I would recommend a solution of trisodium phosphate. A teaspoonful of powdered TSP in a pint of warm water is enough; leave the specimens in there for a couple of days. TSP is a strong detergent that rehydrates even the most concrete-hardened tissue. Alconox-brand laboratory detergent is similar to TSP and will work just as well. 

Paul Callomon
Collection Manager, Malacology, Invertebrate Paleontology and General Invertebrates
________________________________
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia
[log in to unmask] Tel 215-405-5096 - Fax 215-299-1170

________________________________________
From: Conchologists List [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of worldwide [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Sunday, February 19, 2017 3:12 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] Shell cleaning advice

Dear Conch'lers,

Can anyone suggest a method for softening the molluscan animal from
small shells that have desiccated after being soaked in 80% Pine
Oil?  My goal in doing so is to remove the animal and/or the
medicinal/cleansing Pine Oil smell from the shells.  I've tried
soaking the shells in diluted bleach and also injected Hydrogen
Peroxide into the apertures with the hope of dissolving the animals
and not damage the shells, but I've had no success.  Since I have no
experience with Pine Oil as a preservative for mollusks, any advice
would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.
Rich

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