Copper coins, when minted, have a beautiful, bright orange-red color. But copper is a highly reactive metal that oxidizes and discolors quickly. After some time, the copper coins in circulation tend to become a dull brown due to the different impurities in the air and the acids and oils from people’s hands. So, what’s the best way to clean copper coins?
To clean copper coins, you can mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bowl of water and use a toothbrush to clean the coins with the mixture. Another option is to use a pencil eraser to remove the tarnish from your copper coins. Ketchup, vegetable oil, and Goo Gone are also effective cleaners.
A copper coin typically remains in circulation for years and passes through the hands of thousands of people. As a result, your money may have more germs than a toilet seat! Let’s take a look at the various methods that can help you clean copper coins effectively.
How to Clean Copper Coins
There are several ways to clean copper coins that don’t require the use of chemical cleaners. These safe and effective methods are:
The Basic Soap and Water Method
If your copper coins are covered with oil or some sort of unidentified gunk, then it’s better to remove these unwanted substances before trying to make your coins shiny and bright. Here’s how you can do this:
- Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a bowl of water.
- Dip an old toothbrush in this mixture until it’s completely soaked.
- Hold the coin in one hand, and with the other use the soapy toothbrush to clean its surface.
- Rinse the coin with warm water.
- Dry the coin with a clean cloth.
The Eraser Method
This is an extremely simple and mess-free way to clean your coins. Follow the steps given below to apply this method:
- Spread a piece of paper or a clean cloth on a flat, stable surface and place your coin on it.
- With one hand, hold the coin steady.
- Hold a pencil eraser in your other hand and, working in a circular motion, rub the coin to remove the dirt and brown oxidation from it.
- Once the coin is clean and shiny, flip it over and repeat the cleaning process on the other side.
Avoid using old pencils as they’ll be rock hard and difficult to use. They may also leave scratches on your coin.
The Vinegar or Lemon Juice Method
Another great option for cleaning coins is to use vinegar and lemon juice as follows:
- Pour ¼ cup of vinegar into a small bowl. Make sure that all the coins you need to clean can be completely submerged in it. You can add more vinegar and use a bigger bowl if you plan on cleaning a large number of coins.
You can also use orange or lemon juice instead of vinegar as these juices are acidic and can wear off the copper oxide on coins. - Add one teaspoonful of salt to the vinegar. Stir to mix. Salt helps to remove back spots from old copper coins. You can also add more salt to make the solution stronger to clean copper coins that are particularly worn out.
- Let the coins sit in this solution for 5 minutes. Make sure that the coins are spread out until they’re completely submerged. Arranging the coins in a single layer will ensure that the solution reaches both sides of the coin.
- Rinse the coins with water to remove the salt and vinegar. Leaving the coins in this vinegar mixture for longer can wear away the coin and leave green spots over it.
- Place a microfiber cloth on the countertop and arrange the coins over it in a single layer to allow them to dry.
- Leave the coins in the open air for about 5 minutes to get rid of any remaining moisture.
- Repeat the process if the coins still look dirty. You might have to perform this treatment a few times, so work gradually and wash the coins carefully every time to protect them from damage.
The Goo Gone Method (For Removing Adhesive or Glue)
The Goo Gone method is best for coins that have glue, tape, adhesive residue or any other gooey substance stuck on the coin’s surface. Goo Gone (on Amazon) can also help restore the shine to your coin.
- In a bowl, put a few drops of Goo Gone adhesive remover.
- Take a paper towel and dip its corner into the liquid in the bowl.
- Place the coin on a flat surface and rub it on the surface with a wet towel.
- Repeat on the other side. If the substance on the coin isn’t removed, then place the coin in a bowl and allow it to soak. Try cleaning the coin surface again after a little while.
- Once the coin is clean, wash it with soap and water. This will help eliminate any Goo Gone residue left on the coin’s surface. You can also use some rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn residue.
The Ketchup Method
You may be surprised to learn that ketchup can be used to clean copper coins. Brown colas and hot sauce also work similarly to ketchup.
Here’s how it works:
- Pour a little ketchup into a bowl. Make sure that it’s enough to cover the coins from both sides. Ketchup is made with tomato sauce, salt, and vinegar which makes it very acidic — and highly effective in removing blemishes from copper coins.
- Put the coins in the bowl, making sure that both sides are evenly covered.
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, scrub the coins. Work the brush gently around the dirtiest spots, especially around the outer edge and lettering.
- Rinse under warm water. Clean off the ketchup completely so that the acids and salt don’t damage the coins.
The Vegetable Oil Method
For this method, you’ll need to:
- Use a toothpick to remove the dirt on the coin, scraping gently around the letters and images. It’s not necessary to completely remove the dirt on the coin — you just need to be able to see the engraved portions.
- Rub a drop of oil on each side of the coin. Use your fingers to work the oil in. You can add more oil as needed, but remember that it’s best to use sparing amounts of oil to prevent it from damage.
- Repeat the process if the coin isn’t completely clean.
- Rinse under hot water. Be sure to rub the coins with your thumb while washing to get rid of all the oil.
- Lay the coins on a dry microfiber cloth to wick away the excess moisture. Once dry, leave the coins out in the open air for about 5 minutes.
The Hydrogen Peroxide Method
Hydrogen peroxide has the capability to remove years of dirt from the coins and sterilize them. Here’s how you can use hydrogen peroxide to clean your copper coins:
- Pour hydrogen peroxide into a bowl. Make sure that it’s enough to cover all the coins.
- Let the coins sit for 24 hours.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Use a clean, soft towel to dry the coins.
How to Make Copper Coins Shine With Baking Soda
Once your copper coins are clean, you can give them a shiny boost with the following method:
- Put 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a clean bowl.
- Gradually pour in ⅓ tablespoon of lukewarm water while stirring continuously.
- Stop adding water once the mixture reaches the consistency of toothpaste.
- With your fingers, rub this paste over the coins. It’s safe to leave this paste on your coins for a while as baking soda isn’t acidic like citrus juice or vinegar.
- Wash the coins with warm water, making sure that all the leftover paste is removed.
- Use a soft cloth to pat the coins dry.
What’s the Most Effective Way to Clean Other Copper Items?
In addition to copper coins, copper cookware and farmhouse copper sinks are commonly found in homes. The unmistakable sheen and beautiful reddish-orange hue of copper make it aesthetically pleasing as well as an excellent decorative and cooking choice for your home.
In fact, copper is an excellent conductor of heat and a cook’s best friend. However, with time these copper items can tarnish because of exposure to oxygen. That’s why a lot of people avoid buying it.
The most effective way to clean copper is by using vinegar or lemon juice with salt. The low levels of acids found naturally in lemon juice remove the patina (brown oxidation) easily and effectively to leave the copper shining and clean.
This quick and easy solution for making dull or tarnished copper shine again needs only two ingredients – lemon and salt.
- Cut a lemon in half. Sprinkle a little table salt over it.
- Rub your copper coin or copper pot with this lemon for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Place on a microfiber cloth and allow them to air dry.