- What you need to know about cleaning coins with citric acid?
- How do I clean the coins with citric acid?
- How to properly clean coins with soap?
- How to properly clean the coins with oil?
- Alternative ways to remove oxides and dirt
- Cleaning copper coins by electrolysis
- Universal way to clean any coins
- Useful advices
All coins, especially copper coins, turn black over time. One way to remove oxide and other types of contaminants is to clean the coins with citric acid. This is the quickest and easiest way to return the original money to metallic money. In this article, you will learn how to properly clean coins with acid. Also you will get acquainted with other effective means and methods of their application.
to the contents ↑What you need to know about cleaning coins with citric acid?
Before you start, pay attention to the metal from which the coin is made. If it is of great value to you, then do not take risks and turn to jewelers. In most cases, you can clean the coins with citric acid yourself at home.
to the contents ↑How to clean coins with citric acid?
Silver and copper coins are cleaned differently with citric acid. Determine the metal of your coin and start working with one of the methods described below.
Cleaning copper coins
To use this method in this case, you need to be extremely careful and strictly follow the instructions. If everything is done correctly, then all the dirt and stains will come down right before our eyes.
For work you will need:
- is not a metal container for solution;
- citric acid;
- water.
The technology is as follows:
- Fill the tank with water.
- Pour crystals of acid - choose the concentration of solution yourself, based on the degree of contamination of your object.
- Stir until the acid is completely dissolved.
- Place the coin in the solution.
- Wait for one side to acquire a characteristic copper color.
- Turn over to the other side and repeat the procedure.
Important! Citric acid removes all traces of oxides on copper, but together with them it removes patina. It will need to be restored independently.
To restore the patina at home, follow these instructions:
- Place the cleaned object on the back of the ventilation grille in the kitchen.
- Hold for a few days.
Important! After such actions the patina looks natural and beautiful. It lies flat, without additional effort on your part, unlike other methods.
Cleaning silver coins with citric acid
For such metal, citric acid is almost safe. Silver dissolves very slowly in acid, but the plaque and oxides disappear much earlier.
To clean silver coins with citric acid was given to you quickly and easily, you will need:
- ceramic or plastic bowl;
- warm water;
- citric acid;
- toothbrush.
The technology of the recovery procedure looks like this:
- Take 1 tbsp.warm water.
- Dilute 2 tsp in it.citric acid.
- Dip the coin into the solution for 10 minutes.
- Remove and rub with a toothbrush.
- Softened dirt and oxide are easily removed with a brush, without harming the body of the object.
Important! Do not leave the product in the solution for a long time. Monitor the process.
to the contents ↑How to properly clean coins with soap?
The question of what kind of soap and how to clean coins is often asked by one who values his object very much and does not want to inflict even insignificant damages. This product is ideal for removing various types of dirt and restoring an attractive appearance of the product. It is recognized as the safest and most delicate.
Cleaning with soap is suitable for coins made from any metal, but is one of the most time-consuming and lengthy processes. The thing is that the solution of this agent, as a slightly alkaline medium, gently and slowly affects the formations on the surface.
Important! Be prepared for the fact that the entire procedure may take several months.
Which soap is suitable for cleaning coins?
To work with coins, choose only a laundry soap. Other varieties contain many different impurities, which can have a detrimental effect on the coin coating. And, the darker the soap - the better, the faster and better you will clean your coins.
For cleaning coins with a soap solution, you will need:
- soap;
- water;
- solution tank;
- soda;
- is a stiff little brush.
How do I clean the coins with soap?
To achieve good results, follow this step-by-step instruction:
- Prepare a soapy solution.
- Put water in a non-metallic container.
- Rub soap on a grater and place in water.
- Boil the solution over a low heat until a uniform, thick paste is obtained.
- Remove the solution from the heat and place coins in it.
- Leave the products cleaned in the solution for a day.
- Remove and rinse with warm water.
- Rub with a brush and rinse again.
- If the first time to remove all the dirt from the objects did not work - repeat the process. The resulting solution can be used several times.
- After removing all stains and oxides from the surface, treat the entire surface with soda with a brush - this will protect it from the appearance of a white coating of soap that will inevitably appear after such cleaning.
How to properly clean the coins with oil?
Another method of cleaning coins from plaque is using oil. Oil can be taken any: vegetable, vaseline and others. You will need:
- capacity, in which the coin will be "brewed";
- oil;
- brush;
- coin.
The following coin cleaning is done as follows:
- Pour oil into the container.
- Put on low heat and boil.
- Put your coins on the bottom of the tank.
- Dilute until all unwanted spots disappear.
- Remove the container from the heat and allow the contents to cool.
- Treat objects with a brush and rinse with warm water.
Important! Be careful when working with boiling oil, as there is a risk of burns due to inaccurate handling.
to content ↑Alternative methods for removing oxides and dirt
Compared to all previous methods, cleaning with kefir is less dangerous, but more prolonged. For this reason, this technology is not very popular, but still finds adherents. For this method you will need:
- fresh kefir or other similar product;
- ceramic deep dish;
- brush with stiff bristles.
Processing of items is as follows:
- Pour kefir into a bowl.
- Immerse the coins in it.
- Keep them there for several hours.
- In running water, rinse and wipe with a brush.
Cleaning copper coins by electrolysis
This method requires your attention and care. If properly applied, your products will be cleaned right before your eyes. You will need:
- glass;
- cold water;
- AC / DC adapter;
- stainless steel spoon;
- clamps;
- salt and soda.
Important! Take the adapter from the old phone, and purchase clips in any store of radio components. Please note that the use of electrical appliances when cleaning coins requires attention and concentration. In case of negligence, you can get injured.
For safe and high quality work follow the instructions:
- Attach the clamps to the bare wires of the adapter.
- Pour water into the glass.
- Add salt to it and stir.
- Connect the negative wire with a clamp to the coin. Clip the positive charge to the spoon.
- Immerse both objects in the water so that they do not touch each other.
- Turn on the adapter.
- Watch how the water around the instruments darkens from the dissolving dirt and oxide.
- Unplug the device and remove the coin.
- Treat it with soda and rinse with clean water.
Universal cleaning method for any
coin If you are not sure which metal or alloy your product is from, use the method described below. You will need these tools:
- ammonia;
- toothpaste;
- soda and soap;
- water;
- solution container;
- toothbrush.
Important! For efficiency, ammonia is mixed with other effective agents. Such a solution is able to dissolve the green on the body of the coin, rust and other oxides.
How to use these tools:
- Prepare soap and soda solutions.
- Take 50 ml each and mix.
- Add to them 150 ml of toothpaste and 50 ml of ammonia.
- Put all objects in the mixture that require removal of dirt.
- Keep them in solution until they are cleaned.
- Periodically remove and clean with a brush.
- In the end of the procedure, rinse with running water.
Useful advices
- If possible, contact the specialists better when it comes to valuable precious metal products.
- Try not to rush in choosing the means and methods of processing, give preference to the mechanical and delicate.
- Properly store valuables, taking into account all the requirements of specialists in this field.
Now you know about all possible ways of how coin cleaning is done at home. Carefully and carefully use these tips and you will be able to restore the attractiveness of objects without damaging them.