how to clean a penny

Question

There are a couple of ways to clean a tarnished penny, depending on what you have on hand:

Answer 1

Method 1: Vinegar and Salt

This is a common and effective method for cleaning pennies. Here's what you'll need:

• White vinegar
• Table salt
• Small bowl or cup
• Water
• Soft cloth or paper towel

Steps:

1. Mix the vinegar and salt: Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of white vinegar into a small bowl or cup. Add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of table salt and stir until the salt dissolves.
2. Soak the penny: Place your penny in the vinegar solution. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse and dry: Remove the penny from the vinegar and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Pat it dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Method 2: Ketchup or Soda

These acidic condiments can also help clean tarnished pennies. Here's what you'll need:

• Ketchup or Coca-Cola (or any other soda)
• Small bowl or cup
• Water
• Soft cloth or paper towel

Steps:

1. Soak the penny: Pour a small amount of ketchup or soda into a bowl or cup. Place your penny in the solution and let it soak for 5-10 minutes for ketchup or 4-5 hours for soda.
2. Rinse and dry: Remove the penny from the solution and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Pat it dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.

Important Note:

• Not for zinc pennies: If your penny is dated after 1982, it's likely made mostly of zinc with a copper coating. Vinegar and other acidic solutions can damage zinc pennies, so it's best to avoid this method for newer pennies. You can usually identify zinc pennies by their lighter color compared to older copper pennies.

Additional Tips:

• Don't scrub: While cleaning, avoid scrubbing the penny too harshly, as this can scratch the surface.
• Rare pennies: If you have a rare or valuable penny, consult a professional coin collector or appraiser before cleaning it yourself, as cleaning could decrease its value.

By following these methods, you can get your tarnished pennies looking shiny and new again!