You can use WD-40 to clean grime and dirt from some silver coins, especially excavated ones, as it's an oil-based solvent that helps loosen buildup without harsh chemicals, but it's a controversial method among collectors; it might remove valuable natural patina, so many experts recommend gentle washing with soap/water or using specialized dips instead, and WD-40 can damage other materials like plastic or rubber on the coin.
The oil-base makes WD-40 reasonably effective at removing it without a lot of work. There is of course some sacrifice when this stuff is removed but fortunately the metal underneath is in pretty good condition and the coin, in hand, is much more presentable.
Use the multipurpose WD-40
Spray it on the silver jewelry and use a clean microfiber cloth to polish it in circular motion. You will slowly see the tarnish disappear. WD-40 is an excellent cleaning agent that you can use to clean and shine your jewelry and several other items.
Clean dark silver coins with ammonia, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, lemon juice or polish remover with aceton. Allow coins to soak in a container of the liquid until any dirt or encrustation has been dislodged. Air-dry or pat them dry with a soft, clean cloth. Do not rub or polish.
Clean Coins at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Ultrasonic Cleaners
These coins are cleaned by using distilled water with a small amount of detergent in a special vibrating container. Acid based cleaners will eat away at a coin's surface diminishing its value.
Acid and PVC can ruin a coin's surface. PVC eventually coats a coin with sticky green slime.
Polishing Silver
The most common is using a soft towel and a silver polish cream like Hagerty's or Miror. Another option is to line a ceramic or glass (never metal) dish with aluminium foil. In a separate bowl, mix together one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of baking soda, and half a cup of white vinegar.
You should avoid using a silver polish as this will strip the oxidized finish from the silver. Instead, we recommend cleaning your oxidized silver by using a dry, clean cloth to avoid scratching. Only clean oxidized silver when necessary.
Key Takeaways: Never clean your coins. Cleaning almost always decreases value by removing historical patina and causing invisible damage.
You should not use WD-40 on things that require proper lubrication (like bike/drive chains, gears, locks), anything with rubber or plastic (it degrades them), electronics (attracts dust, damages components), car parts like O2 sensors or dashboards (causes damage/silica buildup), or anything food-contact related (not food safe). It's a water displacer and degreaser, not a long-term lubricant, and its petroleum base damages many materials.
There are a few ways to clean silver. One nontoxic method is to fill an aluminum pan with hot water, salt and baking soda, stir until it is all dissolved, and then soak the pieces until a chemical reaction occurs that removes the tarnish.
The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust. You simply spray it on the surface, wait around ten minutes, and scrub it off with something abrasive. Its lubricating qualities loosen the bonds between the rust and the metal surface it has adhered to.
Spray the WD-40 Product onto the silver, and gently massage in, using the cloth. This will help prevent tarnish building up again. You may want to repeat the process, adding more WD-40 if needed.
How to Clean Collectible Coins
It provides long-lasting protection of up to one year in outdoor environments and is ideal for protecting equipment stored outside like chains, locks and propane tanks. Instead of constantly replacing parts and tools, remove and prevent rust with WD-40 Specialist products.
Silver Bath: Put a sheet of aluminium foil in a bowl and fill it with boiling water. Add one tablespoon of baking soda per half litre of water. Soak your silver pieces for up to 30 minutes, then polish them with a soft cloth.
The most straightforward and non-intrusive way to clean silver coins is with a solution of mild hand soap and distilled water. Let the coin soak in the solution for 10-15 minutes, and then carefully place it on a soft cloth to air dry.
You should never use vinegar to clean your jewellery – it may be a great cleaning substance at home, but vinegar is not recommended for cleaning jewellery, especially precious metals like silver and gold. Vinegar is acidic and can damage the finish, patina, or any gemstones in your precious pieces.
BADA, The British Antique Dealers' Association, suggests washing antique silver in a solution of mild detergent in hot water. Once the item has been rinsed in hot water, it can be buffed with a soft cloth. For more heavily tarnished items, a proprietary silver polish can be used, which will clean and protect.
Tips for Cleaning Silver Rings
For deeper cleaning, use a mild washing up liquid with warm water, with a soft-bristle toothbrush, being careful not to damage any gemstones. Rinse the ring thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Cleaning permanently damages coin surfaces by removing the outer layer of patina or toning, usually by scraping away a thin layer of metal. This creates countless tiny scratches that are visible under magnification and can drastically reduce a coin's numismatic premium and collectible appeal.
Brasso is a product available to purchase at big-box and hardware stores that can clean metal. Apply it to dirty coins, and then let the coins sit. Rub dry with a clean paper towel. The towel will turn black as it is rubbed across the coin.
One of the most noticeable indicators is the presence of hairline scratches on the coin's surface which result from abrasive cleaning methods. Additionally, cleaned coins may lack natural luster, which is the original shine that coins have when minted.