How to Clean Metal Detecting Finds: The Essential Guide

Discover the best ways to clean your metal detecting finds. This guide covers everything from identifying your finds to safely removing dirt. Learn to preserve your treasures and show them off proudly.

Finding treasure with a metal detector is exciting. But what do you do when you dig up a muddy, old coin or a rusty relic? Cleaning your finds is a crucial step. It’s how you reveal the true beauty of what you’ve discovered. It also helps you identify your items. This guide will walk you through cleaning metal detecting finds safely and effectively. We’ll cover different types of finds and the best tools to use.

Why Cleaning Metal Detecting Finds Matters

Cleaning your metal detecting finds is more than just making them look pretty. It’s about preserving history. Properly cleaned items can be identified more easily. This helps you learn about the past. It also prevents further damage. Some cleaning methods can harm artifacts. Knowing the right way protects your treasures for years to come.

Before You Start: Identify Your Find

Before you scrub away, try to figure out what you’ve found. A quick visual inspection can tell you a lot. Is it a coin, a button, a piece of jewelry, or something else? Sometimes, the shape or markings are enough. If it’s very dirty, gentle brushing might reveal more details. Knowing what you have helps you choose the best cleaning method. It also helps you understand its historical value.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Having the right tools makes cleaning easier and safer. You don’t need fancy equipment. Simple household items often work best. Here’s a list of common supplies:

Soft Brushes: Toothbrushes, makeup brushes, or artist brushes work well.
Wooden or Plastic Picks: These are safer than metal tools for delicate items.
Distilled Water: Tap water can contain minerals that might harm finds.
Mild Soap: A gentle, pH-neutral soap is best. Avoid harsh detergents.
Cotton Swabs: For detailed cleaning.
Microfiber Cloths: For gentle drying.
Gloves: To protect your hands and the finds.

Initial Rinse: Gently rinse the coin under cool, running water. This removes loose dirt.
Soaking (Optional): For stubborn dirt, soak the coin in distilled water for a few hours. Some detectorists use a very mild soap solution.
Gentle Brushing: Use a soft brush to remove remaining dirt. Work from the center outwards.
Avoid Harsh Methods: Never use metal brushes, abrasive cleaners, or electrolysis on valuable coins. This can severely devalue them.

Remove Loose Dirt: Brush off dirt with a soft brush.
Soak in Distilled Water: Soak iron relics in distilled water. Change the water regularly. This helps remove chlorides that cause rust.
Gentle Scrubbing: Use a soft brush or wooden pick to remove softened dirt.
Preservation: For iron relics, after cleaning and drying, you might need to apply a protective coating like Renaissance Wax. This stops further rust.

Gold and Platinum: These are generally durable. A soft brush and mild soap with distilled water usually works.
Silver: Silver tarnishes. You can use a silver polishing cloth. Be careful with antique silver; excessive polishing can remove patina.
Gemstones: Avoid harsh chemicals or soaking if the jewelry has porous stones like opals or pearls. These can be damaged.

Always be gentle with jewelry. You want to restore its shine, not damage it.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for Most Finds

Here’s a general process that works for many metal detecting finds. Always start with the gentlest methods.

1. Rinse: Gently rinse the find under cool, running water. Use your hands or a very soft brush to dislodge surface dirt.
2. Soak: Place the find in a small container of distilled water. Let it soak. The soaking time depends on how dirty it is. It could be a few minutes or several hours.
3. Gentle Brushing: Use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) to gently scrub away softened dirt. Work carefully around any details. For very delicate items, use wooden or plastic picks.
4. Rinse Again: Rinse the item thoroughly with distilled water. This removes loosened dirt and any soap residue.
5. Dry: Pat the item dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid rubbing vigorously. For iron items, ensure they are completely dry to prevent rust. You can also air dry them.
6. Inspect: Examine the find. If dirt remains, repeat the soaking and brushing steps.

This process is safe for most common finds. It helps reveal the object without causing damage.

What NOT to Do When Cleaning Finds

Certain cleaning methods can ruin your finds. It’s just as important to know what to avoid.

Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, strong acids, or abrasive cleaners. These can eat away at the metal or remove important details.
Wire Brushes or Steel Wool: These are too abrasive. They will scratch and damage the surface of your finds.
Power Tools: Avoid using drills, sanders, or grinders. They are far too aggressive for delicate historical items.
Boiling Water: Hot water can sometimes cause certain metals to react or change. Stick to cool or lukewarm water.
Dishwashers: Never put metal detecting finds in a dishwasher. The heat and harsh detergents will cause damage.

Chloride Removal: Iron artifacts often contain salts (chlorides) from the soil. These salts will continue to cause rust even after cleaning. Soaking in distilled water and changing the water frequently helps remove these salts. This process can take weeks or months for heavily corroded items.
Electrolysis (Advanced): For heavily rusted iron, electrolysis is a common method used by professionals. It uses an electrical current to remove rust. However, this is an advanced technique. It requires specific equipment and knowledge. Improper use can damage the artifact. I recommend researching this thoroughly or consulting an expert before trying electrolysis.
Stabilization: Once an iron relic is cleaned and stabilized, it needs protection. Applying a conservation wax, like Renaissance Wax, creates a barrier against moisture. This prevents further rusting.

Properly caring for iron finds ensures they survive for future generations.

Preserving Your Finds After Cleaning

Cleaning is just the first step. Preservation is key to long-term enjoyment.

Storage: Store cleaned items in a dry place. Use acid-free boxes or display cases. Avoid plastic bags that can trap moisture.
Display: If you display your finds, ensure they are not exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity. These can cause fading or further corrosion.
Documentation: Keep a record of your finds. Note where and when you found them. Include pictures before and after cleaning. This adds to their story.

Valuable Coins: If you suspect you’ve found a rare or valuable coin, do not clean it. Cleaning can significantly reduce its monetary value. Take it to a professional coin dealer or conservator for advice.
Fragile Relics: If a relic is extremely fragile or falling apart, aggressive cleaning could destroy it. It might be better to leave it as found or consult a museum conservator.
Patina: Some items, like old bronze or silver, develop a natural patina. This is a surface layer that adds to their historical character and value. Aggressive cleaning can remove this desirable patina.

Trust your gut. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution.

FAQ: Cleaning Metal Detecting Finds

Q1: Can I use toothpaste to clean my finds?
A1: It’s generally not recommended. Toothpaste is abrasive and can scratch your finds, especially coins and delicate relics. Stick to softer methods.

Q2: How long should I soak my finds?
A2: Soaking time varies. A few hours might be enough for light dirt. Stubborn dirt on iron might need days or even weeks of soaking in distilled water, with regular water changes.

Q3: Is it okay to clean my finds with vinegar?
A3: Vinegar is acidic and can damage many metals, especially iron and copper. It can etch the surface or remove patina. It’s best to avoid it unless you are an expert and know the specific metal and desired outcome.

Q4: What is the best way to dry my finds?
A4: Gently pat them dry with a soft, lint-free cloth like microfiber. You can also let them air dry completely on a clean surface. Ensure iron finds are thoroughly dry to prevent rust.

Q5: Should I clean old coins I find?
A5: For valuable or rare old coins, it’s best not to clean them yourself. Cleaning can decrease their value. Consult a professional coin dealer or numismatist for advice. For common, modern coins, gentle cleaning is usually fine.

Q6: What does “patina” mean on old metal objects?
A6: Patina is a natural surface layer that forms on metal over time due to oxidation. On old items, it can indicate age and authenticity. It often adds to the historical character and value, so it’s usually best not to remove it.

Conclusion: Caring for Your Treasures

Learning how to clean metal detecting finds is a vital skill for any detectorist. It transforms muddy lumps into fascinating pieces of history. Always start with the gentlest cleaning methods. Understand the material of your find before you begin. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools. Proper cleaning and preservation will ensure your treasures can be enjoyed for years. Happy hunting, and happy cleaning!

Belayet Hossain

I love all things tech, and I wear many hats – tech lover, business starter, digital marketer, and blogger. I love to play with various types of tools. I know the ins and outs of Digital Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMM, and how to generate leads. My goal? Making things simple for you with clear guides and reviews. I stumbled upon WordPress while creating my first business site, and I fell in love with it right away. When I’m not building websites, creating content, or boosting clients’ online efforts, I’m focused on staying healthy, hanging out with family, and exploring the world. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or read my complete biography.