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HOW TO CLEAN AND PRESERVE ACORNS For CRAFTS AND DECOR

In this blog post, I will discuss the easiest way how to clean and preserve acorns for crafts and decor. I will share the best way to get rid of the signs of insects, the easiest way to clean dirt, and baking them on a cookie sheet. Searching for acorns and pine cones is a great activity for the whole family and is fun for little kids. Note: This blog post has been updated with information and images.
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
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Yield: 100 acorns
Cost: 5

Equipment

  • 1 small amount of dish soap
  • 1 sink or large bowl filled with warm soapy water
  • 1 baking pan or cookie sheet
  • 4 pieces of paper towel
  • 1 can of clear acrylic sealer optional
  • 1 oven set at 200 dgrees f.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Good Starting Point for Crafts: Easy Way to Clean Acorns for Decor
    After collecting the desired amount of acorns one of the best practices is to soak them in warm soapy water. This is the easiest way to clean dirt off acorns and any signs of little bugs.
    Fill your kitchen sink, utility sink, a large bowl, or large buckets with warm soapy water. Soak acorns for 30 minutes. 
    I have also heard of using a half cup of a half cup of vinegar but this is the most popular method and easy way to clean dirt from acorns. We have done this process many times and it works like a charm.
    As an example of my love for nature and natural elements here’s a project that’s easy and you may enjoy.
    Cindy's Acorn Tip: I have collected acorns still attached to small branches from trees. Remove the leaves before soaking them. If they are higher up use a long pole or branch. This will help with acorn removal if they are still attached to a branch.  Bake these too, as you’ll see in the pictures is another gift from nature and perfect for seasonal decor.
  • Step 2: Most Popular Method: Drying and Preserving Ascorns for Long-Lasting Decor
    Begin the drying process and lay the acorns in a single layer. Bake them for 2-3 hours leaving with the oven door closed. Doing this removes all the moisture and does a great job of getting rid of any signs of insects using the most popular method.
    Some suggest lining the baking sheet with foil because of sap. In all the years we have been preserving acorns we have never had an issue. Some turn the acorns over halfway through the drying process however I don’t and they are perfect every time. I have an overabundance of acorns and use them in different ways for seasonal decor. After the timer goes off remove them from the oven and allow them to cool. Add a coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect them and use them for crafts or decor for a long time.
    Cindy's Acorn Tip: I use a matte sealer Mod Podge sells a great sealer to keep these looking as natural as possible.
  • Step 3: Seal Acorns With This Simple Tip for Lasting Beauty
    Add a coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect them and use them for crafts or decor for a long time.
    Cindy's Acorn Tip: I use a matte sealer Mod Podge sells a great sealer to keep these looking as natural as possible.
  • Step 4: How to Store A Bunch Of Acorns Year After Year
    The best practice for storing a lot of acorns:
    Use plastic bags or an airtight plastic container. Make sure to store these in a dark dry space. ​The basement or closet are the best ideas.

Notes

 

How to Clean Preserve Acorns for Crafts and Decor

 

Supplies Needed:

    • dish soap
    • warm water
    • sink or large bucket or large bowl
    • paper towel or towel
    • clear acrylic sealer

Equipment Needed:

    • cookie sheet or baking sheet
    • oven set at 200 degrees f
    • nylon brush or old toothbrush (optional)
 
Step 1: Good Starting Point for Crafts: Easy Way to Clean Acorns for Decor
After collecting the desired amount of acorns one of the best practices is to soak them in warm soapy water. This is the easiest way to clean dirt off acorns and any signs of little bugs.
Fill your kitchen sink, utility sink, a large bowl, or large buckets with warm soapy water. Soak acorns for 30 minutes. 
I have also heard of using a half cup of a half cup of vinegar but this is the most popular method and easy way to clean dirt from acorns. We have done this process many times and it works like a charm.
As an example of my love for nature and natural elements here’s a project that’s easy and you may enjoy.
Cindy's Acorn Tip: I have collected acorns still attached to small branches from trees. Remove the leaves before soaking them. If they are higher up use a long pole or branch. This will help with acorn removal if they are still attached to a branch.  Bake these too, as you’ll see in the pictures is another gift from nature and perfect for seasonal decor.
 
soaking-in-soap
 
Step 2: Most Popular Method: Drying and Preserving Ascorns for Long-Lasting Decor
Begin the drying process and lay the acorns in a single layer. Bake them for 2-3 hours leaving with the oven door closed. Doing this removes all the moisture and does a great job of getting rid of any signs of insects using the most popular method.
Some suggest lining the baking sheet with foil because of sap. In all the years we have been preserving acorns we have never had an issue. Some turn the acorns over halfway through the drying process however I don’t and they are perfect every time. I have an overabundance of acorns and use them in different ways for seasonal decor. After the timer goes off remove them from the oven and allow them to cool. Add a coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect them and use them for crafts or decor for a long time.
Cindy's Acorn Tip: I use a matte sealer Mod Podge sells a great sealer to keep these looking as natural as possible.
close-up-of-them-wet-from-soap-and-water
acorns-close-up-before-they-go-in-the-oven

 

  • Step 3: Seal Acorns With This Simple Tip for Lasting Beauty
     
    Add a coat of clear acrylic sealer to protect them and use them for crafts or decor for a long time.
     
    Cindy's Acorn Tip: I use a matte sealer Mod Podge sells a great sealer to keep these looking as natural as possible.
close-up-sticks-and-caps-after-baking

 

Step 4: How to Store A Bunch Of Acorns Year After Year
The best practice for storing a lot of acorns:
Use plastic bags or an airtight plastic container. Make sure to store these in a dark dry space. ​The basement or closet are the best ideas.
how-to-clean-and-preserve-acorns-after-baking
closer-look-at-caps-and-sticks-displayed-in-a-pitcher
Check the additional information in this blog post. It may seem tedious, however, I shared important information regarding acorns. This will help you achieve the acorns for years!