Introduction
Have you ever found a penny lying around and thought, “I wonder if I can clean it?” Maybe you’re an avid collector, or maybe you just want to make your loose change shine. Either way, learning how to clean a penny can be a fun and educational activity. Not only will you revive old, dirty pennies, but you’ll also learn about the history and science behind penny cleaning. In this article, we’ll explore the different household items and chemicals that can be used to clean pennies. We’ll also provide a fool-proof guide to cleaning a penny in 4 easy steps, detail the science of oxidation, and provide tips to avoid penny damage.
7 Surprising Household Items that Can Clean Your Pennies to a Shine
You may be surprised to know that many household items can be used to clean pennies. Here are seven surprising items that are effective in restoring dirty pennies to a shine:
1. Vinegar – A staple household item, vinegar can be used to clean and shine pennies. The acidic nature of vinegar helps to dissolve the grime and dirt that accumulates on pennies.
2. Lemon Juice – Lemon juice is another acidic household item that can clean pennies. The citric acid in lemon juice helps to loosen the grime and tarnish accumulated on pennies over time.
3. Baking Soda – Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can be used to remove grime and tarnish from pennies. When mixed with water, baking soda forms a paste that can easily scrub away dirt.
4. Ketchup – The combination of acid and salt in ketchup is surprisingly effective at cleaning pennies. The acid dissolves the dirt and grime, while the salt acts as a scrubbing agent.
5. Toothpaste – Toothpaste contains abrasives that can be used to gently scrub away the dirt and tarnish on pennies. Be sure to use a white toothpaste, as colored toothpaste may contain dyes that can further stain the penny.
6. Salt and Vinegar – A combination of salt and vinegar can create a powerful cleaning solution for pennies. The salt acts as a scrubbing agent, while the vinegar dissolves the dirt and grime.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide – A mild bleaching agent, hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaner for pennies. It can lighten tarnish on pennies and make them shine.
The Fool-Proof Guide to Cleaning a Penny in 4 Easy Steps
Now that you know the household items that can clean pennies, let’s explore the fool-proof guide to cleaning a penny in 4 easy steps:
1. Gather Materials – You’ll need a dirty penny, a container, and your chosen cleaning solution. Be sure to choose a container that will comfortably fit the penny.
2. Soak the Penny – Place the penny in the container, and pour your chosen cleaning solution over it. Let the penny soak for 5-10 minutes.
3. Scrub the Penny – After the penny has soaked, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth to gently scrub away the dirt and grime. Be sure to focus on the areas that are particularly dirty or tarnished.
4. Rinse and Dry – After scrubbing, rinse the penny with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Do not rub the penny as this may cause damage.
The Evolution of Penny Cleaning: From Vinegar to Modern Chemicals
Cleaning pennies has evolved over time. In the past, people used household items like vinegar, lemon juice, and salt to clean pennies. They also used harsher chemicals like sulfuric acid and potassium cyanide. However, today, we have modern cleaning solutions that are much safer to use. Some popular modern cleaning solutions include Tarn-X, Bar Keepers Friend, and Brasso.
Testing Different Methods to Clean a Penny: Which Works Best?
We decided to conduct our own experiments to see which cleaning method works best. We tested the household items and chemicals mentioned above, as well as a few others, including dish soap and rubbing alcohol. We found that the most effective method was using a combination of salt and vinegar, closely followed by Tarn-X.
Save Money and Clean Pennies with Baking Soda and Ketchup
If you’re looking for a penny-cleaning hack that’s also easy on the wallet, try cleaning pennies with baking soda and ketchup. Here’s how to do it:
1. Create a paste by mixing baking soda and ketchup together in a container.
2. Dip the penny in the paste and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Use a toothbrush or cloth to gently scrub the penny.
4. Rinse the penny with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Why Do Pennies Get Dirty? The Science Behind Oxidation
Pennies get dirty due to a process called oxidation. When pennies come into contact with air, the copper in the penny reacts with oxygen to form copper oxide. Copper oxide is the black or green tarnish that you see on dirty pennies. The copper oxide layer that forms on pennies actually protects the penny from further oxidation. However, it also makes the penny look dirty and old.
How to Clean Your Pennies for Collection or Play Without Damaging Them
When cleaning pennies, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid damaging them:
1. Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals that can corrode or damage the penny.
2. Do not rub the penny too hard, as this can scratch or wear away the surface of the penny.
3. Do not use abrasive materials like steel wool to scrub the penny, as this can scratch the surface.
4. Always rinse the penny with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cleaning pennies can be a fun and educational activity. From household items to modern cleaning solutions, there are many different methods to choose from. Be sure to follow the fool-proof 4-step guide to cleaning pennies, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives, and use household hacks like baking soda and ketchup to save money. Understanding the science behind oxidation can also help you keep your pennies clean and shiny for longer.
