You can clean as many pennies you want with a single pencil eraser. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It only requires rubbing the penny with a pencil eraser. This article has been viewed 60,522 times. Dont use steel wool or abrasive chemicals to clean your penny, as this could damage the metal. What are ultrasonic cleaners when it comes to cleaning copper coins? Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Which is correct poinsettia or poinsettia? Dish soap is another good cleaning method and is very gentle. Any attempt at cleaning a coin can reduce its value. Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean pennies and other copper coins, as well as other metals. Use a soft cloth to rub the paste on the surface of the copper. Dissolve 1 tsp (7 g) of table salt in a bowl with of white distilled vinegar. Do not clean these valuable pennies on your own, and if you do, only use distilled water. To clean using this method, place your coins in a small plastic container, fill with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover, and soak for 24 hours. While you're grasping the coin firmly by its edges, use a clean toothbrush to lightly scrub the flat surfaces of the coin. Dab some yellow mustard onto a cotton ball or soft cloth and rub firmly over the entire surface of the coin until it starts turning darker than usualthis means that its working! wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Pennies are normally made of copper, which is a shiny, bright metal, and more recently Zinc. Allow the coins to air-dry on a microfiber or cotton towel. Ketchup is composed of vinegar, salt, and tomatoes. Start adding your pennies into the solution, but dont throw everything inside at once. Use Water Sometimes the simplest methods are best. In fact, it works so well that, like the other coin cleaning brews mentioned here, it can completely strip away the original patina and obliterate the value of the coin. Many professional coin collectors and coin valuers recommend leaving the coins as they are. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Of course, there are other ways to clean corroded pennies. You will want to use a soft-bristled brush, one that has been well worn in as well as a soft cloth. This method and those that follow are going to be for everyday coins. You must remember to use these at your discretion. Overall, cleaning a copper penny is not that difficult most of the time, and any of the methods listed above will be sure to get the job done right. For some of us, they just collect in a container until they are used or traded in. Soak them in vinegar or ketchup: If youve ever used ketchup on your penny, then you know that it can clean it up pretty quicklyand with very little effort on your part at all! It does not store any personal data. If you are keeping them or do not care if they are damaged, you can use methods like vinegar, peroxide, baking soda, mouthwash or even, dare I say, ketchup! Drop the pennies into the mixture for about 5 minutes. These became known as Lincon wheat pennies. It might even be a good idea to stay away from even hiring a professional service to clean them for you. Get a corrosive resistant container, such as a glass, and soak your wheat pennies in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. One of the main reasons for pennies becoming dirty is their continual circulation among people. Because the effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, this allows one to get creative with the contrasting features of the coin itself with your choice of different colored copper. Finally, dry your coins with a microfiber cloth to get rid of excess moisture. Mix cup vinegar with 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl that is non-metallic. Easy & Effective Ways to Clean Dirty Coins at Home, 10+ Ways to Clean Your Clipper Blades like a Pro Barber. How to Clean Corroded Pennies Safely and Effectively, How to Clean Gold Jewelry With Vinegar Without Any Damage, How to Clean Wheat Pennies Safely and Without Damage. If you use the right materials and carry out the process in a gentle manner, you can get the best of both worlds a set of cleaned shiny pennies that are also not damaged. Ketchup. When you handle your coins, wear cotton, Nitrile, or latex gloves, and handle the coin only by the edges. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Coins / February 17, 2021 by Walt / Leave a Comment. Nearly all metal detectors will be able to find coins in the right conditions. Soak your penny in the vinegar for a minimum of 30 minutes. They may damage the surface of the wheat penny and devalue them. If you dont have vinegar, lemon juice should work just fine. It has 3 search coil options, all are waterproof. EBay, one of the most popular online auction sites, charges a 10 percent fee plus listing fees. Numismatists and some coin collector organizations may offer these services. There will be times when you think your coin is clean, only to discover later that its still dirty. Step 3 Now put those pennies into the bowl containing the mixture of vinegar and salt. Since all alcohol is neutral (having neither acidic or alkaline charges) it will only remove ceraint oil base soils. Water is less abrasive than other cleaning methods and should clean most of the dirt and debris off your wheat pennies. Place the coins in a plastic container and cover with mouthwash. Step 4 Now take out the pennies from that mixture, and wash them in water. Last Updated: October 27, 2022 In many cases, cleaning a coin can lower the value of the coin as a collectors item. On average, a quarter-cup should be adequate. Wed love to hear from our readers! In fact, there are a lot of people who may suggest that using vinegar will hurt the integrity of your penny by making it tarnish. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Rinse your pennies well with water; otherwise, if any of these cleaning agents remain on the coin, the coin will turn blue-green. In fact, 99% of coins do not increase in value after you clean them. Method 1 Removing Dark Spots with Vinegar Download Article 1 Pour 14 cup (59 mL) of white vinegar into a small bowl. Plain tap water is a good options, if you know your water is not corrosive or hard. As for what is best to add and enhance the cleaning action, I'm not sure. You can also try using a damp cloth with baking soda, which will help loosen any stuck-on dirt without damaging the coins surface. The aluminum foil is key to the reaction which removes the tarnish. Other Ways To Clean Copper Coins Without Damaging Them 1. Soak your coins in a glass or other non-corrosive container for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight, and then wipe with a clean cloth or scrub gently with an old toothbrush. These coins range in value from a few cents to a small fortune, if you, Read More How to Clean Wheat Pennies Safely and Without DamageContinue, ABOUT|AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE|PRIVACY POLICY|TERMS OF USE. Microwaving 2 cups of water for 2-3 minutes should suffice and avoid boiling water. After 24 hours of drying time (72 hours if you live in humid conditions), use a soft cloth like an old T-shirt or washcloth to buff up all sides of your penny until it has regained most of its original shine! If you want to go with something that is both inexpensive and likely already in your home, olive oil is the right choice. After a good shake, take the coins out and rinse them off. When you clean via any method, you are clearing off small parts of the penny surface along with the corrosion, so a slight change in the appearance of the pennies is actually inevitable. If this does not bother, you and you simply want to restore the coin for yourself you can use a baking soda paste. If you dont have ketchup or another acid, try using a metal polish from a general store. ", "It is so amazing, the power of baking soda and vinegar.". To clean softer or more valuable coins, your best bet is to lightly rinse them in warm water, then pat them dry with a microfiber cloth. These were 95 percent copper and 5 percent zing. If you are not worried about damaging the coins as much, you can continue down the list and use some of the more abrasive cleaning methods. By using our site, you agree to our. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Place your pennies in the vinegar or the lemon juice. So, in this article, Im going to explain to you exactly how to clean wheat pennies safely and effectively! You can use lemon juice to clean copper pennies, but youll want to work in a well-ventilated area when you do. With this simple technique, anyone can get their penny as clean as it once was. Mix it together and add the coins into the bowl. You might have to use multiple methods or go back and forth between methods until you find the one that works best for you. For coins that dont have collectible value, you can use sand, olive oil, and even isopropyl alcohol to get the job done. This article has been viewed 438,144 times. The best way to clean pennies is to never ever clean them. You can clean a dug copper coin by removing layers of dirt, gently, with a toothpick, piece of wood, or your fingernail until getting down to the patina. As a result, the shiny bright metal develops an external layer having a dull green color. A common ingredient in DIY eco-friendly cleaners, the acetic acid in white vinegar can help wear away the contamination on your coins. When you have them totally clean, let them air dry and enjoy the bright sheen that your pennies have. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. They include: Fresh lemon juice Salt White vinegar A toothbrush Baking soda A small container A paper towel. They will, in fact, devalue. Make sure to use small, circular motions. Soak your pennies for five minutes in vinegar to dissolve any copper oxide left on them from handling before you start scrubbing them with toothpaste or soap. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. If they look clean enough, use a soft cloth to dry them. Cleaning these will absolutely devalue them if they are not cleaned properlyso just be mindful of this. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. If needed, use a soft towel or soft-bristled brush to scrub the coin. Test the ketchup on a small area of your penny first before applying it in more generous amounts. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Please do not clean collector coins, I don not take responsibly of any damage done. Anyone can use this simple technique. Minelab CTX 3030 Review, on How to Clean a Copper Penny:10 Tips and Advices. The soap should help keep the coin safe while you gently scrub it. Take them out, setting them on the cloth. 5 How do you remove green corrosion from copper coins? You can use your finger or an exceptionally fine brush to remove any stuck-on dirt. There are a variety of cleaning methods for wheat pennies. You can always put them on other websites like Facebook market, but you may not reach the intended audience with that forum. Put your solution and a small bit of sand into a watertight jar. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. If it doesnt work for you, or somehow has hurt or damaged the penny in your eyes, stop using this method and find one you feel is a bit better. Different types of coins require different cleaning solutions, so ask an expert if you are not sure. Check back on them every few minutes, especially if you use a highly acidic substance like cola, to avoid damaging them. There is no way to clean a coin without damaging its collectible value, even wiping with a cloth causes scratches that reduce the value in the eyes of professional collectors. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Pull the coins out of the liquid and gently wipe them with a paper towel to break apart the tarnish and dark spots. The vinegar poured into that bowl should be enough to cover those pennies. We hope you enjoy these tips and find the one that works best for you! Place the quarter you want to clean into a small plastic bowl. There is something so magical and intriguing about looking through coins from the past. If your penny is really important to you. If they're extra dirty or if you're cleaning a lot simultaneously, give them a few more minutes for good measure. Be gentle: A penny is a delicate coin and you dont want to scratch it up in the process of cleaning it. This, Read More How to Clean Corroded Pennies Safely and EffectivelyContinue, If youve ever discovered gold jewelry in the woods or beach before, then you likely stumbled upon jewelry that was quite dirty and in need, Read More How to Clean Gold Jewelry With Vinegar Without Any DamageContinue, ABOUT|AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE|PRIVACY POLICY|TERMS OF USE. The level of water in the container should determine when you stop adding pennies into it because they must all get totally submerged into the solution for this process to work. After WWII, the original metal composition was reinstituted and reigned until the wheat penny retired. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. This could mean going into tight corners with cotton swabs dipped in diluted vinegar solution or water; however, if there are no crevices left untouched by this step then this is generally enough for most coins because they wont have been exposed much during wear-and-tear over time anyway (if at all). If your pennies still dont get clean after the fifth step, you can mix baking soda with a tablespoon of water, then use an old soft toothbrush to gently scrub the surface. 6 Can hydrogen peroxide be used to clean coins? Instead, use a soft cloth and a gentle detergent (like dish soap) to clean it. Give them about five minutes to sit, though you can go for another five if they are not quite as bright as you had hoped. Baking Soda And Vinegar Great For Science Fair Volcanoes But Not For Enhancing Your Coins Value. Start with a mixture of warm, soapy water when cleaning silver coins. Clean copper coins in a vinegar and salt solution. In that event, you would want to avoid anything highly abrasive that could damage the surface of the coin. The concept is the same as white vinegar and salt. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Youll be surprised at what works and what doesnt! Mix your hand soap in with the water, creating a soapy mixture. As you will come to find out, there are different methods for cleaning different types of coins. If you dont have vinegar on hand, filtered tap or distilled water can be used as a substitute. It is very gentle and can help reveal details on the coin surface you may not be able to see. To clean a copper penny, squeeze out a small amount of tomato ketchup onto the face and back of the coin. Thats not necessarily to say the material so much as the purpose of the coin. They were initially made of bronze, a 95 percent copper alloy. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Use your soft cloth to dry them off gently in order to prevent any scratching. Where I live, we have acidic and hard water. In this article well take a look at the top 10 tips for cleaning a copper penny. Remember, you dont want to use anything that has abrasive qualities to them because they can scratch the coins. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. "What stood out was that very common household ingredients were used.". Gentle dish soap, like Dawn, is a good option for getting those wheat pennies shining again. Rinse off the ketchup and inspect the condition of your coins. Dip one penny halfway into the liquid. Try not to rub the coin too much with your fingers or the dirt, silt, and other residue on the surface can damage the coin. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Scrub low-value coins with baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice and salt, or ketchup to break apart tarnish. The amount of vinegar used to clean the pennies depends on the number of coins you wish to clean. How do I choose between my boyfriend and my best friend? In fact, I use dish soap to clean my wedding ring, necklaces, and other jewelry. Clearing away the dirt now makes the coin look clearer once you add the oil to it. The composition of the coin, the condition of the coin, and the year of the coin all affect its value. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. This step is basically you leaving the pennies to soak inside the salt and lemon juice solution for 15 minutes. Have them professionally cleaned or sell them as is. Abrasive cleaning, using a brush and an acid or alcohol solution, can leave the coin with hair lines and discrepancies in the metal that may only be seen under the right lighting and magnification. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The key is to first know what kind of coin you have. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. You must be gentle. How to clean a copper penny? SALT AND VINEGAR EXPERIMENTPulire le monete di rame in 1 minuto con sale e acetoMusic:"Fluffing a Duck" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creati. They include: As you can see, these materials are very cheap and easy to find anywhere. Listerine and other antiseptic mouthwashes can clean dirt, oil, and debris from old coins. There are chemicals within the tap water that can erode the coins over time. The Garrett Ace Apex is one of my favorite metal detectors for coin shooting. Grab some past with your thumb and forefinger, rubbing it gently onto both sides of the penny. How to clean copper pennies using vinegar and baking soda. Simply hold your copper penny by its edges between your thumb and forefinger, then dip its entire surface into a small bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Even more importantly, understand how the condition impacts the value. Even if they appear corroded and lacking shine or have a tarnish on them. They can eliminate or reduce the effects of outside contaminates that have caused issues with your coins. So my suggestion would be to take a random corroded penny that you dont care about, and try this cleaning method. Let us move on to how to clean wheat pennies you intend to keep or sell yourself without any type of professional grading service. As a general rule, make the paste at a ratio of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Once youve removed the coin from the coke, gently rinse it under cold running water. Soak your pennies for five minutes in vinegar to dissolve any copper oxide . For coins that are not terribly valuable, you can clean them yourself with little to no worry. Rinse off excess mustard under running water until all traces are removed from both sides before allowing them dry completely upside down so they wont lose any color fading away while drying out naturally overnight.. If there are still some stubborn stains on your pennies after rinsing them with water, try using baking soda next time instead; this should help get rid of those stainsand if not then maybe some hand lotion would help soften up those stubborn spots too! By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Remember to not use tap water because the chemicals are bad for the coins. Rinse the baking soda off with fresh water. AspenCleans glass cleaner was voted Parents Green Pick 2020 by readers of the Parents magazine. For a safer way to remove stubborn debris and make a coin shine, rub it gently with a little bit of vegetable oil. Maintain your coins in great condition through proper care, handling and storage. Mix in extra salt if you wish, but keep a close eye on the coins to avoid damaging them. They are too harsh and abrasive to clean wheat pennies with. Anyone can use this simple technique. Use a stronger acid like ketchup or cola to strip away the green patina that forms when copper is exposed to salt and water. You can also find protective books which have individual sleeves for each coin. Pencil Eraser for Cleaning Pennies. All items are affected by the passage of time, and coins are no different. There are many options for selling wheat pennies. Before you do anything, do your research to know the value of the coin. With wheat pennies, you will want to fill a small dish with fresh water and some dish soap. This detector uses 5 frequencies simultaneously or it can use them individually. Garret ACE 400 Review For tips on how to shine your coins with baking soda, read on! Its also an effective way to remove oxidation from copper and make sure that there are no stains left behind. Here are a few different methods that you can use to get those pennies clean. This natural acid can be used to clean coins, pots and pans, and more. Aluminum Foil Any aluminum foil will do, what you have laying around in your kitchen will work great. Fill up two plastic containers with distilled water and a tablespoon of mild hand soap. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 60,522 times. When a coin is submitted to be examined by the experts at PCGS, signs of cleaning can be evident in many ways. The best method for achieving that is with salt and vinegar. Exposure to air leads to the formation of copper oxide. In 1909, a new design featuring President Abraham Lincon was introduced. You may not see these changes with your naked eyes if you clean carefully, but they are there. Some of these have relatively sound science behind them, but they should be used at your own risk. If the water is not enough, continue down the list and use dish soap. If it's a very thin coin, don't clean it as the vinegar can scorch through it. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If the quarter is clean, rinse it off with distilled water. Cool the copper: Leave the copper item in the solution until it is cool to the touch. Something like a penny for example. Take them out, setting them on the cloth. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The effect is achieved only where the mixture has been in contact with the coin, so ensure you cover the entire coin! Keep your coins in a stable, cool, dry location. Removing the copper oxide by cleaning will give your penny a brand-new look.