You may think that cleaning tarnished silver by taking them to jewelry shops. No! Let me show you my experience on how to clean silver coins with baking soda
No one likes to see their coins tarnished and dirty.
Over time, silver coins will become darker and less reflective than they were when you first got them.
This is due to a chemical process where oxygen interacts with the metal and creates a black coating called tarnish.
Of course, you can clean it with most of your cleaning agents. But, what if the cleaning fluid spoils the color and quality of your coins?
What if the solution ruins your favorite silver coin collection?
Luckily, there’s an easy solution: all you.
Baking soda is an easy cleaning option for all surfaces. This magical powder will get rid of any stain on the coins easily.
You can clean your silver coins like new ones without making any mess.
Let me show you my first-hand experience on how to clean silver coins with baking soda.
Contents
Why you should clean silver coins with baking soda
It keeps your coins safe
The most chemical cleaning agent will damage the surface of the coins.
However, using baking soda will give you a great experience.
The mild abrasive properties in baking soda will swipe and scrub the dirt easily.
It makes the surface of coins clean and shiny without causing any streaks or discoloration.
Baking soda has some buffering properties. It can keep the pH level neutral to avoid corrosion.
It is cheap and easy to find
The most interesting reason why you should use baking soda is that it is cheap and easy to find.
I bet everyone has baking soda in the kitchen. If you don’t, take a look at the nearest local store. You can buy it for a few bucks.
How to clean silver coins with baking soda
1. Gather the materials
To clean your old coins with baking soda, prepare these materials:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- warm water
- 2 small container
- a cotton swab
- a cotton swab
- a clean microfiber cloth
- a lemon
2. Make the baking soda solution
Pour 1 tablespoon of baking soda and splash water into a container. Mix them well with the old toothbrush. This combination will form a thick paste of baking soda.
3. Soak the silver coins for 2 hours
After that, soak the silver coins in the mixture for 2 hours. This process will soften any dirt and stain. Also, it makes the scrubbing process easier.
4. Squeeze the lemon water on the coin
Take the coin out and put it in another container. After that, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the coin. Then, take your lemon and squeeze it to the surface.
You will see a foamy reaction when the lemon water meets baking soda.
These will soften the remaining dirt.
5. Scrub the coin with a cotton swab
As the foam evaporates on top of the coin, brush the coin using a cotton swab.
If your coin is too dirty, you can add a bit of baking soda and a few drops of lemon water. Then, keep scrubbing until the surface is clean and shiny.
6. Rinse the coin under running water
Clean your coin by rinsing it under running water. This step will remove any residue.
7. Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth
Microfiber cloth has a soft material that leaves no streak on your coin. Use it to dry your coin and you will get a look like a new silver coin.
How to maintain your silver coins
1. Store your coins properly
Storing coins carelessly can damage the quality of your coins. Always use an airtight container and separate them from other metal objects. It will prevent scratch and discoloration,
2. Keep them in a cool and dry environment.
If you put the container in a humid environment, your silver coin will get tarnished. Keep your coins away from heat and light, which can damage the quality of your coins.
3. Avoid cleaning with harsh chemical
It is best to clean your silver coins with natural ingredients. This is a safe way to keep your coins good.
You can use baking soda, lemon, vinegar, or other cleaning option that do not damage the surface.
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaning such as chlorine and bleach to get rid of the stain on the silver coins.
FAQ
Does baking soda damage silver coins?
No, baking soda does not harm your silver coins. The mild alkali will react with the dirt on them and clean them without damaging the surface.
Why do silver coins turn black?
It is because a chemical process where oxygen interacts with the silver and creates a black coating called tarnish. It happens when the coin is stored improperly and or they have been exposed to oxygen over time.
Conclusion
Silver coins can be a great investment, but if you don’t keep them clean and polished, they can quickly become dull.
Luckily, it’s easy to clean them!
Let me summarize how to clean silver coins with baking soda easily!
- Gather the materials
- Make the baking soda solution
- Soak the silver coins for 2 hours
- Squeeze the lemon water on the coin
- Scrub the coin with an old toothbrush
- Rinse the coin under running water
- Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth
Using baking soda to clean silver coins is a great choice. You can even use it to clean your tongue, shoe soles, or scrubbing your fiberglass tub!
