How to Clean Clams

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Clams can be a healthy and enjoyable part of a meal. Cleaning clams removes sand, salt, or other grit and is also important for food safety. By removing damaged clams, soaking, and scrubbing, you can clean clams in preparation for cooking.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing Bad Clams

1
Tap any clams that have open shells. You can use a countertop, spoon, or your finger to lightly tap the shell. Throw out any clams that do not close when tapped. This indicates they are dead and unsuitable for eating.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Throw away clams that are cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged. Damaged shells can allow bacteria to enter, making the clam unsafe to eat. This is also an indication that the clam may be dead.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Place the clams in a bowl of water. Remove any clams that float. Floating is a sign that the clam is dead. Toxins from dead clams can be transferred from the clam to you, even after cooking.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Soaking the Clams

1
Submerge the clams in a bowl of water. You can use saltwater or freshwater. Soaking methods differ depending on which type of water you choose. Saltwater is often considered to be the more effective method as it mimics the clams’ natural habitat for cleaning.
- To soak the clams in saltwater, mix 1/3-cup salt (100 grams) with 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water. Soak the clams for 30 minutes. Take the clams out by hand. Make another bowl of the saltwater mixture and soak the clams again. This process should be repeated 1-2 more times.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- For freshwater, submerge the clams in a bowl of cool water. It is fine to use tap water. Let the clams soak for 20 minutes to an hour. The clams will purge any salt, sand, or other grit naturally during this time.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
2
Add 2 tablespoons of cornmeal to the soaking water. This may help clean the grit from the clams while they are soaking. The cornmeal may alter the taste of the clams by making them slightly sweeter.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Remove the clams from the water with your hands. The debris from the clams will be at the bottom of the bowl, so do not use a strainer. Lifting them out by hand will prevent recontamination of the clams.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Scrub the clams with a sturdy brush. Rinse the clams under running water after you have finished brushing them. This will help remove any remaining grit or debris from the outside shell.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

How can I tell if my clams are edible?

Community Answer

When you rinse them in cold water, they should close. It they don't close, it means they are dead and must be disposed of. When you cook them, they will open up again. If they are not open when cooked, throw them away. Don't try to open them, it means they are not edible.
Question

I am cleaning the steamers and their necks are sticking out. Are the necks edible?

Community Answer

Yes, and in my opinion, that's the best part!
Question

Is there an efficient way to clean a large number of clams?

Community Answer

If you have them alive, you can put them in fresh, clean water that's pretty cold for about 30 minutes. When they breath, the live clams will filter out sand and salt water out of their systems. You can put multiple clams in a bucket of water to do this. However, if you are cleaning their shells, you have to scrub each one individually.

Warnings

Do not eat a clam that is still closed after it has been cooked. The clam may be dead and infected with bacteria. Avoid the risk of food poisoning and discard these clams.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
You should always cook clams immediately after you clean them to avoid any potential health risks.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2