Posted by Ever find a dull, grimy penny and think, “Ugh, I wish I could make this look new again!”? Well, you absolutely can! Cleaning pennies isn’t just about making them shiny; it’s a fun little science experiment that can teach kids about chemical reactions. Plus, who doesn’t love a sparkling coin collection?
Transforming tarnished pennies into gleaming treasures is surprisingly simple and uses items you likely already have in your kitchen. Get ready to be amazed by the power of household ingredients and a little bit of elbow grease. Let’s dive into the easy steps to bring those pennies back to life!
The Magic of How to Make Pennies Clean
Vinegar and salt are a classic combination for cleaning pennies. Simply mix a tablespoon of salt into a quarter cup of white vinegar. Drop your pennies into the solution and let them soak for about five minutes. The vinegar’s acidity reacts with the copper oxide on the penny, dissolving the tarnish.
After soaking, remove the pennies from the vinegar solution. You’ll likely notice they’re already looking brighter! However, they might have a slightly dull film on them. That’s normal! Give each penny a good scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any remaining residue.
Once you’ve scrubbed the pennies, rinse them thoroughly under cool water. This removes any remaining vinegar and salt solution, preventing further reactions. Make sure to dry each penny completely with a soft cloth. Moisture can lead to new tarnish, undoing your hard work.
For an extra shine, you can try a baking soda paste. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Gently rub the paste onto the pennies, then rinse and dry as before. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, polishing the surface for a brilliant finish.
Lemon juice is another effective natural cleaner. The citric acid in lemons works similarly to vinegar. Simply soak the pennies in lemon juice for a few minutes, then scrub, rinse, and dry. This method is particularly useful for pennies with light tarnish.
Now that you know how to make pennies clean, what will you do with your sparkling collection? Perhaps you’ll start a coin collection, use them for art projects, or simply enjoy the satisfaction of transforming something dull into something bright and shiny. Experiment with different methods and see which works best for you. Happy cleaning!