If you have gathered sand dollars at the beach, you might need to clean them before you display them.Sand dollars don't stay in the sun.You can either rinse them in fresh water to remove any sand or debris, or you can use a bleach solution to speed up the process.Living sand dollars are inhumane and are illegal in many areas.
Step 1: You shouldn't collect living sand dollars.
It's inhumane to kill sand dollars for the purpose of drying them out and using them as decoration.If everyone did this, the population would suffer and no one would be able to collect sand dollar shells.You shouldn't collect sand dollars from the ocean.Sand dollars, which are related to starfish and sea urchins, burrow beneath the sand of the seafloor to protect themselves.There's a good chance that the sand dollar is alive if you dig it up underwater.Look for tiny, centipede-like feet or hairs on the sand dollar's bottom side.You can brush the feet with your finger.You should place the sand dollar back into the water if they move.If not, you can take the sand dollar home.If a sand dollar is moist or solid in your hand, there's a good chance that it is alive or dead, even if you find it on the beach.If you aren't sure, return a sand dollar to the sea.
Step 2: There are dried-out exoskeletons on the beach.
The relative rarity of washed-up sand dollars can make their discovery even more meaningful, and you will know that you aren't killing a live animal.It's illegal to collect living sand dollars in many states, and you may be fined if you are caught.Don't take sand dollars directly from the ocean if you're not sure about the law.Many beaches and coastal authorities restrict the amount of sand dollars you can harvest in one go.Before you go to the beach, research the local rules and restrictions.
Step 3: When cleaning sand dollars, be very gentle.
If they're handled too roughly, they can easily break apart.Don't scrub sand dollars too hard.Make sure you don't push too hard on the shell if you scrub a sand dollar.Sand dollars shouldn't be soaked in chemicals for too long.The decay of the object can be caused by the solvent.Don't ruin it, get it clean.
Step 4: The decaying tissue needs to be removed.
If the sand dollar has washed up, you may see the soft tissue of the dead animal.You can either let the shell dry in the sun or bury it and let bugs eat it.There may be decaying tissue in the shell if there is an odor.If you leave the sand dollar outside in the sun for a few weeks, the tissue will decay and disappear.In the sun, the exoskeleton will begin to bleach.The sand dollar is ready to use when it looks like a shell.The sand dollar can be buried in the earth.Anything over a few inches deep will work.The dead tissue in the soil will be eaten by worms and other detritivores within a week or two.To make sure you don't forget, mark the burial site with a distinctive stone or stake.When digging or burying the sand dollar, be careful not to crush it.You can use a penknife to remove the tissue.It may be difficult to remove the tissue after it has grown into the exoskeleton.Don't cut yourself or scar the surface of the sand dollar if you use a knife.If you remove the tissue by hand, you should allow a few days for it to dry.
Step 5: The sand dollar needs to be washed.
Remove any sand or debris that is stuck to the shell by soaking it in fresh water.Fresh water can be put in a bowl or bucket.The water will become brown and murky after soaking the sand dollar.Continue to soak the sand dollar until the water in the bowl is clear, then replace it with fresh, clear water.Continue this process until the water is clear.If you want a stronger cleaning agent, you can mix the water with a few squirts of dish soap.If you have time, you can flush the sand dollars with water until they are clear of sand.Consider using a bristled brush to remove sand from cracks and fissures.Sturdy dollars may not stand up to vigorous brushing.Sand dollars should be placed in the sun for a few hours to dry.
Step 6: Tar can be removed from sand dollars.
Some beaches are known for their sticky black tar, which coats the rocks and the sand in feet.The sand dollar may not come clean if it is coated with tar.A paint scraper or knife can be used to remove tar coating.Don't cut yourself and be careful not to break the sand dollar.It is best to not use force with sand dollars.Use baby oil.Rub baby oil into the tar on the sand dollar.If you don't want to get tar on your fingers, use a tissue or the corner of an old dish towel.Rub the tar and baby oil at the same time.You can remove most of the tar from the sand dollar in a few minutes.Consider using any of the following tar softeners: olive oil, peanut butter, petroleum jelly, suntan lotion, and vegetable oil.Consider soaking the tar-covered shells in a bowl of pure tar if you want to add these softeners to the water.
Step 7: The sand dollars should be soaked in a bleach solution.
If you're having trouble cleaning your sand dollars with water alone, you may consider using bleach.Add equal amounts of water and bleach.Put your sand dollars in the solution.If you want to clean sand dollars, fill a baking tray with bleach-and-water solution.This will allow you to spread sand dollars evenly.There needs to be enough solution in the tray to cover the entire sand dollar.You can use a bowl, bucket, or Tupperware container.If you only want to clean one sand dollar, find a small bowl, lid, or container.You don't need much bleach to get the effect.If the sand dollars are left in too strong of a solution, the shell will begin to break and become soft.Reducing the bleach concentration will help you soak the shells for a longer period.When handling bleach, be careful.If you get bleach in your eyes, don't swallow the solution.After any contact with bleach, wash your hands with soap.
Step 8: It's a good idea to rinse after being bleached.
The sand dollars should be put into a bowl or tray of fresh water.After removing the sand dollar from the solution, the bleach may continue to destroy the shell.To remove dirt from the shell, rinse it thoroughly in fresh water.Leave the sand dollar out to dry if you're sure it's clean.It should be ready to decorate, display, or store within a few hours.Sand dollars will change over time, but you should be careful with them.
Step 9: The sand dollar could be strengthened with glue.
If you plan to use it for craft projects, or if you want to display it without fear of breaking it, this may be useful.Water and white craft glue should be mixed together.To cover the sand dollar with the mixture, use a sponge brush or a paintbrush.The glue solution will become a glaze when the shell is dry.Sand dollars will become more dry over time.Some of the shell's texture may be concealed by thicker glue.The sand dollar can be used or displayed once it's hardened and dried.You can give sand dollars as gifts, display them as they are, or paint or decorate them.