I have cleaned a lot of horse conchs. The best way to remove the barnacles
is to let the shell dry out for one month. Then use dental picks and a
dremel. Make sure dremel heads are the small round and conical shaped.
The majority of barnacles will come off with a slight hitting of them—do
this at an angle to the shell.  The periostracum will prevent  damaged to
the shell. Then use dental picks and dremel to remove the rest. What ever
you do don’t use bleach. As being exposed to bleach harm the nacre of the
inside of shell. Be careful around the lip of the shell.  It is a lot of
work—but it is worth it.  Leave the periostracum on, this makes the inside
of shell stand out.
If you need anymore help e-mail at
omegasy@nefcom .net

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