How to Clean Pennies with Baking Soda: Easy Steps

Have you ever found an old penny jar tucked away in a closet, filled with dull, tarnished coins? Or maybe you’re a crafter looking to use pennies in your next project but need them to shine? Cleaning pennies can seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly simple with common household items. The question at the front is, how do you clean pennies with baking soda?

Baking soda is an effective and gentle abrasive that can remove dirt and grime from pennies without causing damage when used correctly. A simple paste made from baking soda and water, or a combination of baking soda and vinegar, can restore the shine to your copper treasures.

In the realm of coin cleaning, particularly for crafting or simple restoration, I’ve spent years experimenting with various methods, and the baking soda approach consistently yields impressive results. This post will reveal how to clean pennies effectively using baking soda and other household ingredients. You’ll discover step-by-step methods, tips for different types of pennies, and how to avoid common pitfalls. We’ll dive into the science behind why these methods work, explore how to handle valuable coins, and even touch on alternative cleaning solutions. Get ready to transform your dull pennies into gleaming treasures!

Key Facts
* The reaction between baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which helps lift dirt and grime from the surface of pennies.
* Pennies minted before 1982 are composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc, while those minted after 1982 are 97.5% zinc with a thin copper plating.
* A study by the American Chemical Society found that baking soda’s mild abrasive properties effectively remove tarnish from copper without significant damage.
* The value of collectible pennies can be significantly reduced if cleaned improperly, as cleaning can remove the coin’s patina, a thin layer that forms over time and is often considered desirable by collectors.
* Baking soda, with a pH of around 8.3, is a weak base that can neutralize acidic compounds often responsible for the tarnishing of pennies.

How Do You Clean Pennies with Baking Soda?

To clean pennies with baking soda, make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply the paste to the pennies and gently rub it in using your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the pennies thoroughly with water and dry them with a soft cloth.

Making the Baking Soda Paste

Begin by gathering your supplies: baking soda, water, a small bowl, and a soft-bristled toothbrush or microfiber cloth. In the bowl, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with a small amount of water, starting with a few drops and adding more until you achieve a thick, toothpaste-like consistency. This paste acts as a gentle abrasive to remove dirt and grime.

Applying the Paste

Once your paste is ready, apply a small amount to each penny. Using your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently rub the paste onto the surface of the coin. Focus on areas with visible dirt or tarnish. The mild abrasive action of the baking soda will start to lift away the grime.

Rinsing and Drying

After scrubbing, rinse the pennies thoroughly under running water to remove all traces of the baking soda paste. Once rinsed, use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the pennies completely. This prevents water spots and ensures a clean, shiny finish.

Dealing with Stubborn Tarnish

For heavily tarnished pennies, you might need to repeat the process or let the paste sit on the coins for a few minutes before scrubbing. However, be cautious not to leave the paste on for too long, especially on zinc pennies, as it can potentially cause discoloration.

What Are the Benefits of Cleaning Pennies with Baking Soda?

The benefits of cleaning pennies with baking soda include its effectiveness as a gentle abrasive, its affordability, and its non-toxic nature. Baking soda is readily available in most households, making it a convenient option for cleaning coins without the need for specialized products.

Gentle Abrasive Action

Baking soda’s fine particles provide a gentle abrasive action that effectively removes dirt, grime, and tarnish from the surface of pennies without causing significant damage. This makes it a safer option compared to harsher cleaning methods that can scratch or erode the coin’s surface.

Cost-Effective Solution

Compared to commercial coin cleaners, baking soda is a highly affordable option. A box of baking soda is inexpensive and can be used for numerous cleaning sessions, making it a budget-friendly choice for restoring the shine of your penny collection.

Non-Toxic and Environmentally Friendly

Baking soda is a non-toxic, natural substance that is safe for use around children and pets. Unlike some chemical cleaners, it does not release harmful fumes or residues, making it an environmentally friendly choice for cleaning pennies.

Readily Available

Baking soda is a common household item, readily available in most grocery stores. This convenience means you likely already have it on hand or can easily obtain it, eliminating the need to purchase specialized coin cleaning products.

How Does Baking Soda Compare to Other Penny Cleaning Methods?

Baking soda compares favorably to other penny cleaning methods due to its gentle nature, affordability, and effectiveness in removing tarnish without causing significant damage. While other methods like vinegar soaks or commercial cleaners have their merits, baking soda offers a balanced approach suitable for most common cleaning needs.

Baking Soda vs. Vinegar

Vinegar, particularly white vinegar, is another popular method for cleaning pennies. It’s acidic nature helps dissolve tarnish. However, vinegar can be harsh on pennies, especially if left to soak for too long. It can strip away the copper plating on newer pennies or cause pitting on older ones. Baking soda, being a mild base, is gentler and less likely to damage the coin’s surface.

Baking Soda vs. Commercial Coin Cleaners

Commercial coin cleaners are formulated specifically for removing tarnish and restoring shine. While they can be effective, they often come with a higher price tag and may contain harsh chemicals. Baking soda provides a more natural and cost-effective alternative, albeit requiring a bit more elbow grease.

Baking Soda vs. Ultrasonic Cleaners

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles that dislodge dirt and grime. They are highly effective for intricate items but can be expensive. Baking soda offers a simple, manual cleaning method that achieves similar results for surface-level cleaning without the need for specialized equipment.

Baking Soda vs. Soap and Water

Soap and water can remove loose dirt but are generally less effective against tarnish. Baking soda’s abrasive properties give it an edge in tackling more stubborn grime and oxidation, making it a more potent cleaning agent than regular soap.

What Are the Best Practices for Cleaning Pennies with Baking Soda?

The best practices for cleaning pennies with baking soda involve testing a small area first, using a soft-bristled brush or cloth, and avoiding prolonged soaking. It’s also crucial to differentiate between copper and zinc pennies, as they may require slightly different approaches.

Test a Small Area

Before cleaning an entire batch of pennies, it’s wise to test the baking soda paste on a small, inconspicuous area of a single coin. This allows you to assess the cleaning effect and ensure that the paste doesn’t cause any adverse reactions, such as discoloration or damage.

Use a Soft-Bristled Brush or Cloth

When applying the baking soda paste, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a microfiber cloth. Hard bristles can scratch the surface of the penny, especially on softer zinc pennies. Gentle rubbing is key to removing grime without causing abrasion.

Avoid Prolonged Soaking

While letting the paste sit for a few minutes can help with stubborn tarnish, avoid soaking pennies in the baking soda solution for extended periods. Prolonged exposure can lead to discoloration or damage, particularly for zinc pennies.

Differentiate Between Copper and Zinc Pennies

Pennies minted before 1982 are primarily copper, while those minted after are mostly zinc with a copper plating. Zinc pennies are more susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to acidic or alkaline substances. Therefore, exercise extra caution when cleaning post-1982 pennies with baking soda.

Rinse Thoroughly

After scrubbing, ensure you rinse the pennies thoroughly under running water. Any residual baking soda paste can leave a white residue or potentially cause discoloration over time.

Dry Completely

Proper drying is essential to prevent water spots and ensure a clean finish. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat the pennies dry immediately after rinsing.

Consider the Value of the Penny

If you suspect a penny might be valuable or collectible, it’s generally best to avoid cleaning it altogether. Cleaning can often reduce a coin’s numismatic value. Consult a professional coin dealer or numismatist for advice on valuable coins.

How to Clean Pennies with Baking Soda and Vinegar

To clean pennies with baking soda and vinegar, first soak the pennies in white vinegar for about 30 seconds, then remove them and apply a paste made of baking soda and water. Gently scrub the pennies with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a soft cloth. The combination of vinegar’s acidity and baking soda’s gentle abrasion creates a powerful cleaning action.

Prepare the Vinegar Soak

Pour a small amount of white vinegar into a non-metallic bowl. The amount should be enough to cover the pennies you intend to clean. Place the pennies into the vinegar, ensuring they are fully submerged.

Soak the Pennies

Let the pennies soak in the vinegar for approximately 30 seconds to a minute. The acetic acid in the vinegar will start to react with the copper oxide tarnish on the surface of the pennies, helping to loosen it.

Create the Baking Soda Paste

While the pennies are soaking, prepare a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water in a separate small bowl. The consistency should be similar to toothpaste.

Apply the Paste and Scrub

Remove the pennies from the vinegar and place them on a soft cloth or paper towel. Apply a small amount of the baking soda paste to each penny. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or your fingers, gently scrub the surface of the pennies. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive, working in conjunction with the vinegar to remove the loosened tarnish and grime.

Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the pennies thoroughly under running water to remove all traces of vinegar and baking soda. Once rinsed, use a soft, lint-free cloth to pat the pennies dry. Proper drying is essential to prevent water spots and ensure a clean, shiny finish.

What Types of Pennies Can Be Cleaned with Baking Soda?

Most types of pennies can be cleaned with baking soda, but it’s particularly effective for copper pennies minted before 1982. These pennies have a higher copper content, which reacts well to the gentle abrasive action of baking soda. Zinc pennies, minted after 1982, can also be cleaned with baking soda, but extra caution is needed due to their zinc core.

Copper Pennies (Pre-1982)

Pennies minted before 1982 are composed of 95% copper and 5% zinc. This high copper content makes them ideal candidates for cleaning with baking soda. The baking soda effectively removes the copper oxide tarnish that forms on these older pennies, restoring their original luster.

Zinc Pennies (Post-1982)

Pennies minted after 1982 are primarily zinc (97.5%) with a thin copper plating. While baking soda can still be used, it’s crucial to be gentler and avoid prolonged exposure. The zinc core is more susceptible to damage from both acidic and alkaline substances.

Wheat Pennies

Wheat pennies, minted between 1909 and 1958, are highly collectible and often have a desirable patina. It’s generally recommended to avoid cleaning wheat pennies, as cleaning can remove the patina and significantly reduce their value. If you must clean them, exercise extreme caution and use the gentlest method possible.

Indian Head Pennies

Similar to wheat pennies, Indian Head pennies (minted between 1859 and 1909) are collectible and should be handled with care. Cleaning is generally discouraged, but if necessary, a very mild baking soda paste and gentle rubbing can be used.

Proof Pennies

Proof pennies are specially minted coins with a mirror-like finish. They should never be cleaned with any abrasive method, including baking soda. Any cleaning attempt can damage the delicate surface and drastically reduce their value.

How to Clean Heavily Tarnished Pennies

For heavily tarnished pennies, a combination of a vinegar soak followed by a baking soda paste application is often effective. The vinegar helps to break down the thick layer of tarnish, while the baking soda provides the necessary abrasive action to remove the loosened grime. You may need to repeat the process multiple times for severely tarnished coins.

Extended Vinegar Soak

For heavily tarnished pennies, you can extend the initial vinegar soak to a few minutes. However, monitor the pennies closely and remove them as soon as you see the tarnish starting to lift. Avoid soaking for too long, especially for zinc pennies.

Baking Soda Paste with Lemon Juice

Adding a few drops of lemon juice to the baking soda paste can enhance its cleaning power. Lemon juice, being acidic, adds to the tarnish-removing action. However, use this method sparingly and only on heavily tarnished copper pennies, as the increased acidity can be harsh.

Repeat the Process

In cases of severe tarnish, you may need to repeat the vinegar soak and baking soda scrub multiple times. After each cycle, rinse the pennies thoroughly and assess the progress. Be patient and persistent, as removing years of built-up tarnish can take time.

Use a Soft-Bristled Brush

For heavily tarnished areas, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be more effective than fingers for applying the baking soda paste. The bristles can get into crevices and provide a more thorough scrubbing action.

Consider Professional Cleaning

If you’ve tried these methods and the pennies are still heavily tarnished, it might be worth considering professional cleaning, especially if the coins have potential value. Professional numismatists have specialized tools and techniques for cleaning valuable coins without causing damage.

How to Clean Pennies for Crafts

To clean pennies for crafts, a combination of a cola soak and a baking soda scrub often yields the best results. This method effectively removes dirt and grime while also imparting a slightly aged look that can be desirable for certain craft projects. The cola soak adds a unique patina, while the baking soda ensures a clean surface for adhesion or further treatment.

Cola Soak

Begin by soaking the pennies in a dark cola for several hours or even overnight. The phosphoric acid in the cola helps to remove tarnish and creates an interesting, slightly darkened patina on the copper. Pour enough cola into a non-metallic bowl to cover the pennies completely and let them soak.

Baking Soda and Salt Scrub

After the cola soak, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of salt and a few drops of water. The salt adds extra abrasiveness to the mixture. Remove the pennies from the cola and apply the paste, scrubbing gently with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. The combination of the cola’s effects and the baking soda-salt scrub will clean the pennies thoroughly while maintaining the unique patina.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pennies thoroughly under running water to remove all traces of cola, baking soda, and salt. Dry the pennies completely with a soft, lint-free cloth. The resulting pennies should have a clean, slightly aged look that is often ideal for craft projects.

Sealant (Optional)

Depending on the craft project, you might want to apply a clear sealant to the cleaned pennies. This can help preserve their appearance and prevent further tarnishing. Ensure the pennies are completely dry before applying any sealant.

FAQs About How Do You Clean Pennies with Baking Soda

How long should I soak pennies in vinegar before applying baking soda?

You should soak pennies in vinegar for about 30 seconds to a minute. This duration is usually sufficient to loosen tarnish without causing damage to the coin’s surface.

Can I use baking soda to clean other types of coins besides pennies?

Yes, you can use baking soda to clean other types of coins, but with caution. It’s most effective on copper coins. For silver or gold coins, it’s best to consult a professional or use methods specifically designed for those metals, as baking soda might be too abrasive.

Will cleaning pennies with baking soda make them shiny again?

Yes, cleaning pennies with baking soda will often make them shiny again. Baking soda effectively removes the dull layer of tarnish, restoring the coin’s natural luster.

Is it safe to clean valuable or collectible pennies with baking soda?

It’s generally not recommended to clean valuable or collectible pennies with baking soda or any other method. Cleaning can remove the coin’s patina and significantly reduce its value to collectors.

How often can I clean my pennies with baking soda?

You should clean your pennies with baking soda only when necessary. Frequent cleaning can lead to wear and tear on the coin’s surface, especially for zinc pennies.

Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda to clean pennies?

No, it’s not recommended to use baking powder instead of baking soda. Baking powder contains additional ingredients, including acids, which could react unfavorably with the metal in the pennies.

What should I do if my pennies turn green after cleaning them with baking soda?

If your pennies turn green after cleaning with baking soda, it’s likely a reaction between the copper and residual moisture or cleaning agents. Rinse the pennies thoroughly with distilled water and dry them completely. If the green color persists, it might be a form of copper corrosion, and further cleaning attempts should be avoided.

Can I mix baking soda with other cleaning agents besides vinegar or lemon juice?

It’s best to avoid mixing baking soda with other cleaning agents besides vinegar or lemon juice. Combining baking soda with other chemicals can produce unpredictable reactions and potentially damage the pennies. If you need to clean a greasy item, you can use baking soda to remove the grease residue.

How can I tell if a penny is too valuable to clean?

If a penny is old (e.g., pre-1940), rare (e.g., a known error coin), or in exceptionally good condition, it might be too valuable to clean. Consult a coin guidebook or a professional numismatist to determine the potential value of a penny before attempting to clean it.

What is the best way to store cleaned pennies?

The best way to store cleaned pennies is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. You can use coin holders, albums, or tubes designed for coin storage. Avoid storing them in materials that contain PVC, as this can damage the coins over time.

Summary

Cleaning pennies with baking soda offers a simple, affordable, and effective way to restore their shine and remove tarnish. Whether you’re a collector looking to brighten up your coins or a crafter preparing pennies for a project, the methods outlined in this guide provide a practical solution. Remember, the key is to be gentle, patient, and aware of the type of penny you’re working with. While baking soda is a fantastic cleaning agent, it’s essential to use it correctly to avoid damaging your coins. Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of how to clean pennies using baking soda, along with tips and best practices, you can confidently tackle that jar of dull coins. The process might be simple, but the results can be quite rewarding. Will your newly cleaned pennies become part of a collection, a craft project, or simply serve as a reminder of the power of simple household solutions? The choice is yours!