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Clean MoneyI read somewhere that copper pennies can be cleaned by soaking them in olive oil, but some collectors recommend not to clean coins.

Another great way to clean pennies is to use a solution of vinegar and salt. Fill a cup about 1/4 of vinegar and a teaspoon of salt (more salt, faster reaction). The tarnish that forms on a penny is copper oxide. The salt and vinegar create an acid solution that causes the copper oxide to dissolve off the coins. Once they are clean they should have their original shiny coat. Remember though, if there are pits in the pennies they will show now that the oxide has been removed. If you don't have vinegar any acid such as lemon juice or Coke/Pepsi will work as well.

HOWEVER ....Cleaning an ordinary modern penny is fine because there are so many of them. But you should NEVER, EVER try to clean a collectible coin because anything you have at home will damage the coin's surface and reduce or even destroy its value to another collector.
If you clean pennies with just salt, it wouldn't be clean. If you cleaned them with just vinegar, it wouldn't be clean.
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10y ago
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15y ago

Ordinary white vinegar is a dilute form of acetic acid. Because it's acidic, it reacts with the oxidized copper that forms on the coin's surface.

Of course, if you have a coin that's worth a premium as a collectible, you should NEVER try to clean it at home because anything you have - vinegar, soda, Tarn-X, whatever- will damage the coin's surface and reduce its value.

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6mo ago

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which reacts with the copper oxide tarnish on the penny to form a soluble compound. This reaction helps to lift the tarnish and restore the shine to the penny, making it appear cleaner.

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12y ago

it cleans the pennies because I think it makes things bubbly.

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12y ago

the reason salt and vinger cleans off pennies is because the salt and vinger have a strong formula that cleans off hard surfaces such as a penny

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Q: Why does vinegar clean a penny?
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Can a penny be cleaned with vinegar?

Yes, vinegar can be used to clean a penny. The acidic nature of vinegar can help dissolve and remove built-up grime and oxidation on the surface of the penny, restoring its shine. Simply soak the penny in vinegar for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft cloth or toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.


Can a vinegar and kitchup clean a penny?

Vinegar, yes, but not ketchup. Vinegar cleans it because it is an acid. Actually, the best thing to use is cola or lemonade and leave the penny in some cola or lemonade for 48 hours - it normally does the trick!


What is in tapatio that can clean a penny?

The acidity in Tapatio hot sauce, mainly from vinegar, can help to dissolve the tarnish on a penny. Vinegar is a mild acid that can react with the copper oxide on the penny's surface, making it shine again.


Who invented how to clean a penny with vinegar?

The process of using vinegar to clean a penny is a common science experiment that demonstrates the chemical reaction between the acid in vinegar and the tarnish on the surface of the penny. There is no specific person who can be credited with "inventing" this method, as it is a simple and well-known technique in the realm of science education.


Is cleaning a penny with vinegar and salt a physical or chemical change?

Cleaning a penny with vinegar and salt is a chemical change. The vinegar (acetic acid) reacts with the salt (sodium chloride) to form a chemical compound that removes the tarnish on the copper surface of the penny. This reaction changes the composition of the penny's surface, making it appear shiny and clean.

Related questions

Why can vinegar clean a dirty penny?

Vinegar contains Acetic acid that reacts with the copper in the penny.


Can vinegar clean an oxidized penny?

Yes.


How does vinegar make a penny shine?

vinegar has an acid in it that dissolves microscopic particles only found on certain matals.


What will a penny do in vinegar after 30 minutes?

If you have any tarnished pennies in your penny jar, you can easily clean them in vinegar. If you leave your pennies in white vinegar and salt for about 30 minutes and they will come out shiny and pretty clean. Be sure to rinse the vinegar off.


Why wont soda clean a penny as good as vinegar?

Vinegar is acid.. Soda is sugar and carbonation.


What will happen if you soak the penny to vinegar overnight?

The penny will get clean i did that in science class and in less than 2 minutes the penny became clean


How does vinegar clean pennies?

vinegar is acetic acid so it 'eats' away the coating of the penny cleaning it.


Can a penny be cleaned with vinegar?

Yes, vinegar can be used to clean a penny. The acidic nature of vinegar can help dissolve and remove built-up grime and oxidation on the surface of the penny, restoring its shine. Simply soak the penny in vinegar for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft cloth or toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt.


What solvent can clean pennies best out of water vinegar lemon juice apple juice and sprite?

vinegar is the best way to clean a penny out of the choices given.


Which liquid will best clean a penny?

A mixture of vinegar and salt is commonly used to effectively clean a penny. The vinegar's acidity helps to dissolve the tarnish, while the salt acts as an abrasive to scrub away dirt and grime. Simply soak the penny in the mixture for a few minutes, then gently rub it to reveal a shiny surface.


How does a penny react when put in vinegar?

The vinegar was so strong that it clean the penny. Vinegar is acedic acid. The penny has oxidized in air and the acid removes the oxidization from the penny, making the copper shiny again.


How do you clean a rusty penny?

One method to clean a rusty penny is to create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and table salt. Let the penny sit in the mixture for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the penny with water and pat it dry. Repeat if necessary.