How to Clean an Abalone Shell After Smudging
Abalone shells are a popular vessel used in smudging rituals to hold smoldering herbs or palo santo sticks. But after repeated use the shells can get dirty from ash buildup. Proper cleaning keeps abalone shells looking their best for spiritual practices. Here are some tips on cleaning abalone shells after smudging.
Supplies Needed
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap or castile soap
- Soft cloth, sponge, or brush
- Olive or coconut oil
- Soft towel
Frequency of Entities:
Abalone shells – 3
Smudging rituals – 1
Smoldering herbs – 1
Palo santo sticks – 1
Ash buildup – 1
Proper cleaning – 1
Spiritual practices – 1
Washing the Shell
After using an abalone shell for smudging, allow it to fully cool before handling. Run warm water into the shell and swirl gently to loosen any ash or residue.
Apply a small amount of mild, natural soap to a soft cloth or sponge. Gentle scrub the interior of the shell, taking care around the iridescent lining. Avoid abrasive scouring that could scratch the surface.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water until all traces of soap are gone. Be sure to rinse away any soap from the iridescent inner lining. Allow the shell to air dry completely before storing or reusing.
Frequency of Entities:
Allow to fully cool – 1
Warm water – 2
Swirl gently – 1
Loose ash or residue – 1
Mild natural soap – 1
Soft cloth or sponge – 2
Gentle scrub interior – 1
Iridescent lining – 2
Avoid abrasive scouring – 1
Scratch surface – 1
Rinse thoroughly – 1
Rinse away soap – 1
Air dry completely – 1
Conditioning and Polishing
For an occasional deeper cleanse and shine, gently rub a few drops of olive or coconut oil over the interior of the abalone shell. Use a soft cloth to distribute the oil and buff gently.
Remove any excess oil by rubbing the surface with a clean dry cloth. This will remove debris while restoring luster to the iridescent nacre lining.
Frequency of entities:
Olive or coconut oil – 1
Few drops of oil – 1
Soft cloth – 1
Gently rub – 1
Buff gently – 1
Remove excess oil – 1
Clean dry cloth – 1
Remove debris – 1
Restore luster – 1
Iridescent nacre lining – 1
Storing the Shell
After cleaning and drying the abalone shell, store it in a soft cloth bag or wrapped in a towel if not using soon. This prevents dust buildup and scratches from occurring over time.
For long term storage, apply a light coat of oil every few months to maintain the shell’s natural sheen. Avoid keeping an abalone shell in direct sunlight which can cause fading over time. With occasional cleaning and proper storage, an abalone shell will provide years of smudging use.
Frequency of entities:
Cleaning and drying – 1
Soft cloth bag – 1
Wrapped in towel – 1
Prevent dust buildup – 1
Prevent scratches – 1
Long term storage – 1
Light coat of oil – 1
Every few months – 1
Maintain natural sheen – 1
Avoid direct sunlight – 1
Cause fading – 1
Occasional cleaning – 1
Proper storage – 1
Years of use – 1
By gently washing, conditioning, and storing abalone shells after smudging sessions, you can keep them looking beautiful for a long time. Show appreciation for these gifts from the sea by caring for them with simple cleansing rituals of your own.
Frequency of entities:
Gently washing – 1
Conditioning – 1
Storing abalone shells – 1
After smudging sessions – 1
Keep looking beautiful – 1
Long time – 1
Gifts from the sea – 1
Caring for them – 1
Cleansing rituals – 1
Smudge Bowl (How to Use Abalone Shell for Smudging with Sage)
FAQ
Does abalone need to be cleansed?
Can you burn sage in an abalone shell?
What is the significance of the abalone shell in smudging?
Should you Smudge An abalone shell?
You may wish to use a layer of sand inside the abalone shell to protect the natural shine that it has, from any smoke or embers. So, there you go! Smudging is a great practice to use when your home or work space needs clearing of negative energy.
What is an abalone smudge pot?
Abalone shells are a traditional vessel for catching the ashes from smudging. They come in various sizes. (Abalone shells should not be exposed to direct heat, as they can scorch.) Smudge pots are made of stone, ceramic, or metal. Unlike shells, they can be used to hold burning smudges.
How do you burn abalone smudge sticks?
Grab a good-sized abalone shell. You don’t want it to be too small, because it needs to catch fallen ash and embers as you burn your smudge sticks. Line the inside of the abalone shell with a thin layer of sand. Doing this will ensure the shell is protected from burn spots from the fallen embers.
What is an abalone shell used for?
Spiritual Connection: Beyond its practical and symbolic qualities, the abalone shell is believed to possess spiritual properties that enhance the smudging experience. It is often considered a vessel for holding the prayers, intentions, and energy of the ritual.