articles

Science Fun! Cleaning a Penny

By Jen Anderson March 22, 2015
Did you know that you can clean your money? Make your dirty and dingy pennies bright and shiny with a little chemistry!

You will need:
  • 1/4 c vinegar in a non-metal bowl
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Old, dirty pennies
  • Bowl of water
  • Paper towels for drying
Set up your work space. 

Mix the salt and vinegar. Add your dirty pennies to the salt and vinegar combination. Let them sit for about 20-30 seconds (longer if your pennies are super dirty). 

Remove them from the vinegar and rinse them in the bowl water. Remove them from the water and dry them with a paper towel. 

The acid in the vinegar/salt solution should get rid of the "gunk" on your dirty pennies!