Coins are objects that we are constantly exposed to in different places without knowing if they are clean or not. In addition, its passage through so many hands causes the coins to end up getting dirty, deteriorated, or oxidized, something that is accentuated with time.
Carrying out cleaning of these objects is not something we do regularly. However, it can be beneficial if you want to disinfect all your belongings or, of course, if you are passionate about numismatics. Therefore, in the following oneHOWTO article, we explain how to clean old coins and make them shiny.
How to clean old and rusty coins
If you want to learn how to clean old coins because you are passionate about numismatics, the first thing to remember is that experts recommend not cleaning high-value coins often, as they could devalue them.
Still, want your old coins to look shiny again? If the answer is yes, prepare a glass of vinegar (enough to cover the cash), a dry cloth, and a teaspoon of salt. When you have everything ready, follow this step by step:
- Before you start, put the dirty coins under the tap to remove the most superficial dirt with cold water.
- Add a teaspoon of salt into the glass of vinegar and mix well.
- Dip any rusty (reddish) and dirty coins into the glass.
- Wait a minimum of 30 minutes before removing the coins from the glass.
- Rewash the coins with lukewarm water and, finally, dry them with a dry cloth without rubbing too hard.
If you wonder how to clean rusty coins, you should know that vinegar is an infallible product since the tone that old money takes can only be fought with an acid such as vinegar. This acetic acid attacks the oxide directly, while the salt enhances its properties and makes them act much faster.
If you do not have salt or prefer to clean your coins more safely, soak them in vinegar and let them soak for a minimum of 4 hours. The process will be slower, but your money will be just as shiny.
How to clean copper coins
Vinegar is also a good solution if you are wondering how to clean copper coins. However, there are several more effective tricks to thoroughly remove dirt from these coins and get them to shine again. You will only need a dry cloth and alcohol and ammonia in equal parts for the first trick. Follow this step by step:
- Mix both products in a small container.
- Wet the tip of a completely dry cloth, then gently scrub the coin.
- Rub gently until the coin glows again.
- Finally, rinse the coin with warm water.
If you do not have any of these products, you will love the following trick because you will only need an old toothbrush (or a nail brush) and ketchup. This ingredient is a very powerful acidic for cleaning metal surfaces, so you only have to put it on your brush and rub the coin for a few minutes before rinsing it with water.
If you want to discover more helpful information about How to clean copper objects, we advise you to look at this other article.
How to cleans silver coins
These coins are usually obvious and shiny, so if you are wondering how to clean silver coins, it is best to use a method based on lemon and baking soda. The ingredients that you will have to prepare are:
- The juice of half a lemon
- A toothbrush that you no longer use
- One teaspoon of baking soda
- Hot water
- A toothpick
Once you have everything ready, follow this step by step:
- Before starting, we recommend washing the coins with hot tap water.
- Next, use a toothpick to remove dirt from the edges.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon on top of the coin and let the antioxidant and bleaching properties of the lemon work for 3 minutes, no more.
- Rub the coin with a toothbrush that you won’t be using anymore.
- Rinse the coin with hot water, then pour a half tablespoon of baking soda over the cash.
- Scrub again with the same brush as before for about three more minutes.
- Finally, wash the coins in hot water and let them dry naturally.
Another safer method you should know if you wonder. How to clean silver coins is to wash them only with soap and water. If your coins are not very dirty. We advise you to mix distilled water or hot water with a bit of liquid hand soap in a glass. Let the coins soak for a couple of hours and. After this time, scrub off the dirt with a soft bristle brush. Let the coins wash again for 20 more minutes (now only with water) and finally dry them with a soft cloth.
Also Read: how much to build a house
