Cleaning clams properly is important to ensure that they are safe to eat and that they taste their best. Here's how to clean clams for Italian Baked Stuffed Clams Recipe (Oreganata): Rinse the clams: Place them in a large bowl of cold water and gently swirl them around to remove any sand or grit on the shells. Drain the water and repeat this process a few times until the water is clear. Scrub the shells: Use a scrub brush to gently scrub the shells of the clams under cold running water. This will remove any dirt, debris, or barnacles that may be on the shells. Discard any clams that are open: If any of the clams are open, tap them gently on the counter. If they don't close, discard them, as they are likely dead and may not be safe to eat. Store the cleaned clams: Once the clams are cleaned and checked, place them in a clean bowl, cover them with a damp towel, and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. It's important to clean the clams before using them to ensure they are as fresh as possible. By following these steps, you can ensure that your clams are clean, safe, and delicious.