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How to Clean a Penny With Pineapple

Anyone who collects coins knows just how critical the cleaning process of pennies can be. Cleaning must be done in a way to avoid damaging the coin. Pineapple is a reliable option for cleaning pennies because the citric acid dissolves copper oxides and dirt buildup while leaving the penny smooth and shiny. Use fresh pineapple to clean pennies without damaging the copper compound.

Things You'll Need

Knife
Rubber gloves
Plastic cup
Towels

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the outer layer from a pineapple. Expose the yellow interior of the pineapple, and portion the pineapple into several 1/2-inch-thick sections.
- 2
  Squeeze the juice from the 1/2-inch-thick sections of pineapple into a plastic cup. Use rubber gloves if you have sensitive skin to avoid any damage from acids.
- 3
  Fill the cup approximately 1 inch full of pineapple juice. Allow some small sections of pineapple to fall into the cup.
- 4
  Drop an even layer of pennies into the pineapple juice cup. Allow pennies to soak for 24 hours. This will build a thick layer around the pennies.
- 5
  Wash pennies clean in warm water. Use a towel to remove the outer layer of copper oxide from the penny, exposing the clean and shiny surface.

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