Whether you’re a coin collector, a metal detector hobbyist, or someone who stumbled upon an old jar of change, you’ve likely found yourself staring at a pile of dirty, grimy coins. Cleaning them might seem like the next logical step—but when it comes to coins, especially older or rare ones, cleaning must be done with care.
🛑 Should You Clean Your Coins?
Before diving in, here’s an important note: if your coin is rare, old, or potentially valuable, do not clean it. Cleaning can reduce its numismatic value. If you’re unsure about a coin’s value, consult a coin dealer or appraiser before proceeding.
🧼 What You'll Need
Most dirty coins are modern, low-value coins that can be cleaned safely for fun or appearance. Here’s what you’ll need:
A bowl or cup
Warm water
Mild dish soap
A soft toothbrush or soft cloth
Baking soda (optional)
White vinegar (optional)
Cotton towel or paper towel
🪙 Step-by-Step Coin Cleaning Methods
1. Soap and Water Method (Safest for Beginners)
Best for: General dirt and light grime
Steps:
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
Soak the coins for 10–15 minutes.
Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, focusing on crevices.
Rinse under clean water.
Dry with a soft cloth.
2. Baking Soda Paste
Best for: Tougher tarnish on copper or nickel coins
Steps:
Make a paste using baking soda and a little water.
Apply the paste to the coin and gently rub with your fingers or a cloth.
Rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Vinegar Soak
Best for: Heavily tarnished coins (not for valuable or copper coins)
Steps:
Place coins in a bowl of white vinegar.
Let them soak for 30 minutes to several hours.
Rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
💡 Optional: Add a pinch of salt to the vinegar to boost cleaning power.
🚫 What Not to Do
Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or acid—they can damage the coin.
Avoid scrubbing with abrasive materials (steel wool, hard brushes).
Never clean collectible coins if you’re considering selling them.
🧠 Pro Tip: Coin Patina Is Natural
Coins naturally develop a patina over time, especially older ones. This is a sign of age and authenticity. Removing it can make a coin look fake or reduce its value.
Cleaning dirty coins can be satisfying and fun, especially for pocket change or coins with no collectible value. But always err on the side of caution—when in doubt, leave valuable coins untouched.