Important question.

[ThierryA]

Hi Y'all, me again. With experience, finding relics and other targets is becoming easier but often the "suff" comes out of the ground barely recognizable due to the grime on it. I need your input on the proper way(s) to clean finds without risking to alter their value. I know all about the toothbrush/soaking method but it doesn't always work well and still leaves quite an amount of stuck dirt on my finds.
What is the safest method to clean silver? (though most of the time it comes out quite perfect). I did find a "Walking Liberty" in an acidic soil and the coin was quite sorry.
what about wheaties, and other metals you guys run into?
I've been watching YouTube videos but I'm not too trusting of some of their methods. I need your expertise to guide me in the right direction.
Thanks a bunch, and keep hunting

 

[John-Edmonton]

Toothbrush method is the safest, unless it's a valuable find, where cleaning it actually devalues it.

Ultra sonic method......works good on silver (add a little amount of MR. Clean + Ammonia) . Works well on rust......add a strong solution of vinegar. Do [size=x-large]not[/size] use ultra sonic method on copper/bronze items such as coins or jewelry. It will pit the object.

Soaking silver coins in a mixture of 20% vinegar 80% water for about 10 minutes, then using toothpaste + toothbrush for a light scrub. Repeat if necessary.

Wetting a silver coin with water, then apply dry baking soda and rub with your thumb. It also works good.

Using a rock tumbler with sand or small gravel can work well for most items.

My "third way of cleaning items" using a tumbler and a load of stainless steel shot for a high luster cleaned item. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbuiV3RJou0

 

[FrankG]

And "in my opinion" another gid NO NO

You may read about Electrolysis as a cleaning method method.

Be warned.... It will more often than not ruin any find.