The reason periostracum can be difficult to remove from a narrow, deep
suture is the same as the reason why it is difficult to clean the inside of
a Terebra or other narrow shell - the narrow channel entraps air, which
keeps liquid from entering.  I am fortunate to have a vacuum oven, which
solves both problems, and several other special cleaning problems nicely.
In the absence of that equipment, I would recommend holding the shell under
a high pressure stream of water, directing it into the sutures and other
tight places, before immersing the shell in cleaning solution.  This will
force water into such places, driving out entrapped air, and once the shell
is immersed in cleaning solution, the cleaning solution will replace the
water and do its job.

> ----------
> From:         Conchologists List on behalf of chandrashekhar phadke
> Reply To:     Conchologists List
> Sent:         Thursday, March 16, 2006 2:14 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Cleaning shells
>
> Dea Peter Egerton,
>
> What is the simple method to remove 'Periostrachum' from sutures ?  I feel
> it is difficult to remove it from the sutures than from rest of the shell
> parts.
>
> Thanking you in advance,
>
> Chandrashekhar Phadke
> Poona, India.
>
> Peter Egerton <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>       Hey all,
>
>       I just received an email (one of those chain ones with household
> tips) that had the following tips in it:
>
>              Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer: Clean a toilet.
>              Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush
>              and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean
> vitreous
>              China.
>              =================================================
>              Clean a vase: To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass
> vase
>              or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer
> tablets.
>              =================================================
>              Polish jewelry: Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass
>              of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.
>              =================================================
>              Clean a thermos bottle: Fill the bottle with water, drop in
> four Alka
>              Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if
> necessary).
>              =================================================
>              Unclog a drain: Clear the sink drain by dropping  three Alka
>              Seltzer Tablets down the drain, followed by a cup of Heinz
>              White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.
>
>       Anyone ever try Alka Seltzer to clean stains and dirt on shells?
>
>       Intrigued,
>       Peter Egerton
>
>
>       --
>       Peter Egerton, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
>       - - - - - - - Seashells and Web Publishing - - - - - - - - - -
>       Seashell Website:  "Peter's Seashells"
>                      (including "Seashells of British Columbia")
>                     http://members.shaw.ca/bcshells/index.html
>       Email: mailto: [log in to unmask]
>
>
>   _____
>
> Jiyo cricket on Yahoo! India cricket
> Yahoo! Messenger Mobile Stay in touch with your buddies all the time.
>

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