Best way to clean shells

[Redleg02]

I've got a couple of conch shells, and I recently brought up a helmet snail all of which have a lot of encrustations on the outside. I know that bleach will clean them, but the conch that i have seen cleaned thta way seem to loose some of their color. The helmet snail seems to have a lot of color, and I really dont want to risk losing it in a too strong of solution. What is the best way to clean the shells without losing the brilliant colors, and how do i maintain the colors?

Thanks

 

[The Kraken]

Buffing wheel on a drill press.

 

[archman]

Normally you keep the "encrustations", as they're fascinating organisms in their own right. They're also bloody difficult to remove, as many have cemented down and/or bored down into the shell itself.

With the soft bryozoans, algae, and biofilms, use a toothbrush and warm, soapy water. Scrub vigorously. Stay away from steel wool or any metal brushes, as they will streak the shell.

Some cemented fauna (barnacles) can be removed by picking at their bases with a strong metal probe (or a fork). The other stuff is more difficult, and falls within the realm of the dental drill.

To maintain and heighten shell colours, after cleaning apply a coat of clear varnish. This also protects and seals the shell.