How do you clean "smooshed" pennies (so they are once again shiny)? You know the flattened pennies that you buy for 51cents at theme parks, museums, or rest stops, etc.?
By Jane from DC
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If they are old pennies, they should be copper & will respond to any metal polish suitable for copper. New coins are a different amalgum.
As silly as it sounds, try ketchup. Rub a little on one, let it sit a minute or two, then wash with soapy water. I had read it once, but got to try it when I spilled ketchup into the cup holder in my car where I had pennies sitting, you could tell which ones had gotten ketchup on!
Here is an interesting article about cleaning coins.
coins.thefuntimesguide.com/
Put them in a bowl & cover with vinegar or pickle juice, and don't blink or you might miss seeing them go from tarnished to shiny, you will be amazed at how fast it happens!
Soak them in Coca Cola or Pepsi!
How do I clean corrosion from pennies ?? They aren't old pennies they just have green corrosion on them.
Try Coke
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What is the best way to clean and preserve pennies?
By Derwin D. Webb from MO
Several ways:
By Cajun
If you are saving them for collecting, don't clean them. It will decrease the value! (09/17/2009)
By Carol
Throw them in pickle juice. (09/17/2009)
By Jan
This may sound crazy, but soak them overnight in Coke. There is something in its makeup that works great. They will come out looking like new! I have also used it (and also tomato sauce) for my copper bottom Revere Ware pans.
I don't know if any other soda works. (04/09/2010)
I found some old pennies that are all green and corroded. Does anyone know how to clean them up?
D.L. from Millbury, OH
I heard that soaking them in a batch of Alka Seltzer would get that off. I'm not sure though. (11/13/2008)
By Julie
Use ketchup. It works wonders. I've also heard soaking in Pepsi or Coke will work, too. (11/13/2008)
By Jennifer
Vinegar will clean them. We tried it in school long ago and I still remember it made them look like new. (11/13/2008)
Coins like furniture reduce in value if cleaned, so if you think they may be worth something, check with a coin dealer before cleaning. (11/14/2008)
By LEONA LABINE
I've used baking soda and lemon juice, but anything acidic would work. I agree to check with a coin dealer if you think they may be valuable. (11/15/2008)
By Linda
Pennies can soak in a vinegar and salt solution. Then wipe clean. Have fun with your penny collection. (11/15/2008)
Baking soda is not acidic, so don't use that if you are looking for an acid solution. I don't know about Alka Seltzer, but I'll bet that it is. Ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice those are all acids.
(11/16/2008)
By Louise B.
I used Louisiana Hot Sauce, left it for a short time (5 min.) and it wiped right off. (11/18/2008)
By BJ
