acid, but then you'll have to wipe the Vaseline off each piece.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for the advise! Putting backing soda in the rinse water helps neutralize the water too - I've learned many a trick since putting this video out. And the vaseline tip is priceless! Someone had mentioned wax but that seemed rather messy. I think I will give vaseline a whirl next time I have a shell I'd like to clean without stripping that beautiful shiny surface away. These are great tips - thank you for taking the time to leave them and welcome aboard to my channel!!!

[@jessicasnaplesfl7474]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank YOU for taking us viewers with you on your beach-combing expeditions. Regarding baking soda in the rinse: Best might be for you to use baking soda in a FIRST rinse, but use a BIG BUCKET of clear clean water for your SECOND and final rinse. This way you don't have to worry about the pH of the final rinse or guess whether or not the mixture still bubbles when you add more. You want to be sure your shells have NO RESIDUE of acid OR of base when you are done treating them, as either can be destructive. BTW: You are from NJ? Me from NYC MANY years ago. I forgot how much I enjoyed looking for shells when I first moved to Naples. Thank you SO MUCH for reminding me of a hobby I had all but forgotten. Now I can enjoy it again, ALMOST as much, through your wonderful videos. I took a break from following KZbin POLITICS when I came across one of your videos that I thought mentioned "paradise" and saw SWFL. Wondering if this would be about Naples, it was even better than I expected - you took viewers beach-combing with you all around Naples and the surrounding areas best for shelling, without promoting tourist spots or merchandise. Best new fact: Captiva parking lot costs $40.00? That's almost as much as the $48.00 you paid for your roundtrip to Keewayden Island! Hope the Vaseline works well for your cleaning - much easier than wax.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@jessicasnaplesfl7474 Yes, spent most of my adult life in NJ, took a vacation to The Keys and started planning the move here after that. We had to wait 3 years but it all worked out and it was worth the wait. Very pleased to have reminded you how fun shelling can be. I paid that $40 at the Captiva lot, but I came home with a giant lightning whelk and a lions paw so it worked out for me that day. Wish they could all be like that, but I do love the hunt! Happy shelling beach friend!

[@jessicasnaplesfl7474]

@@SWFBeachLife KEY WEST got me too! I took my first (and last) three-week vacation in the Keys. While hanging out and looking at the sky, I wondered WHY I wasn't THERE all the time instead of living and working in NYC. Needless to say, I had a hard time returning to work, and that's why I NEVER TOOK ANOTHER VACATION! It also took me a few years to move to Naples FL, and that was 33 years ago! PS . . . I don't recall any Key West beaches. That's strange.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@jessicasnaplesfl7474 Ironically the Keys aren’t really known for beaches. There are a few, but not proper white sandy beaches. The views were so silly beautiful it didn’t matter! We stayed in Key Largo and went all up and down the keys checking things out. It’s such a fun area to visit. Now that we live in SWFL I have no idea where I’d want to go on vacation. 😂

[@andreaschmall5560]

Awesome-ly...being you are using it as sn adjective. Love the shell dipping though.

[@nancycross2228]

LOVE this ! Thank you ! I Do have a container full of those Shells that need a dip..thx !

[@annewhite9502]

Super informative. Had not done this, but after watching you, I think I can.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know! I was so nervous but if you're real careful it's totally doable. Make sure you have lots of baking soda on hand!

[@ericamartin7334]

I’m loving this channel. We just got back from fort Myers and sanibel this week on vacation. Really beautiful place. I’m hoping to move there soon!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That is awesome! Well if you watch enough videos you'll learn your way around all these beaches! Thanks so much for coming along!

[@sallya.2412]

Wow, that is awesome. Thanks for tip in cleaning the shells.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You're so welcome!

[@youniverse6841]

Thank you for the video and info! I don't have enough shells to test this out because they've already been cleaned but I'm going to do this in the future with my future treasures!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Sometimes I'll pick a particular shell from a walk and show you how well it cleans up. Sometimes the bleach is in order and other times it's the acid. It all depends on what type of "gunk" we're dealing with! I also did a second acid video where I compare dipping the shells in acid to using mineral oil. The results were surprisingly similar!

[@youniverse6841]

@@SWFBeachLife Thank you! I've used mineral oil recently and it did well! I haven't encountered the super tough ones to clean yet since my collection is so little but on my next vacation find, I may need the acid trick!

[@nancyjones3337]

So awesome. I love your show. Gonna try and do some shelling in Carolina somewhere. Love 🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Good shelling luck to you!

[@ritamariekelley4077]

We used muriatic acid on chambered nautalis. It revealed the pearl naker--beautiful.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Nice! I'd be too nervous to dip one of those. I'm glad it did it's magic for you!

[@roberth5767]

I've used a soft toothbrush to scrub the fighting conchs after dipping in acid to get the "gunk" / membrane off and it usually works pretty well. The murex shells will dissolve if left in the acid too long. They seem to be a lot more sensitive to the acid.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm glad it works for you but the Florida fighting conchs lose their shine on the underside when I dip them in acid so I only put those in bleach. The acid mixture I use works great on the murex shells. I only dip them for about 3 seconds though. I'm sure if you left them in it wouldn't be pretty ;)

[@donnajohnson3334]

@@SWFBeachLife I'm wondering do you buy the acid at a pharmacy ?. Thanks !.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@donnajohnson3334 I buy it at Home Depot, but I have a new acid I’m using. I hope to share in a few weeks!

[@donnajohnson3334]

@@SWFBeachLife Thanks for replying 🥰

[@carrollcampbell186]

Provides important information on acid mixture proportion and safety precautions when using muriatic acid.

[@BillMeier]

Great tip! We are going out to get some acid and try it right now! However, I'd recommend not using metal tongs as they can interact with the acid. Perhaps a short dip with stainless steel tongs is OK but still not recommended. Plastic is the best.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! I always seem to be doing things at the last minute and metal tongs were all I could find. I'll be on the lookout for some good plastic ones - thank you!

[@teresasaponara943]

I was happy to be part of your cleaning journey, you took your time to show the step by step process loved that. I'm sure there's a safe way of disposing of the acid and water , can you share how you went about doing that? Thank you Teresa

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm glad you enjoyed my video! I mixed baking soda with the acid/water until I stopped getting a bubbling reaction to make sure the water was turned back to "neutral" instead of being acidic. Once I was dealing with the neutralized water I was able to safely dispose of it. I hope that helps and thank you for watching!

[@thanrose]

@@SWFBeachLife I do the acid bath in a protected porch and keep the solution for a couple of days sometimes. Covered of course. Also I use plastic tools from the thrift stores to dip and scoop. Third tip is sometimes longer than 3 seconds is needed. And then for disposal, I put in a few discarded shells and just let them bubble up to shreds and the solution stops bubbling.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@thanrose I bought most of my supplies at the dollar store too! Thanks for the tips! I'm about to try this again in the next few days!

[@cassie7530]

@@SWFBeachLife Ok, we saw that. We want to now HOW you disposed of it. Did you pour it down a drain ? Dump it in the dirt ? Please be a little more specific.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@cassie7530 I poured the acid/water mixture into more water and added baking soda. If the baking soda bubbled, there is still too much acid in the water so add more baking soda until you get zero reaction. Out of an abundance of caution, I didn’t dump the water down the drain but poured it in a spot in my yard where we don’t grow anything. Hope that helps.

[@Julie-mf5ot]

"This is not really fun and kinda dangerous but I might be addicted" 🤣

[@pennybenton5607]

Amazing results! I would be afraid to use acid. Curious if household products would work.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've tried a lot of different products and I now like "safe acid" - here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4SvdXWeedp5sLs

[@loismimi1856]

I love watching the dipping process the transfer mation is awesome..I just love it.♥️💖♥️💖♥️💖

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@jamietrolltoys1057]

this was so satisfying I am going to watch this twice

[@SWFBeachLife]

JamieTroll Toys You’re in luck! It’s just about time for me to do this again ☺️ New video coming soon!

[@diannespink2168]

I love watching your shows! From Ontario, Canada.

[@WagonPilotAdventures]

Amazing! I didn't realize the shells had a buildup on them. I assumed the color was just bleached out or worn away. I have a bucket of shells from Sanibel that I need to sort through now! Thanks for posting this. :-)

[@SWFBeachLife]

You're so welcome! I did another video and compared acid to oil and the results were surprisingly similar!

[@teresasaponara943]

Thank you for your prompt response

[@dawnkarlicek5316]

Wow that's crazy cool

[@SWFBeachLife]

Right? It's like magic!

[@angelacarl0814]

Wow they're looking awesome!! I could watch you do this alllllll day 🤗

[@SWFBeachLife]

I actually cut about 5 minutes because I didn't want to bore anyone! Maybe next time I'll just keep recording all the dipping!

[@angelacarl0814]

Oh please do lol. Not only am I like obsessed with shells, the cleaning process is quite satisfying too!

[@doubleblessings-royalcrowr1669]

Love your hobby wish there was a place to collect in Oklahoma, besides stores!!

[@staz6530]

Thank you that was awesome! I've always wondered why they look awesome at the beach you get them home and they're white. Thank you!...oh found my 1st sand dollar dec 30 2021 at the Jersey shore! Score for me...love your videos just found you about a month ago one day ill get back to Florida and shell! Happy new year🥳!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You found a sand dollar in NJ! That is an epic find - congrats! Thanks for watching my vids and coming along with me on my beach adventures!

[@kathleengeorge-francis984]

Sooooo interesting! Those shells turned out beautiful! Great job 👍🏽

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! I am so glad I finally tried it. Now when I collect shells I have a decent idea what is going to clean up and what isn't.

[@craftytravelfrog]

Thanks for the "experiment". Not an acid fan. On my Sanibel trips, I soak the day's collection in a beach solution over night, and then lay them out to dry the next morning. Pack them up to take home, where I sort them and then polish with mineral oil. So far, so good.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I wasn't really an acid fan until I tried it. It still isn't something I want to do on a regular basis but I will definitely try this again in the future. It takes a long time to set up but safety first!

[@Juan-iv9ko]

I never knew this. I have some muriatic acid for cleaning and can hardly wait to see for myself on some of my calcified seashells

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's like MAGIC!!!

[@Juan-iv9ko]

@@SWFBeachLifeeven though I consider all seashells beautiful there is always room for improving the perfect thing

[@angiewalsh9809]

Thank You for all your videos! Can't wait to try to technique for cleaning.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for watching!!! 🙏🏼

[@susanking9733]

oh!! that was so exciting!! We need to be friends...so happy to know other crazy shell women exist.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Welcome to the shell-crazy club! 😅🐚

[@carolehook7278]

I enjoyed this SO much. I was ooohing & aaahing right along with you. lol Cannot wait to try it. Thank You

[@SWFBeachLife]

You’re so welcome. It’s addicting once you see the results!

[@kholbrook203]

That was totally amazing.! I could have sat and watched you dip them all. Many years ago I had some old shells that I don’t even remember where they came from. I had heard about doing this and wanted to try so my husband bought the acid. I only used if on this bag of white beat up shells. It did bring color to some. I don’t remember how my husband disposed of what I was using, but I still have the old can and want to dispose of it. Would you know how you properly disposed of it? So glad you did this video. I still have this old can of acid. Do you know what I need to do to dispose of it safely? One other question. Do you think straight white conifer would help to bring out the color on shells that aren’t real white? Thank you for a great video. I loved it❤️.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm sorry I don't know what straight white conifer is! I would think bleach would be your best bet to get shells white. Disposing of acid is tricky but can be done safely by neutralizing the acid with baking soda. Mix water with the acid and then sprinkle baking soda into the mixture until it stops bubbling. I then poured the mixture in my yard where nothing grows - just in case :)

[@sharonickes1978]

That was fun. Thanks. Love seashells.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Julianne955]

This was great! Thank you so much for trying this and sharing it with us!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Julie Truly my pleasure! I was so excited to see the results!

[@debbiejones6265]

Muriatic Acid is great for shells. I don't use it on my shiny ones like olives though. It dulls them I have found. :)

[@mariakolenich5192]

OMG😁😘!!! Such beautiful results!!!! Loved this video!!! ❤️♥️❤️♥️❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@robertbuhrman-nightnova]

I like that your the only one that uses a mask. Very smart

[@dantheman5745]

Have you tried adding some baking soda to your red rinse bucket to more completely stop the acidic reaction on the shells? After numerous "dips" there will be an increasing amount of muriatic acid in the rinse bucket, albeit far more diluted than what's in the measuring cup.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes! I keep baking soda near by to neutralize any acid left over after diluting with more water. I learned the first time I’ll use less baking soda if I dilute that water good first. Thanks for passing that info along!!

[@lindapotratz2481]

I could watch this all day

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am in the process of making a new video about this!

[@janicehayes5059]

Thanks for the tips and demo: I thoroughly enjoyed the video Cheers, 🇨🇦

[@amberstarrjund546]

great tutorial! I have some muratic I want to try dipping mine!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you! Please make sure you're safe and use all acid friendly materials. It was so fun to see the difference in seconds!

[@2floridadogs]

Where are you guys? We're in Cape Coral and take the boat out to Caya Costa and N Captiva Island a lot. About to move down to Homestead soon though.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Closer to the Keys is a good thing! Have you ever checked out Robert is Here? We're in Fort Myers. Centrally located for all the amazing beaches down here!

[@jonathanmattson3640]

Thanks for the demo. Gonna have to try it

[@LaLadybug2011]

After you're done with the acid, then rinse and the shells are dry-using a soft cloth (like microfiber) apply food grade mineral oil (found on the pharmacy aisle in the grocery store-cause it can be used as a laxative) let it soak in for a little while then buff with another microfiber cloth. They will shine and won't have any dried out spots on them.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Mineral oil is a fantastic way to shine shells and give them back their color too. I did another video where I compared the acid to oil and the results were surprisingly similar! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a33bgJyomteia68

[@staceymurphy6910]

It is very addicting. My friend and I were at the beach and got so caught up dipping our shells that we did it until 2:30am on my back deck.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Aren't the results amazing? I love a good dipping session!

[@guadalupeknippen528]

Great experiment with good results. 🐕

[@jtcowboy5518]

This is actually very enjoyable! Thanks for sharing!

[@andreah.5962]

Awesome!! Can the shells be coated with clear nail polish to bring back the shine? Hubby and I have been discussing different ways to shine them permanently without yellowing over time.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I really don't know if you can coat them with nail polish. I don't know how stable that would be over time. My recommendation is to use mineral oil, and not a food based oil (like vegetable or olive). The mineral oil will give the shells that shine back. I used a cotton ball to put it on and then a paper towel or wash cloth to get all the excess off. Does a pretty good job! I was also reading you can spray them with polyurethane, but I haven't tried that, per se. We created some shell boards and I sprayed the shells but it was more of a sealing exercise than a shining one. I bought the mineral oil at Bed Bath & Beyond (with my coupon of course!).

[@Amelia-uf9ig]

I have shells in the same state from Meyers Beach. It works but is it the best solution for safety.

[@dandickinson1003]

That is sooo cool! I want to try it on some rocks I find in creeks. Are the shells safe to touch after they dry? Do the shells keep their new color after they dry? Do you know if it would be safer to use a water baking powder mixture to rinse off the acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, the shells are perfectly safe to touch once they've been rinsed off real well. The baking soda helps stop the burning process so yes, adding baking soda to the rinse water is a good idea. And the colors stays vibrant once the shells dry off!

[@mikhail-tikhonov]

Very good result 👍

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks 👍