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How to Clean Up Silver Coins

Be cautious about cleaning old coins, as many coin dealers are more willing to purchase them in their original state. Using harsh chemical cleaners on coins can lead to scratches or spots and significantly reduce their value. That said, you can clean up a silver coin with natural cleaners using the right techniques.

Things You'll Need

Dish soap
Lemon juice
White vinegar
Salt
Distilled water
Wooden spoon
Lint-free cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Clean up your silver coins with cold, running water on high pressure. Regular dish soap should be gently moved around the coin to clean it with your fingers. Rinse under warm water.
- 2
  Soak the coin in a container with lemon juice for a few hours if your silver coin is still tarnished. Turn the coin frequently and then thoroughly rinse the coin with warm water. Repeat if necessary, letting the coin soak in the lemon juice up to 20 hours at most.
- 3
  Fill a jar half way with distilled white vinegar, then add the silver coin and a tablespoon of salt. Stir the coin around in the mixture with a wooden spoon. Remove the coin frequently to examine it until you achieve the desired effect. Rinse and wash the coin well with distilled water.
- 4
  Dry the cleaned-up silver coin with a lint-free cloth, being careful to pat dry and avoid rubbing.
- 5
  Avoid using commercial cleaners. These can often do more harm than good to any coin, especially if it is valuable. If in doubt, some professional coin dealers offer a coin cleanup service for a fee.

Coin Collecting