Vinegar as a cleaner?

[Idaho PRB]

Will white vinegar remove calcium from a silver coin?
Thanks, Idaho PRB

 

[SamsSon]

Will white vinegar remove calcium from a silver coin?
Thanks, Idaho PRB

Yes.
White vinegar is one of the best cleaners there is if your intention is to get down to the original surface.
Adding salt promotes a mild electrolysis which also helps the cleaning. Placing aluminum foil into it increases the electrolysis even more.

Just don't use salt with bronze because it can promote "bronze disease."

 

[Idaho PRB]

Thank you for the information.
Idaho PRB

 

[RON (PA)]

Will white vinegar remove calcium from a silver coin?
Thanks, Idaho PRB

Yes.
White vinegar is one of the best cleaners there is if your intention is to get down to the original surface.
Adding salt promotes a mild electrolysis which also helps the cleaning. Placing aluminum foil into it increases the electrolysis even more.

Just don't use salt with bronze because it can promote "bronze disease."

Thank you. I learned something new.

 

[SamsSon]

Heating the solution on the stove will make it even more powerful.

 

[dewcon4414]

I use it occassionally. Just remember it is a corrosive so id recommend cleaning the coin after in a mild solution of bakeingsoda and water to stop the corrosion.

 

[SamsSon]

I use it occassionally. Just remember it is a corrosive so id recommend cleaning the coin after in a mild solution of bakeingsoda and water to stop the corrosion.

Exactly correct.

Another more mild method is to use lemon juice. I use it on silver ancient coins.