How to safely clean seashells. Burn the shells - not your skin!

I am thrilled to share how to safely clean seashells! I've been known to clean a seashell or two (I am fluent in sarcasm) and I love the remarkable results I get with Acid Magic. Don't waste your money with other "safe acids" that are more expensive and do the same thing. Acid Magic is can probably be found at your local hardware store but the Amazon link is here: amzn.to/3EY3Un3
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[@debispilker4392]

I love your channel. I have learned so much, and I have become very interested in the life of shell creatures!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Me too! I thought shells were neat, but the more I research the more I find everything about the beach fascinating!

[@slvihelenevorrenaasand7835]

Oh so satisfying to see how vibrant the colors of the shells becomes after putting them in acid 😮😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know - I love it!!!

[@KS-ml5qz]

Collecting shells in their natural environment, for me Naples and surrounding areas, AS IS in all their beauty is so exciting. However, giving then a dip in Acid Magic enhances their beauty, textures and colors...for many, it brings them back to their original state. Either way, Gulf Coast shells are a handful of WONDERFULNESS! Take care!

[@cazee100]

I love watching the fizz! a great that there is a safer alternative than the burning acids. I didn’t know there was such a thing as shell shows, I have learnt something else. Hugs and stay safe xx

[@onlyjesussaves840]

learned, no such word as learnt. Just fyi is all. :)

[@drdrew3]

@@onlyjesussaves840According to Webster’s Dictionary “learnt” is a word meaning: chiefly British past tense and past participle of LEARN. So “learnt” IS definitely a word. Just an FYI and an LOL

[@SWFBeachLife]

I happen to know that shell friend is from the UK - Isle of Wight to be exact so she is British! 😃

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was your request that really pushed me to get this done!! Plus I wanted bright shells for the mirror I'm going to make 😃

[@cazee100]

@@SWFBeachLife thank you ma'am xx

[@ztag1p]

I’ve watched your shell cleaning vids previously and it is SO satisfying to see those beauties show their true colors. Thank you for finding a safe alternative to muriatic acid and sharing that information with us. I’m also glad to know how to safely dispose of the liquid once it has done all it can do. Great content, Sharmon! (Hope I spelled your name right.) Have a great week shelling.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You nailed the spelling correctly! 😃 And believe me, I was SUPER excited to share this safe acid as an alternative to muriatic acid. I don't know how they made the acid safe, but I'm sure glad they did!

[@JILLCritterologist]

Be smart Like you ought-er Add the acid To the water Thank you for sharing all those wonderful transformations!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm using that little ditty next time!!! I worry people are going to get hurt 🙏🏼

[@marybeth6272]

Love this mid week video. I really needed it today. ❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you liked it!!

[@notinmanitou]

You're right, that is so much fun! I really like watching the fizzing part. Thanks for this video. I could watch you dipping shells for hours. :)

[@suzisharp132]

I thought the banded tulips turned out beautifully. Naturally, all of the shells look good, I was just surprised at the tulips.

[@melissalillegard7945]

I loved the before and after pictures. I did feel that few shells that looked better before the acid. I love your channel. I feel like I get to transport to Florida every week. I have learned so much from you, such as the names of shells. My bucket list is to one day to get to visit Florida and go shelling where you shell. My history of shells consists of sand dollars mostly broken due to birds and random shells but not worth collecting. Thank you for sharing a little of your life with us all.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was accustomed to beaches in New Jersey which has a few quahogs (or just clams as I would call them) but that was it. When I came here I was mesmerized! I love learning about these shells.

[@lisariemersma3478]

0:40 You are so educational! I love that and I love that you include all the safety tips! I have dipped in muratic acid but have not heard of Acid Magic before! Definitely buying some as I do get a bit nervous with the disposal of muratic. As always your videos are fascinating! Thanks so much for taking the time to share! Thank you for allowing me to feel like I am right there on the beach seashelling once a week!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was scared using the muriatic acid too so this Acid Magic is a game changer! You will still need to take care of it with the disposal, but you won't need to worry about burning your skin! I love it!

[@lisariemersma3478]

@@SWFBeachLife I will follow what you did at disposal. Seeing you demonstrate and explain makes it not so frightening but, will still defintely take all safety precautiions. Acid is scary to me just happy to hear about this much safer method. The results after dipping shells are worth it. OH thanks for mentioning being able to reuse it too! I would have been dipping and dumping each time.

[@M4pockets18Annie]

So my dear…I just love you! You have gotten me so excited about my seashell collecting ( most smile, nod and giggle) Because of you, I leave to go to Sanibel TOMORROW🙌🏻🙌🏻🥰🥰🙌🏻🙌🏻🥰🥰 Massachusetts and Rhode Island shells just aren’t cutting it anymore. My Aruba shells maybe be the only ones I have as Aruba government made it illegal to take shells home…but I have plenty. I cannot wait, I was going in 2022 but Ian cancelled those plans. I only wish I could be there longer than 3 days and didn’t have to worry about “spending time with hubby” 🤣🤣🤷🏻‍♀️🫶🏻 Thank you for all you do and this great post!

[@Never-Enough787]

Enjoy!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh I'm sending you good shelling luck! The tides are a bit wonky this week so just try to get to the beach first and beat everyone to those treasures! Most of the snow birds have gone home so you shouldn't have too much competition! 🐚 Enjoy!

[@justjulee9135]

They come out so vibrant! I loved seeing the before and afters! Amazing!

[@Kammy44]

I bought the Acid Magic after hearing about it from you. I had been hesitating using the muriatic acid, even though I had done it before. The Acid Magic worked great! I'm sold and so is my daughter. They should sponsor you! I had mine fizz up a lot when I went to neutralize, and I was so glad I had the bucket of water and baking soda.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was so scared using the muriatic acid but I did get used to it. Finding something this safe for your skin is wonderful - and it's not expensive!!!

[@deadangel2211]

Ooohhh, could you do a time lapse on an either broken or otherwise undesirable shell and film it staying in the acid? Like what would happen? Would we slowly watch it disintegrate before our eyes? That would be an awesome experiment!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yup! It's on the list! I'm going to try vinegar, milk and some other stuff too!

[@janiebennett5645]

SHAR!! Another fascinating and educational video! Thank you so much for the endless amount of information you share. I enjoy each video. See you Sunday, Beautiful beach friend. ♥🏖

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for watching beach friend!!!

[@deadangel2211]

Love it! You should turn this into a weekly mid-week series!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I already have some good ideas from people for the next dipping video!

[@teresameloy9553]

Thanks so much for this demonstration. I’m going to SWF for the first time in November this year. Now I know what to do with them after I bleach them. Then I have about 4 large tubs of shells I collected in the Middle East when I lived there that needs this done.

[@Never-Enough787]

I’d love to see those! Can you post a photo of your collection ?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh those shells from the Middle East are probably spectacular!

[@moduleselect]

I like your music choice with the ‘bloop’ dip sound in it 😊 I will try the acid magic when I clean next time. I am headed out to shell as much of the Florida west coast as possible next week starting in Panama City and working my way down to Marco island. Appreciate all the research you do and sharing how you care for and enjoy your shells.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Good shelling luck to you! Most of the good low tides are in the evening right now. I hope you find everything you're looking for!

[@alyssahawkes8518]

The difference is crazy! This is really helpful thanks ❤️😁

[@deborahcorreale352]

Very informative video and your shells turned out great!

[@lindaholder2222]

Oh thank you Sharmon I've been waiting for this video WHaT a transfer everyone one of them were beautiful ❤😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

The difference really is like magic.

[@janetdunn8220]

Someone beat me to it, but I like the fiz too. The color saturation is amazing. Thanks for sharing and teaching.❣️🦋❣️🐚🐚🐚🌊🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so welcome!

[@abbyW]

I just got back from Orange Beach, AL and actually found some good shells. I think I’ll try this!

[@jeanettewestgarth8271]

Beautiful results xx

[@nancygluth9335]

Great video. I love my dipping results!

[@linds3317]

I love when you do these videos! The acid dips are always so fun! 😁

[@renahays7988]

I bought this and spent a weekend cleaning my shells 😂it’s good stuff, worked great!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Who knew cleaning could be fun right?

[@renahays7988]

@@SWFBeachLife I really enjoyed it ☺ call me crazy🤣

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@renahays7988 Nope. I’m nuts too! 🤣

[@renahays7988]

@@SWFBeachLife 🥰🤪

[@melanieluff2993]

Thanks for showing the process ,I can't wait to do mine!

[@lindsayschilling8707]

Thank you, Sharmon. This was fascinating, and the results were surprising. Beautiful shells 😊

[@brendacrawford260]

That was so satisfying!

[@SWFBeachLife]

AGREED!!! 😃

[@beckygruening1000]

I loved this video! ❤ Thank you for sharing your ‘magic’ with us!

[@MSTUDIO_MISSA]

I love it!

[@maggieslifeisawildride512]

Now for the fun stuff is right! Love seeing that transformation! And thanks for the tips on how to use and dispose of the acid.

[@kathyjund7212]

So awesome to watch you dip your shells...had hubby watch..amazing!!!

[@user-is3hk6be5b]

Thank you for this video!!!

[@EffSharp]

A new tip I learned is white vinegar for my shells that have pearl underneath. As long as you don’t leave it in long it’s fantastic! My huge turban shells from Carpinteria beach are gorgeous and polished now.

[@onlyjesussaves840]

Another great idea, thnx! :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

I am going to experiment with vinegar. Thank you!

[@EffSharp]

@@SWFBeachLife I’ll send you some pics of before and after of the turban shells. I think I can send pics on instagram?

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@EffSharp Yes through messenger you can!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!

[@babs629]

Oh so satisfying to watch and I'm so glad to learn the Vaseline barrier trick. Thank You so much for sharing.

[@mimirobin9336]

It really is magic! Your original video using Acid Magic made me feel confident about using it. My shell tongs are not as nice as yours and I couldn't get a good grip on my smallest ones. I finally ended up using my nails and holding them pretty carefully, but still got the AM on my skin. NO burning, no peeling! The petroleum jelly tip is another good one. Thanks for all that you share with us.

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are brave!!! I was so scared the first time I put my hands in the acid but it really doesn't burn! I will always share the tips and tricks I'm learning 😃

[@jasminecarriker8713]

I'm going to make my husband watch it!😊

[@onlyjesussaves840]

LOL! ;)

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

Love those beautiful shells.. I think the color is stunning.. Thank you for showing the beauty & how to dispose of the acid..

[@denisezuk5255]

Thank you for teaching me this!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so very welcome!

[@user-ht2iv7rz5r]

This is the next step to my shell collecting. I tried alternatives to that acid like vinegar, turned my 🐚chalky white😮

[@SWFBeachLife]

Me too! I tried vinegar and it made the shell milky white. I've heard others had good results with it, so I'm going to try a couple different types of shells. I love a good experiment!

[@yukimibarker7186]

It does make a difference though

[@blondinizer4057]

Amazing! You could really tell how chalky the shells looked before the Mr. Fizz bath!

[@carolhopps5871]

Great video!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!!

[@LindaMoganOsborne-dm9cc]

❤ love your channel ❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!!! 🙏🏼

[@fredamoore1743]

Thanks Sharmon! I have not used the acid magic yet but definitely will when I can find the time. Watching you do this was so satisfying. Those colors just really pop!! I can't wait to use it on my shells. It was so nice of you to take the extra time to demonstrate. Thanks for the info you give us all. Can't wait till sunday!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for watching my videos!!!

[@gingermackeen5741]

Great teaching video!😊 That apple murex you greased was really a beauty!!! Thanks, Sharmon!❤❤❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm glad I found something to protect that shine! ❤️

[@debbiejones6265]

Love it. I've used the acid for years to clean my shells. It works so well. I head to Florida on Friday. I'm so excited.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Safe travels!!!

[@JaneThornton74]

I love shell dipping day!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Me too!!!

[@hilaryjensen2236]

If it creates “salt” after neutralizing, one might want to be careful about where pouring outside. “Salt” kills plants. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Love the videos Sharmon. Can’t wait for next adventure!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

And that's why I dump it somewhere where I don't plan on growing anything. 😃 I still can't bring myself to dump it down drains!!

[@Scarvey377]

I was just thinking of another way to dip the shells. I bet a barbers jar that has stainless steel parts would work too and you could dip multiple shells at a time. You could load the rack up and slowly dip then take them out and dip the holder in water as well. Or if you had two of the barber jars the same size one with the acid and one with the water mixture.

[@onlyjesussaves840]

Wonder if the acid would be bad for the metal? But neat idea there.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh what a good idea! I just spent a few minutes on Amazon and the darn lid just sits on top of the jar and doesn't seal. I leave my acid outside and it rains pretty much every day here in the summer so I need something with a lid that seals. Now I could just that only to dip the shells and not store the acid. 🤔 I think I'm going to buy one for my next video and see what happens!! Thank you!!

[@joang.cavanna2046]

I love how excited you are about cleaning these shells. So much fun to watch and listen. I wondered - I know I would get impatiencent dipping them one by one. Can you make a little bag of cheesecloth, or a stocking or nylon net, or something so you could dip several at a time? Or would the acid eat it? Just wondering. Since I am hundreds of miles from a beach, I wouldn't have the opportunity to experiment.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have tried a little fish tank net as well as making a little mesh basket and dipping a few at a time. The small ones will float as they bubble so they are a little harder to tackle.

[@joang.cavanna2046]

Can you make a deeper basket so it's not lowered all the way or a top and maybe sides for the basket? How about a larger drawstring bag - large enough for the shells but closed on top so they can't float away? When you pull it up and put everything would come with it.

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@joang.cavanna2046 I’ve made something similar with mesh and a rubber band. Held it under the acid with tongs and then dunked the whole thing in water.

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

Thank you! I'll take my shells over to Marsha's house and dip them there! She'd get a real kick out of that, I'll bet!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I just bet she would! The transformation is like magic!

[@gardenho3628]

That was Fun! 😍 I watched your interview with Beachcombing Magazine last night... you are Absolutely Adorable, Sharmon❣😘

[@SWFBeachLife]

Awe shucks (blushing) I have learned so much since then!! Thank you so much for following my antics!

[@pl7967]

Hi All, I have been very inspired by Sharmon’s videos! I love them all and I love shelling. Isn’t the true color of the shell seen after it is dipped in the magic acid? I never heard of a shell show either! Very exciting stuff. Thank you SWF Beach life!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@staz6530]

I love doing scallops they always suprise me! I'll even bring broken shells home to do this just to see how they look and then take they back to the beach

[@SWFBeachLife]

I get it. Especially on those shells you just KNOW are going to be completely transformed. Who knew cleaning could be so fun 😂

[@Kammy44]

Your story reminds me of when I went to Pass A Grille to shell, then back to an AirBnB on the beach where there were barely any shells at all. The next day I went through my shells outside and discarded a few that weren't perfect. I put them out on the beach near the water, and we watched as anyone looking for shells at all stopped and grabbed the PAG shells. In about 45 min, every shell I put there was gone. LOL

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@Kammy44 Recycling at its best! 🐚

[@paulettenewton3370]

Very cool ! If I had those types of shells I would definitely do this! Omg your petroleum jelly is Bed Bath Beyond sister store. 😢 I miss my store !

[@SWFBeachLife]

It used to work there when I was in college!

[@EffSharp]

Discovering muriatic acid dipping my sea shells changed my life. 😂. Seriously my husband and I went to Sanibel a few years ago and we got supplies and did the dipping in our condo. We had so much fun we still laugh about it and long to go back. My entire carryon back was full of shells. 🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know right?! Dipping shells was scary but oh, SO SATISFYING! Then eventually I got used to using the muriatic acid but boy this safe stuff is awesome. And you have to carry the shells! Can you imagine if you packed them and they got lost? 😃

[@EffSharp]

@@SWFBeachLife I bought that stuff on your recommendation! Had no idea it existed. Great tip!

[@onlyjesussaves840]

So surprised that the vaseline stayed on the shell, & didn't get taken off by the acid? Who knew?! ;) So cool! :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes I could! I am actually having lunch with someone that I'm going to ask about different cameras. 😃

[@sveva87]

Che meraviglia di colori dopo il passaggio dentro l' acido.Quellie con le venature rosa o arancione mi hanno Bellissimo video...molto interessante. Grazie mille 🙏🌹

[@SWFBeachLife]

Grazie mille per aver guardato!

[@sveva87]

​@@SWFBeachLifeGrazie a voi per mostrare queste meraviglie.🙏🌺

[@amyboggs766]

thanks for this video, do you do anything special with Jingle shells? The vasoline trick is another good thing to know!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I don't do anything special with jingles. They just go into the jar with the rest of my shells.

[@user-cz7wh6mh1y]

I had watched a previous video several times before I tried Acid Magic. Unfortunately I did not pay attention to the lid on the jar you stored the acid in. I used a gallon glass jar that looks like yours but mine had a metal lid. The fumes must have reacted with the metal as the lid got a gooey green gel like on it. Oops Now I have one with a glass lid and seal like the one you use. I love using Acid Magic as a splash with regular muriatic acid caused an open sore. Love this video, too. I am going to try the vaseline on the FFC shells. .

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had a jar with a metal lid but it had a plastic stopper-type thing on it. That jar was great I broke it though and haven't been able to find another one. I just use those big glass mason jars now and it works great to reuse the acid over and over!

[@Merlijnvv]

The shell trade is full of shells that were cleaned with acid. It's common practice. Some shells have been too long in the acid and then the surface has been corroded. Hundreds of acidized shells in serious collections. it is not a bad practice, you just have to watch out with dissolving the surface. You would aim for dissolving the white tarnish only and avoid surface corrosion. A quick dip is essential, especially when the tarnish is very subtle. Too long in acid and the surface of the shell will look greasy. A bleach solution to dissolve organic materials on top, followed by a tip of mineral oil will also work for a lot of shells. Oil protect agains drying out, which can be essential to Pinna shells for example.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Good to know about serious collectors and acid. I know the shell show here in Sanibel, Florida frowns against chemicals when judging condition of the species. You are a wealth of knowledge!

[@brendagroff8478]

Do you ever do them twice in the acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

If I think it will help I would dip a shell twice.

[@bluejay8047]

Hi there - just stumbled onto your video & loved it. Classic "oddly satisfying"-type feeling watching the transformations of these beautiful shells. Apologies for my question, as I'm a novice and just trying to learn: You mentioned a serious shell collector wouldn't go anywhere near chemicals - why? Isn't the point of acid cleaning to bring out the shells' beauty?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Well, I was really speaking more to people who were going to enter their shell into a scientific contest of any kind. The judges will use loops and magnifying glasses to make sure the shells are authentic (people actually create fake shells!!) and to see if they've been dipped and treated with chemicals. I do not consider myself a "serious" collector so I am game to try all sorts of different things with these shells!

[@Ana-dq5tm]

I am so so excited to try this!! I didn’t hear you mention the soaking in bleach part but I’m assuming it’s because the acid magic works so well? Are we skipping the bleach? I just don’t want to mess this up lol

[@SWFBeachLife]

Most shells are fine just the way they are and I just rinse and they are ready to go. The green ones or ones with slime go in bleach right away. If there are shells that I think need acid, I put those to the side and I wait until I have a bunch of them. This video was for the ones that I already bleached or only needed acid. Not all shells need both bleach and acid 😃 I hope that all made sense!

[@martiwalsh2069]

Loved this video, thank you! Would it be possible to show the difference between a wet shell that has NOT been put thru the acid with a wet shell after the acid bath? You be the judge. I'm just wondering if there would be a visible difference. Thanks gain for all your videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's very hard to tell if the shells will need acid when they are wet. The water "masks" that dull layer so I don't know that there would be any difference. It's a great idea though! That's why summer shells are so pretty. They are usually plucked from the water and that's when they look their best!

[@martiwalsh2069]

When I show my shell collection to children, I give them a small bowl of water so they can dip them and see the colors come alive. Bingo! A new shell lover is born!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@martiwalsh2069 Smart!!! Safely have them experience the transformation. Do you mind if I share this in the next acid dipping video?

[@JeanMarie-qd4gu]

Good day to you! I'm new and watching, listening, to your shelltastic video is terrific! Thank you for the fun, interesting, shellabrating collected seashells. Though, I'm curious about your comments about being a "serious collector, and not dipping" whatsoever. Why? Isn't dipping the shells, cleaning them and that would be good to show? 😀 🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Welcome aboard! I am under the impression that serious collectors wouldn't mess around with bleach and acid but who knows, maybe they would. I got a lot of comments from people so perhaps I have that wrong. I did hear if you were going to enter shells into competitions that you wouldn't mess around with chemicals or the shells might be disqualified.

[@ceciliafarm93]

I wonder how much of the shells would be left if you left one in for a while 🤔

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's pretty costic. Once the acid has burned that outside layer off it goes to work on the shell. I've done it on purpose to chestnut turbans to see the nacre underneath. Hmmmm, I could make a short video just about that 🤔

[@ceciliafarm93]

@@SWFBeachLife That would be very interesting!

[@kenzieknapp969]

What’s the difference between Safe HCL and magic acid?

[@SWFBeachLife]

From a usability standpoint they are the same. From accessibility, you can go to a local store and buy Acid Magic. From a cost standpoint, the Safe HCL is $74.99 for a gallon and Acid Magic is $25.99 - a savings of over $50. I don't know why anyone would spend that much more money for the same product. Had I known about Acid Magic I never would have recommended Safe HCL!

[@richardchandler3820]

I have a question. Don’t you have an online website where you can purchase seashells from you personally ? I’m looking to buy 2 Florida fighting conchs, that both shells have that deep purple color inside. Please let me know when you get a chance. Thank you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, I do have an Etsy store where you can purchase some shells from me. I don't have any of those purple lipped fighting conchs for sale though. swfbeachlifestore.etsy.com

[@ellenpurpus539]

Why did you stop soaking the shells in bleach? Which technique works best for you? Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

When I get home from my beach walk I shoot the shells for the end of the video and then I put the ones that need bleach in bleach, others will go to the side to be dipped in acid eventually, and then some will go in my collation and others I'll sell. When I check the shells after the bleach, they are either done at that point or they get to hang out with the shells that will be dipped in acid. So some shells get both bleach and acid, some only get bleach and some only get acid. It depends on the shell and the gunk!

[@14buckeyeGirl]

I'd be tempted to use a glass bowl w/ a metal colander to do a bunch at a time 🤣

[@SWFBeachLife]

The little ones float and fizz and maybe that would work 🤔 Someone else suggested a barbers jar.

[@14buckeyeGirl]

@@SWFBeachLife hmmm, that's an idea. But the little cups on those aren't very big. Heading back to Captive the 17th, can't wait!!

[@Never-Enough787]

Question please. What do you think about painting them with clear acrylic? When I was a girl I painted them with clear nail polish and made pictures n framed them. I was afraid to wash them thinking they’d break.

[@onlyjesussaves840]

Nice idea. :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

You'd be surprised how sturdy these shells are. I personally don't coat my shells with anything, with the exception of possibly some mineral oil. You can paint them, coat them - I've even heard people using clear nail polish on them!

[@sarahduckett3307]

How much bleach do u soak the shells

[@SWFBeachLife]

I use enough bleach to cover them completely.

[@georgiannaashley8512]

Have you ever tried using Lime Away on shells to get rid of the calcium? Just curious if it will work.

[@onlyjesussaves840]

Thnx for the idea. :)

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have CLR but I never tried it. I'm going to be getting a new camera and I think I might want to mess around more with vinegar, milk and things like Lime Away/CLR. I'm curious too!

[@dianek6780]

Did you clean the shells in bleach first, or rinse in water only before you dipped them?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Some of those shells were soaked in bleach, some of the shells were only dipped in acid. It depended on the condition of the shell when it was found.

[@dianek6780]

@@SWFBeachLifeThank you! I watch your videos every Sunday, and I love them. We were staying at Sanibel this past week, and the shelling was awesome.

[@BeachGoer2024]

I just got a couple of big shells , I was told they might be fossils … I don’t want to dip them in acid ( I don’t think I should dissolve that) but how can I tell about the color ? Not a must know but just curious if it’s possible to do…

[@BeachGoer2024]

Ok, haha I just got to the part of “ do not dip them if you are serious about it!” Is there a way I can tell the color ?

[@SWFBeachLife]

If color comes out when they are wet from water, the acid might help. If not, they are fossilized white and nothing is going to get the color back.

[@pamelaferguson257]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤❤

[@JILLCritterologist]

Re. The Experiment, did you remove the petroleum jelly with soap & water afterwards? Need to be sure it's the original finish and not the petroleum jelly that's making it shine now...

[@SWFBeachLife]

I washed it with soap and water and used a cloth to remove all the jelly. That aperture had it's "natural" shine 😃

[@sandradavis9927]

Here’s what my chemistry teacher always said: “Do what you ought ta, put the acid in the wata”. (Now I’m a chemistry teacher too and say the same thing.) The acid doesn’t really “burn” but rather dissolves the top layer of calcium carbonate.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh good point with dissolving vs. burning. I guess I think if it like real acid, which would burn your skin and not dissolve it 😳 Someone else told me that same little ditty about adding acid to "wata" which I'm going to use the next time I made one of these videos!

[@janelle2184]

Do you ever treat them with a mineral oil? How come you don't want to acid treat your specimen or show shells?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes, I do use mineral oil on the shells that I do not dip in acid, like the Florida Fighting Conchs, and it does work, but I like the permanent results of the acid dipping. My understanding is if you were going to enter shells into a competition you wouldn't want them dipped in acid. I've heard they look at them with a magnifying glass and one can tell.

[@chillingsworth4384]

Don’t overcook the turkey wings 👩‍🍳

[@onlyjesussaves840]

LOL! ;)

[@maranathajacobs1907]

I guess I will need to bite the bullet and try acid instead of vinegar. I live in and travel around in a motorhome, so acid is extra scary to me...

[@SWFBeachLife]

Get the smaller size of Acid Magic and keep the bottle.Put the acid in a big glass bowl. I use the mixture at 100% and I have a bucket of water with baking soda nearby when I dip. When you are done dipping, pour the mixture from the glass bowl back into the Acid Magic bottle and use it over and over again until it stops working. I used mine for months - and I dip a lot of shells!