How to Clean Dirty Coins at Home

Introduction

If you want to restore the lustre to your collection's dull and dusty coins, you'll be relieved to discover that there are numerous efficient household tricks for making them shine like new. Coins can collect layers of filth, grime, and tarnish over time, but many can be cleaned at home with basic household materials. However, it is essential to undertake this process with caution, especially if you are working with historical valuables. The cleaning technique for these expensive pieces is drastically different from that of more common coins since vigorous cleaning methods might reduce their worth. Understanding the proper procedures and ingredients to employ will guarantee that your coins, whether daily cash or rare treasures, are cleaned safely and properly, keeping their beauty and value.

Things to Consider

When it comes to cleaning the coins in your collection, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you do it safely and properly without reducing their worth. For coins that have gathered mild filth and grime, a simple soak in warm water coupled with a small amount of liquid dish detergent works wonderfully. After soaking, carefully wash each coin with a gentle toothbrush, rinse, and dry completely to avoid water marks. To remove tarnish from low-value coins, try home remedies such as baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice and salt, or even ketchup. Apply the solutions softly and scrape lightly to prevent scratching the coins.

For more tenacious tarnish, hydrogen peroxide or cola can be excellent soaking solutions, providing a deeper clean without the need for harsh scrubbing. Commercial cleaners created expressly for coinage are another alternative but should be used sparingly and with caution. However, when it comes to cleaning ancient or rare coins, practice extreme caution. These coins may have a higher value in their current form, but cleaning them might dramatically reduce their value. Before beginning any cleaning process, speak with a reputable coin grading service. They may advise you on whether or not to clean your valuable coins, ensuring the integrity and worth remain intact.

As discussed above as well, cleaning coins can be a delicate process, as improper cleaning can damage their value or historical significance. However, if you have coins that you believe are not valuable or historically significant and you want to clean them for aesthetic purposes, here are a few methods you can try at home:

Method 1

A mix of white distilled vinegar and baking soda works well for removing tarnish from coins, particularly ordinary pocket change. Here's how you can accomplish it:

Step 1: Soak the Coins

Dip the coins in white distilled vinegar and soak for around 30 seconds. This initial soak loosens some of the surface filth and prepares the coin for the baking soda's cleaning action.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

After soaking, take the coins one by one from the vinegar. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on each coin's surface. Baking soda works as a light abrasive, and when coupled with vinegar, it produces a bubble response. This process helps to loosen and take dirt and tarnish off the coin's surface.

Step 3: Scrub the Coins

With your fingertips, carefully massage baking soda into the face of each coin. This procedure helps to remove the residual dirt, filth, and tarnish. Be cautious with the coin to prevent scratching it more than necessary.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Finally, rinse all of your coins with clean, running water to remove any vinegar, baking soda, or loosened tarnish. Pat the coins dry with a soft cloth or paper towel, taking care not to harm the surface.

It's worth noting that while this procedure works well for cleaning typical pocket change, the abrasive nature of baking soda may leave small scratches on the coins' surfaces. As a result, this approach should be used with something other than rare or collector coins since it may reduce their value or ruin their patina. For such coins, get help from a competent coin grading agency on how to polish them without damaging their integrity or worth.

Method 2

To properly clean copper coins and remove tarnish and black marks, use a basic vinegar and salt solution. Start by dissolving 1 teaspoon (7 grams) of table salt in 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) of white distilled vinegar. Once the salt has completely dissolved, dunk your copper coins in the liquid and soak for around 5 minutes. This acidic solution works wonders by rapidly dissolving the copper oxide spots, which is considerably faster than simply soaking the coins in water.

Method 3

For coins with very resistant corrosion, a mixture of lemon juice and salt might be useful. Begin by lightly dusting table salt on the surface of each coin, then add a few drops of lemon juice to form a thick paste. The citric acid in lemon juice interacts with the tarnish, lifting it from the coin's surface. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub the faces of each coin with this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, using enough pressure to remove the tarnish without injuring the coin. After scrubbing, rinse all of the coins with lukewarm water to eliminate any lemon juice and salt residue. Finally, dry the coins completely with a soft cloth. While this procedure works well for removing severe tarnish, keep in mind that salt's abrasiveness may cause scratches. As a result, this procedure should be avoided while cleaning ancient or rare coins in order to preserve their original state.

Method 4

Consider employing a hydrogen peroxide soak to get rid of persistent tarnish. Fill a small basin with enough hydrogen peroxide to soak the coins completely. Place a few pennies in the bowl, making sure they are not piled on top of each other so that the solution may act efficiently on all surfaces. Allow them to soak for up to 24 hours. This provides the hydrogen peroxide enough time to react with the tarnish, loosening it and making it simpler to remove. After soaking, thoroughly rinse your coins under cold running water to remove any residual hydrogen peroxide and tarnish. Gently wipe the coins dry with a soft cloth, being careful not to touch them too hard and risk scratching. Aside from its capacity to eliminate tarnish, hydrogen peroxide also sterilizes and disinfects coins, making this procedure ideal for cleaning and sanitizing your collection at the same time.

Method 5

Coca-Cola's phosphoric acid component makes it an unusual yet excellent technique to clean coins. Begin by filling a small cup or bowl with any brand of cola, leaving enough liquid to submerge the coins you want to clean thoroughly. Place your coins in the cola and let them soak for at least 5 minutes. This soaking period allows the phosphoric acid to operate on the tarnish, breaking it down and removing it from the coin's surface. After soaking, take the coins from the cola and thoroughly rinse them to eliminate any remaining sticky residue. To clean and restore the sheen to your coins, gently massage the surface with a paper towel. This procedure is quite effective, yet soft enough not to damage the coins. However, like with other cleaning processes, this approach should be used with caution on ancient or collector coins to protect their integrity and value.

Method 6

Because of its acidic properties, ketchup may be used as an excellent cleaning agent for coins. To use this approach, spread a substantial amount of ketchup over the surface of each coin, ensuring complete coverage. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently massage the ketchup into the coin, cleaning each side for about 1 to 2 minutes. This procedure allows the acids in ketchup, including vinegar and tomato acid, to interact with and help remove the tarnish, making it an effective cleaner for both silver and copper coins. After washing, carefully rinse the coins under running water to remove the ketchup and any loose tarnish. This procedure is especially handy for individuals seeking a conveniently available and non-toxic cleaning solution. However, as with any cleaning procedures that use abrasive or acidic ingredients, please proceed with caution and avoid using this approach on very expensive or collector coins in order to retain their original condition and worth.

Method 7

Dipping highly tarnished coins in an industrial cleaning solution might be an effective final resort. These professional cleaners are particularly designed to remove difficult tarnish, but they are also highly acidic and strong, demanding caution. Before applying such a solution, wear latex gloves and safety glasses to protect your skin and eyes from accidental spills or contact. When you're ready to clean your coins, grasp one at a time between your fingers and soak it in the cleaning solution for around 5 seconds. This brief immersion allows the acidic cleaner to operate on the coin's surface, removing filth and tarnish without exposing the coin to long-term harm. After taking the coin from the solution, immediately rinse it well with clean water to eliminate any remaining cleanser. This process efficiently restores the sheen to your coins, making them appear virtually new. However, because of the abrasive nature of commercial cleaners, this procedure should only be used on coins where historical value is not an issue since cleaning may alter the coin's patina or surface in ways that collectors may not want.

Method 8

Step 1

Rinse your coins gently with cold running water. Begin by immersing each coin in a stream of cold water for approximately 1 minute on each side. Gently massage the coin's surface with your fingertips while it is submerged in water. This gentle contact, together with flowing water, helps to loosen and wash away some of the surface filth and grime without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive products that might harm the coin. After rinsing, gently set the coins on a soft towel to dry, ensuring that they are laid flat rather than piled on top of each other to allow air to flow and water to evaporate.

It's a good idea to block your sink before beginning the cleaning procedure, especially when dealing with ancient or potentially precious coins. This easy procedure can prevent a potentially heartbreaking mishap with a penny falling down the toilet. Rinsing coins under running water is a safe and non-invasive procedure for basic cleaning. It makes it appropriate for all sorts of coins, including collectibles and historical coins, because it retains their integrity while eliminating loose pollutants.

Step 2

A soapy water solution will successfully remove dirt and grime from your coins, providing a more thorough yet gentle cleaning. Begin by pouring a small basin of warm water directly from the faucet, making sure it is not too hot to avoid damaging the coins. Add a spray of dish soap to the water and gently whisk to combine, yielding a mild soapy solution. Submerge each penny in the soapy water one at a time, ensuring that it is well coated. Rub your thumb and index finger lightly over the surface of the immersed coin, exerting moderate pressure to assist the soap in penetrating and breaking up any accumulated dirt or grit.

If the dirt or filth does not come off readily, immerse the coin in the soapy solution for 5 minutes before attempting to clean it again. This soaking period may help loosen more persistent deposits, making them simpler to remove with gentle rubbing. Soapy water is a good approach for cleaning coins since it effectively removes surface impurities while minimizing the danger of damage or scratches. This method is appropriate for a wide range of coins, including those with emotional or collecting value, because it cleans well while maintaining the coin's integrity.

Step 3

For an even deeper clean, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a paper towel to remove more stubborn debris or buildup off your coins while keeping them submerged in the soapy water solution. Brush the face and edges of each coin gently with a toothbrush or a paper towel, exerting just enough pressure to remove the filth without damaging the surface. This technique may take a few minutes per coin to restore its luster, but patience is essential to avoid further damage. To guarantee a thorough cleaning, rinse the coin with clean water every 30 seconds or so to remove any loose debris and check for missing areas. After washing, give the coin a last rinse to remove any leftover soap. For coins with elaborate patterns or tight spots where dirt accumulates, use the end of a toothpick to dislodge the accumulation gently. The toothpick can reach regions that are difficult to clean with a brush or cloth, but it should be handled with care to prevent scratching the coins.

It's worth noting that while a soft-bristled toothbrush can be useful for cleaning common coins, it may not be appropriate for collecting ancient coins. Even when soft, the bristles can produce small scratches on the coin, reducing its value and aesthetic appeal. For these more precious items, cleaning should be limited to a light rubbing with soapy water using your fingertips. This procedure reduces the possibility of harm and preserves the coin's historical and monetary worth.

Step 4

After cleaning, it is critical to thoroughly dry your coins to avoid moisture-related damage, such as corrosion or metal wear, over time. Gently pat each cent dry with a lint-free towel, a preferred material because of its softness and non-abrasive properties, ensuring that you absorb all moisture without scratching the coin's surface. This procedure is especially significant since it helps to prevent the formation of micro-scratches, which may develop if the coins are violently cleaned or rubbed with the towel. Even if the scratches are little and appear minor, they can mount over time, causing the coin's polish to dull or the design to lose detail. Ensuring that each coin is totally dry and handling them with care during the drying process maintains their condition and beauty, allowing them to remain beautiful for years. This step is easy yet necessary in the coin cleaning procedure, especially for pieces of collecting or emotional value.

Conclusion

Cleaning dirty coins at home can be an engaging activity, restoring their luster and beauty. However, it's crucial to proceed with caution, especially when dealing with valuable or historically significant coins. Understanding the proper methods and materials to use ensures that your coins are cleaned safely and effectively, maintaining their integrity and value.

Various household items, such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and even cola, can be effective in removing dirt, grime, and tarnish from coins. However, it's essential to choose the appropriate method based on the type and condition of the coins you're cleaning. For common pocket change or less valuable coins, gentle methods like warm, soapy water or vinegar and baking soda solutions can work well. For more stubborn tarnishes, hydrogen peroxide or commercial coin cleaning products may be necessary, but use them sparingly and with caution.

When dealing with rare or collectible coins, seek advice from a reputable coin grading service before attempting to clean them. Cleaning these coins improperly can significantly reduce their value or damage their historical significance. If cleaning is advised, opt for gentle methods like rinsing with water or using a soft-bristled toothbrush without abrasive substances.

After cleaning, ensure that the coins are thoroughly dried to prevent moisture-related damage. Pat them dry gently with a lint-free cloth to avoid scratching the surface.

By following these steps and considering the specific needs of your coins, you can effectively clean them at home while preserving their beauty and value for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, seek professional advice to ensure the proper care of your coin collection.