safe cleaning technique?

Steve1124

Has anyone ever tried using a water pik as a method of loosening, and getting rid of dirt that's become embedded in the nooks and crannies of coins--like in the lettering, or other places? Seems like the tiny water jet stream, if it's strong enough would be a good way get dirt out, without using any cleaners, and hopefully leaving the surface looking natural, without a "cleaned" look. Would be interested in knowing if anyone has ever tried this, or know of any reason why it wouldn't be advisable.

BStrauss3

water is very abrasive - over time - remember that's what made the grand canyon...

BruceS

Pressure washer, lol

messydesk

I've used a green rose thorn under magnification to get dirt out of mint marks, dates, and other tiny areas. You frequently need to clean off the thorn so you don't drag the dirt around the coin.

Insider2

Yes, but I prefer a Branson ultrasonic. A jeweler's supply shop had a neat pressurized steam "water pick" type of instrument that I wanted to try but I got thumbs down.

BTW, the safest cleaning technique is not to touch your coin until you know exactly what you are doing and that will not guarantee 100% success. LOL!!

davewesen

if there is a lot of dirt in the nooks and crannies, the coin is circulated- taking that dirt off could expose different color metal underneath - the coin will have a 'cleaned' look, because it is

Insider2

@davewesen said:
if there is a lot of dirt in the nooks and crannies, the coin is circulated- taking that dirt off could expose different color metal underneath - the coin will have a 'cleaned' look, because it is

Great point. I saw a demonstration in class where a typically circulated grayish Vf Mercury dime was half dipped. The dipped portion lost all its contrast between and around the relief and was ugly and "washed-out." If a coin does not have mint luster (even inside the letters) it is best just to lighten it a tad. Often as the poster wrote, removing dirt will leave a coin with light colored patches where the dirt was.

ricko

An acetone soak will usually remove all the dirt - agitate it a bit for full removal...Yes, there could be hidden issues or, if the coin is also tarnished, the surface will usually look different when the dirt is removed. Acetone soak or bath is not a detrimental cleaning - as long as you do not accompany it with abrasion. Cheers, RickO

Jimnight

A tooth water pick. LoL.

RogerB

I'd be very careful about being inside your safe, busily cleaning the nooks and crannies, only to find yourself locked in. I doubt a waterpick would be of much help - especially if you're the only one who knows the combination or no one else is home....

YQQ

It is very unlikely that using a rose thorn or a hawthorn will leave any serious tracks.
it took a considerable time for that crud to accumulate on those nooks and crannies. hence the coin is obviously well circulated and shows other evidence of use. A bit of discoloring in some tiny spaces will not matter anymore.
However, it will improve the eye appeal of the coin.

AUandAG

About twenty years ago I found a coin in the desert that was covered in gunk (metal detecting). I knew it was a large copper but had no clue other than that. Tried the water pic and did nothing but make a bloody mess out of the mirror and bathroom. Had to spend 15 minutes cleaning up my mess! Threw the coin in the reject pile that eventually got sold.
bob
Oh and it did nothing to the dirt or crust...just made a mess.