My father-in-law told me that using CLR to clean my coins won't harm them or decrease the value. I always believed that when you clean certain items, it devalues that item. Which way should I lean? Thanks!
Was your father-in-law smirking when he said that? Tell him he can soak his dentures in Hydrochloric acid and it won't "harm them or decrease their value". See how that works out for him. ;-)
Thanks guys! Chris, I've been staying as far as possible! Haha What's the best way to clean coins then? (If you clean them)
Well, what are you trying to clean off of them. There are things that can be removed with very mild methods, and some that require stronger methods.
Some coins have what seems oxidation (green/blue), some of my silver coins have oxidation, and some other coins just look grimy (if that makes any "cents")
I've said this before and I'll say it again (in fact, I should just program it as a macro): The VAST majority of collectors should NOT clean their coins, ever, for any reason, with anything. Generally speaking, if conservation is needed, most of us should pay NCS or similar conservation service to do it. There are a FEW exceptions, but unless you're an expert, don't do it. Period.
If you have some high value rare coins then you should take mac's advice. But with the more common fare, it's not that hard to do it right even from the first time if you have good coaching.
IF CLR can clean Calcium, Limestone and Rust deposits, what do you think it's going to do to your coins? It will destroy them. Try it on a nothing coin of each value that is dirty. Then you'll understand.
Rule #1 don't clean coins Rule #2 if you think cleaning them will make them better, refer back to rule #1.
Sound advice. And you can learn everything you need to know about conserving everyday coins right here on this forum.
Not many stainless steel or chrome coins: "MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET CLR CALCIUM, LIME & RUST REMOVER 521012 Page 1 of 6 Date issued 01-October-2012 1 - PRODUCT AND COMPANY IDENTIFICATION SDS ID: 521012 Product Name CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover Product Use Aqueous Acidic Cleaner for Removal of Calcium, Lime, and Rust from Hard Surfaces Retail Package: [28 fl. oz., 42 fl. oz., and 128 fl. oz. (one gallon)} CAS# Proprietary Mixture Restrictions on Use Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, metals (except stainless steel, chrome), acids, bases, and bleach . Manufacturer: Jelmar, LLC Emergency Phone Number: 1(800) 323-5497 (USA) Address: 5550 W. Touhy Ave. Monday – Friday 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. CST Skokie, IL 60077 Emergency 24 hour Contact: Chemtrec 1(800) 424-9300 http://www.jelmar.com/msds/2012/CLR_Calcium_Lime_Rust_MSDS.pdf
Thanks everyone! I'm glad I joined this forum. It's been really helpful reading these comments and other threads on other questions I have. Hopefully I'll be able to find awesome coins to start my collection!
Sounds like possible pvc contamination which acetone will work wonders on but before you do anything yes, post pics and we will guide you as to what to do if anything can be done at all
