How and what is the best way to clean parts of different metals at home
Cleaning rooms at home can be done in different ways. Special chemicals and compositions prepared according to folk recipes are suitable. An electrochemical cleaning of the surface gives a quick effect. To choose the right product, you need to take into account the material from which the parts are made. In the process of work, it is imperative to observe safety measures.
Parts cleaning features
A dirty coating appears on the parts due to oxidation processes. Silver that has been in the ground for a long time gets especially dirty. To remove the dirt and not damage the metal, you need to do the cleaning work carefully. The main thing is to take into account the material for making copies.
The copper
If there are no traces of rust on copper products, it is better to simply wash them in warm water with the addition of crushed laundry soap. Corroded specimens are well cleaned with solutions of citric acid or vinegar.Parts are left in a liquid composition with these components for 2-3 hours.
Collectible copper silver cannot be cleaned with abrasives, vinegar concentrate or ferric chloride solution. Do not expose metal samples to high temperatures.
Bronze
Bronze is the most susceptible to oxidation and contamination over time. It will be possible to successfully clean the products with citric acid, oil or a soapy solution.
Bimetallic coins
Bimetallic specimens are made from two different materials. For the central part, silver or steel is most often used, along the edges there can be gold or copper.
Silver from bimetal and aluminum bronze is cleaned with solutions based on ammonia, vinegar, soda or citric acid. It is allowed to make a concentrate from liquid dishwashing detergents, as well as to use such a drink as Coca-Cola.
Money
When choosing a cleaner for silver jewelry, it is important to consider the sample. Low sample silver is cleaned with soapy water or olive oil.
Products of high purity can be immersed in a solution with ammonia or soda. The components must be diluted with water. Contaminated areas are additionally rubbed with a soft brush. A mixture of toothpaste, ammonia and soda is also used for cleaning. The composition is applied to coins and wiped off with a brush.
Gold
You can not clean old gold products from dirty deposits with agents containing aggressive components. You should also avoid strongly rubbing the surface of the gold coins, even with an ordinary cloth.Small scratches immediately remain on the metal.
When dirt appears on the silver, a soapy solution is used. After the procedure, the silver is washed off with clean water and dried, spreading it on a towel. It is allowed to use dishwashing detergents and washing powder. Soaking in a solution with laundry soap helps effectively.
Coins of the USSR
Coins from the USSR period had different issue dates, so the products also differed in material:
- The first currency of the USSR period appeared in 1924. Coins of different denominations were silver (500 and 900 standard) and copper.
- New coins began to be minted in 1926. The short period of time is due to the fact that silver made of silver and copper turned out to be too heavy. Therefore, for the manufacture of new parts, they began to use aluminum bronze.
- In 1932, a new nickel coinage was added to circulation. This material is durable.
- Significant changes in the material of manufacture were noticeable in 1961. The currency was made from a copper-zinc alloy and a copper-nickel alloy.
- The last issue of silver during the USSR period dates back to 1991. The coins were made of steel and plated brass, as well as an alloy of copper and nickel. At the same time, bimetallic coins began to be issued: the center was made of an alloy of copper and zinc, the edges were made of an alloy of copper and nickel.
Having at hand information about the material of the coin issue of a particular year during the period of the USSR, it will be possible to find a suitable tool for removing old dirty plate and rust.
nickel copper
Copper-nickel silver keeps well in soil and other harsh environments, so it is easy to clean. Oxidation-induced reddish-brown plaque is the hardest to clean.
Effectively cleans by electrolysis. Cleaning in a vinegar solution is acceptable. Hydrochloric acid cleans silver well from an alloy of copper and nickel. The component is contained in Toilet Duck Sanitary Cleaner.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper. Parts made from this material will corrode, oxidize and develop an uneven patina. Brass silver is cleaned with soap solutions, citric or oxalic acid, vinegar, Coca-Cola.
Specialty chemical cleaners for coins
At home, parts can be cleaned using industrial chemicals:
- Leuchttrum effective metal cleaner. It is enough to pour the parts with this composition for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water.
- The drug "Trilon-B" is able to dissolve dirty plaque and patina. To prepare the solution, the concentrate must be diluted with water.
- Stubborn dirt can be removed with plumbing cleaners containing hydrochloric acid. The silver is immersed in the solution for 12 minutes.
- Universal cleaner "Asidol" is suitable for cleaning coins made of any material. The product is applied to the dirty surface with a cloth and left for 1 minute. Then rub the part with a clean cloth.
Other effective industrial cleaners for collectibles include: Shine-Coin, Silbo.
Electrochemical cleaning
Electrolysis is considered a quick and effective option for cleaning silver from dirt.To work, you will need to prepare a power supply (a universal charger or a charger from an old mobile phone is suitable):
- The power plug is cut off and the wires are split in two.
- The ends of the wires are stripped of insulation.
- Small metal clips are attached to the ends of the wires (paperclips work well).
- Next, a plastic container is prepared, into which saline or soda solution is poured.
- A clip with a "-" sign is attached to a coin, with a "+" sign to a metal object.
- The clamps are held by the isolated areas, preventing them from touching, and submerged in the solution.
- The power supply is plugged into an outlet.
At the end of the procedure, the power supply is removed from the socket and the samples are cleaned with a soft brush and soapy water.
Folk remedies
In elaborate compositions according to folk recipes, inexpensive and effective ingredients that can be found in every home.
lemon acid
Citric acid is popular. With its help, it will be possible to clean even old pollution:
- For work, take a plastic or ceramic container.
- Citric acid is poured into the dishes and mixed with water.
- Silver is immersed in a solution.
- The holding time is 15 minutes. During this time, the parts are periodically turned over.
- Rub the dirt with a sponge, rinse with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Mixture of soda and soap
You can clean your parts with a mixture of baking soda and soap. The method works quickly:
- Dissolve the soap shavings in lukewarm water.
- Soda is dissolved in a separate container with water.
- Connect two ready-made compositions.
- Products are immersed in the resulting liquid and left for 12 minutes.
- After soaking, all samples are washed thoroughly with clean water and dried thoroughly.
After cleaning, it is recommended to wipe the silver with alcohol and grease with petroleum jelly ointment. These components will protect the surface from the reappearance of contamination.
oil method
For cleaning silver, the option with oil is suitable:
- For work it is better to choose petroleum jelly or olive oil, which are heated on fire.
- The collection is dipped in the solution and boiled until the dirt is completely dissolved.
- Then the products are washed off with a brush using soap.
- The remaining oil is removed by boiling in clean water.
The procedure allows the surface to become bright and shiny again. At the end of the procedure, it is recommended to wipe the products with ethyl alcohol.
Coca Cola
The soft drink Coca-Cola contains aggressive components capable of corroding dirt and rust:
- The drink is poured into a container.
- Collectibles are submerged in soda.
- Leave all copies for 10-12 hours.
- Wash off the loose dirt layer with clear water and wipe the surface dry.
Ammonia
Ammonia is considered an effective ingredient, but you need to use it carefully. Alcohol, if used incorrectly, contributes to the oxidation of the metal:
- Ammonia is poured into a container.
- The money is immersed in the liquid for 5-7 seconds.
- Then the parts are washed and the surface is wiped with a dry cloth.
It is permissible, instead of soaking, to simply walk on all the parts with a cotton swab soaked in ammonia. As a result, it will be possible to get rid of rust, greenery and patina.
Toothpaste
The parts can be cleaned with a white toothpaste with a homogeneous structure without impurities or abrasive particles. The sequence of actions will be as follows:
- a soft toothbrush is moistened in water;
- a small amount of paste is squeezed onto the brush;
- smooth circular movements without pressure clean the metal surface;
- then the composition is washed off the parts and wiped dry.
With vinegar and salt
Vinegar is able to cope with oxides on the surface of products. When salt is added to the solution, the cleaning effect is enhanced:
- Salt (20 g) is added to vinegar (55 ml).
- Stir lightly.
- The salt will not dissolve completely and will settle to the bottom.
- The money is put on a layer of layers.
- Soaking time 20 minutes.
- Coins must be flipped every 2 minutes.
Precautionary measures
Work with various parts cleaners must be carried out correctly:
- before starting work, you need to put on household gloves;
- tweezers should be used to keep the silver in the prepared solution;
- the finished product is first tested on a sample, then they clean all the parts;
- after the dirt has softened, it is cleaned with a soft sponge;
- do not use products containing abrasive components;
- do not use tap water if it contains a lot of chlorine.
Whatever composition is chosen for cleaning rooms from dirt, you must follow the rules and recommendations. In this case, no damage will appear on the products and no damage will be caused to health.