If your coins have lost their shine over the years, don’t worry. You can bring them back to life using simple household ingredients. Coins often accumulate dirt, grime, and tarnish, especially when stored or circulated for a long time. Whether you’re cleaning pocket change or restoring your collection, there are several safe and effective methods to make your coins sparkle again.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to clean coins at home, the best DIY cleaning solutions, and what precautions to take if your coins are antique or collectible.

Things You Should Know Before Cleaning Coins

  • Soak coins in warm water mixed with mild dish soap to remove light dirt and residue. Use a soft toothbrush for gentle scrubbing.

  • For tarnished or grimy coins, use baking soda and vinegar, lemon juice with salt, ketchup, hydrogen peroxide, or cola.

  • Avoid cleaning rare or antique coins without consulting a professional, as cleaning can reduce their value.

1. Removing Tarnish from Coins

Tarnish can make coins appear dull and brownish, but it’s easy to remove with the right approach. Try these proven household cleaning hacks to restore your coins’ natural shine.

1.1 Scrub Pocket Change with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Combine white distilled vinegar and baking soda for a quick clean.

  1. Soak coins in vinegar for 30 seconds.

  2. Sprinkle baking soda over each coin and rub gently with your fingers.

  3. Rinse under clean water and pat dry with a soft towel.

The bubbling reaction between vinegar and baking soda helps loosen grime and oxidation. However, this method is abrasive, so avoid using it on valuable or collectible coins.

1.2 Clean Copper Coins with a Vinegar and Salt Solution

Copper coins like pennies can develop a green or brown patina.

  1. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with ¼ cup of vinegar in a bowl.

  2. Drop your coins in and let them soak for about 5 minutes.

  3. Remove them, wipe gently with a paper towel, and rinse thoroughly.

This acidic solution dissolves copper oxide, restoring brightness in minutes.

1.3 Remove Tough Tarnish with Lemon Juice and Salt

  1. Sprinkle salt over your coins and add a few drops of lemon juice.

  2. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub for 1–2 minutes per side.

  3. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Lemon juice contains citric acid, which reacts with tarnish to lift it away. Salt enhances the cleaning power but can scratch delicate surfaces, so use caution with older coins.

1.4 Soak Coins in Hydrogen Peroxide

  1. Fill a small bowl with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover your coins.

  2. Let them soak for several hours (up to 24 hours for tough tarnish).

  3. Rinse under running water and pat dry.

Hydrogen peroxide cleans and disinfects, making it ideal for removing deep grime and sterilizing coins safely.

1.5 Use Cola for Quick Tarnish Removal

Cola isn’t just for drinking—it can clean coins too!

  1. Submerge your coins in a bowl of cola for at least 5 minutes.

  2. Remove, rinse, and wipe dry.

The phosphoric acid in cola breaks down tarnish, leaving your coins shiny and bright.

1.6 Try Cleaning with Ketchup

  1. Apply a thin layer of ketchup over each coin.

  2. Rub gently with a toothbrush for 1–2 minutes.

  3. Rinse well and dry completely.

Ketchup contains mild acids that dissolve tarnish effectively on copper and silver coins.

1.7 Use a Commercial Coin Cleaner for Heavy Tarnish

For severely tarnished coins, a commercial cleaner can help.

  • Wear gloves and safety glasses before using acidic cleaners.

  • Dip one coin at a time for no longer than 5 seconds.

  • Rinse immediately with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Commercial cleaners are very strong and should only be used when household methods don’t work.

2. Basic Coin Cleaning for Everyday Coins

If your coins are just dirty but not tarnished, gentle cleaning is all you need.

2.1 Rinse Coins Under Cold Water

Hold each coin under running cold water for a minute per side. Gently rub with your fingers to remove loose dirt. Always plug your sink before rinsing to avoid losing coins.

2.2 Wash Coins in Soapy Water

  1. Mix warm water with a small amount of dish soap.

  2. Dip coins and rub them between your fingers to remove grime.

  3. For stubborn spots, soak them for 5 minutes before scrubbing again.

This method is ideal for regular cleaning without damaging the metal.

2.3 Use a Soft Brush or Paper Towel

While the coins are submerged in soapy water, scrub gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush or paper towel. Check progress every 30 seconds and rinse when done. Avoid brushes on valuable coins to prevent scratches.

2.4 Dry the Coins Properly

Pat your coins with a lint-free towel. Make sure they are completely dry before storage to prevent corrosion. Avoid rubbing them too hard to prevent micro-scratches.

3. Caring for Collectible and Antique Coins

If your coins are rare or part of a collection, cleaning them improperly could reduce their value. Follow these professional tips.

3.1 Consult a Professional Before Cleaning

Before cleaning old or rare coins, visit a professional coin grader or appraiser. In many cases, natural patina and discoloration actually increase the coin’s value. Experts can advise you on whether to clean or preserve the coin as is.

3.2 Use Acetone for Gentle Surface Cleaning

For collectible coins that only have light surface dirt:

  1. Dip a cotton swab in acetone.

  2. Gently wipe the coin’s surface without applying pressure.

  3. Use the dry end of the swab to remove excess liquid.

Acetone removes oils and dirt safely without scratching the coin.

3.3 Store Coins Properly After Cleaning

Once clean, keep your coins in hard plastic holders or coin albums to prevent exposure to air and moisture. For high-value coins, store them in a safe or safety deposit box to protect against environmental damage.

Final Tips for Cleaning Coins Safely

  • Avoid using harsh abrasives or metal polish on collectible coins.

  • Always dry coins completely before storing them.

  • When in doubt, ask a professional for guidance.

  • Handle coins by the edges to prevent fingerprints and corrosion.

Cleaning coins can be rewarding and satisfying. With the right methods, you can make your old coins shine again while keeping their condition intact.