What to Use to Clean Old Silver Coins

Water

• Possibly the simplest method you can use to clean your silver coins involves a toothbrush and water. You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush to rub the dirt and debris from the coin gently. Once the coins are brushed off, rinse them in a bucket of warm distilled water. If water does not work at first, try a gentle dish detergent to clean the coin. Rinse and dry the coins with a soft towel. This method will remove simple dirt and should not be used for tarnished coins.

Lemon Juice and Vinegar

• If you have tried water and the dirt has not come off, then you can try soaking your coins in lemon juice. Pour a little lemon juice into a container and let the coins sit there for several hours. Make sure you turn them over frequently. Rinse them off with warm water. If they are still stained, you can try this method again. Do not let the coins stay in the solution for more than 20 hours.

  Vinegar is another option. It can be tried after the lemon juice if need be. Fill a jar up halfway with vinegar. Drop the coins into it before adding 1 tsp. salt. Stir the solution around gently with a wooden spoon. With this spoon, take the coins from the jar often to check the results. Once the coins are clean, rinse them off with distilled water and dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure to pat them and not rub them dry.

Baking Soda

• This is yet another simple but effective method. This one is normally used on silver coins that you might find on the road. Wet the coin in some warm water and dip it in some baking soda. With a soft-bristled toothbrush, rub the baking soda over the coin. Once you have finished cleaning it, rinse it off well and dry it with a soft lint-free cloth. This method will take off the dirt and tarnish without scratching the coin.