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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;goldmark, post: 1767830, member: 38168&quot;]The smarter choice is always to acquire knowledge first before making an informed decision. The problem with cleaning coins is that is it highly experience based and should always be discussed under the premise of correct/proper use with sufficiently existing technical skills present. But even proper use doesn&#039;t eliminate the risk present, it just adds less non deterministic factors to a varying degree. You&#039;re right in calling cleaning coins a gamble, but doesn&#039;t this also mean that no list ever compiled can be called free of risk. For all cleaning methods including mechanic cleaning there are circumstances under which I can see the use adequate, if properly balanced.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Based on my own experience and considering a larger consensus of other collectors I have talked to, the use of Ethanol has so far not led to the observation of unwanted consequences. The problem here is that positive experience doesn&#039;t invalidate real existing problems just because they may not be observed (yet?). What I would have liked to hear is someone with the right professional background (chemistry) to speak up and discuss here in a greater detail what could be missed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Some of the chemical cleaning agents on your list are highly questionable. Questionable based on my own experience and larger consensus. All commercial coin dips fall under two categories they&#039;re either abrasive by use of mineral acids or contain a mix of surfactants, both are terrible and neither are 100% pure. (For precisions sake my experience involves mainly the use of the Lighthouse/Leuchtturm coin dips.) Diemethylbenzene are harmful, water polluting and have a negative environmental footprint. This is a risk that absolutely needs to be considered in use, especially accidental problems should be taken into consideration (unintended consequences), in not only doing material but also personal damage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>If brightening up of a silver coin is wished then baking soda isn&#039;t that bad. - of course if properly used only <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Distilled water and Ethanol are very easy in use, mild proven cleaning solutions and perhaps indeed problem free. Let me ask you in return what&#039;s the smarter choice?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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