The use of vinegar and salt to clean pennies goes way back. What you may not realize, however, is that you likely have a convenient remedy sitting right in your pantry. Stir until the salt is dissolved. Chalk it up to the excitement of having my own money for the first time, but when I was a kid, I loved cleaning dirty pennies collected in my piggy bank before cashing them in at the real bank. Some people love ketchup so much they even put it on their coins well, maybe not because ketchup makes coins taste any better, but because the shiny, red condiment can help remove grime, grease, and other surface adherents from coins. When you remove the coins and wipe them with a cloth or paper towel, they should look shiny. If you can't find this exact brand name, you can substitute baking soda. You probably already have everything you need, Small, physical, and repetitive motions (may be difficult for grandma or grandpa to help), A quarter cup of tomato ketchup (or three ketchup packets from your favorite fast food place), Physically easier than the pencil eraser method, Ketchup can splatter on people and things, Does not bring out the bright copper color on the penny, 2 tablespoons Bon Ami cleanser (or baking soda), 8 oz. Place your pennies at the bottom of the cup or glass so that they are not stacked on top of each other. Real Experiences. Combine the white vinegar and table salt in a small container or bowl. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Using the old, soft toothbrush scrub the face of the coin softly. A standard eraser is an excellent tool for cleaning dirt off of pennies dated after 1982. Before cleaning coins with baking soda, soak them in a solution of white vinegar and salt. This cleaner contains oxalic acid that cleans gunk from coins and brings out their original shine. However, if you want to Coin Stack a Penny Bridge or Play Penny Ante, it may be nice to have clean, shiny pennies at your disposal. % of people told us that this article helped them. Use your fingers to work the cleaning paste into the surface of each coin and then rinse them under warm water to wash all residue away. Vinegar and salt Vinegar and salt are the best methods of cleaning your pennies. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Flip the coin over, and let it soak for a few more moments. Once clean rinse with soap and water and dry off. Real Experiences. The wikiHow Video Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 69,924 times. Tested. Start by adding a quarter cup of white vinegar, or lemon juice, into a cup or glass. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Be patient. This method will restore the bright orange copper color to your pennies. Vinegar dissolves zinc. You're in the right place! Rinse the coins to reveal the now-shiny surfaces. Manage Settings wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. So, what ways shouldnt you clean your coins? Rub the front surface of the coin with the tip of an eraser. This technique is extremely easy and involves no liquids that can spill and make a mess. But common pantry essentials that are often used for cleaning like baking soda and vinegar shouldn't be mixed either. Combine it with apple cider and scrub it clean. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Im a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. Specific elements are required to clean copper properly and turn dirty pennies into shiny pennies. The Mabnol : How to Clean Coins Stir until the salt dissolves. . You can also use these methods to clean your copper sink or as one of the ways to clean a copper pipe that is tarnished or has stains. Reapply vinegar and soda as needed to continue scrubbing. For pennies of any possible value, do not clean them! Rinse the remaining ketchup from the surface of the penny under warm running water. Cleaning Pennies Mr. Bond's Science Guys This article has been viewed 1,414,495 times. You may want to use one of the above methods such as lemon juice or ketchup to brighten the surface of the copper. Put on your dishwashing gloves. Soak your gross grill grate in a bucket of hot, soapy water for at least 30 minutes. How can I clean them? Pure water has a pH of 7. The constant scrubbing of the cleanser or baking soda may cause abrasions on your fingertips. If you would like to add a little bit more shine to your pennies, follow up with the Bon Ami Cleanser or bakingsodamethod described below. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Using small circular motions produces the best results. So why are these household items such effective cleaning agents? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). While there was little purpose in cleaning the coins that I was about to hand over to the bank teller, the dramatic transformation of watching dingy, grime-covered coins come out sparkling clean was oddly satisfying. Dry your pennies with a soft cloth. Dip a clean, soft cloth or sponge into the paste and rub it on the tarnished silver. You Could Find This Rare Penny In Your Pocket Change Heres What To Look For, Deny future generations the chance to enjoy your coin in its wholly. How NOT To Clean Coins + Tips For Cleaning Coins Properly This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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