How to Clean Pennies
Pennies are a common type of coin that can be found in many countries around the world. They are made of copper-plated zinc, and over time, they can become dirty and tarnished. If you want to clean your pennies, there are a few different methods you can use.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Pennies
- White vinegar
- Salt
- Baking soda
- Ketchup
- Lemon juice
- Soft cloths or paper towels
Methods:
1. White Vinegar Method
This method is simple and effective, and it will remove dirt and tarnish from your pennies.
- Fill a container with white vinegar.
- Soak your pennies in the vinegar for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove the pennies from the vinegar and rinse them with water.
- Dry the pennies with a soft cloth or paper towel.
2. Salt and Vinegar Method
This method is similar to the white vinegar method, but it adds salt to the solution. The salt helps to remove tarnish from the pennies.
- Fill a container with white vinegar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the vinegar.
- Soak your pennies in the solution for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove the pennies from the solution and rinse them with water.
- Dry the pennies with a soft cloth or paper towel.
3. Baking Soda Method
This method is gentle and effective, and it will not damage your pennies.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water.
- Apply the paste to your pennies and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the pennies with water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Ketchup Method
This method is surprising, but it works well to remove tarnish from pennies.
- Apply ketchup to your pennies and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the pennies with water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
5. Lemon Juice Method
This method is similar to the ketchup method, but it uses lemon juice instead.
- Apply lemon juice to your pennies and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the pennies with water and dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Tips:
- Do not use harsh chemicals to clean your pennies, as this can damage them.
- If your pennies are heavily tarnished, you may need to soak them in the cleaning solution for longer than 15 minutes.
- Be sure to rinse your pennies thoroughly with water after cleaning them.
- Dry your pennies completely before storing them.
FAQ
Q: How often should I clean my pennies?
A: You do not need to clean your pennies very often. However, if they are dirty or tarnished, you can clean them using one of the methods described above.
Q: Can I clean pennies in the dishwasher?
A: No, you should not clean pennies in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents and hot water can damage the pennies.
Q: What is the best way to store pennies?
A: The best way to store pennies is in a cool, dry place. You can store them in a coin album, a plastic bag, or a jar.
Q: Can I sell my clean pennies for more money?
A: In general, clean pennies are not worth more money than dirty pennies. However, if your pennies are rare or have a special mint mark, they may be worth more to a collector.
