Pasquariello, Quin @ Bangkok wrote:
>
> Hi all.  My name is Quin and I am an ameteur shell collector currently
> living in Thailand.  I've had the opportunity of travelling all over the
> world and have collected quite a beautiful assortment of various kinds,
> sizes, and colors of shells.  I really don't have much knowledge about
> shell collecting past that.
>
> I'm trying to find out information on how to clean the shells and to
> protect their hardness.  In short I'm looking for shell beautification
> tips.  For example, I've heard that clorox bleach is good for cleaning
> off barnacles and other hard to remove crud, and that fluoride
> toothpaste or varnish is good for protecting the hardness.  However, I'm
> reluctant to try anything (for fear of damaging them) until I can get
> more credible information.
>
> Is there anyone out there that can offer some proven methods on cleaning
> and preservation?
>
> Thanks.
 
Using bleach on the colorful members of the family Pleurotomariidae can
make their color fade, so I have heard.  A quick soaking is O.K.
 
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