Ultrasonic Cleaner for Coins: Dazzling, Safe Results?

Hi! I’m a coin collector, and I love metal detecting. I find lots of dirty coins. I was curious. Could an ultrasonic cleaner for coins help? I did some tests. I want to share what I found. It’s simpler than you think!

We’ve all been there. You find a cool, old coin. But, it’s covered in grime. You want to see its details. But you’re scared. You don’t want to damage it. Cleaning coins is tricky. Many methods can scratch them. This article is all about a different way: ultrasonic cleaners. We’ll see if they’re good for coins. We’ll look at how they work. Are they safe? I’ll share my own tests. I’ll also review some top models. Let’s find the best way to clean our treasures!

What is an Ultrasonic Cleaner and How Does it Work?

I remember my first time seeing an ultrasonic cleaner. My friend had one. My first thought “Wow, that’s high-tech!”. I later got to know it is simple to operate. I was initially skeptical, to be honest. Could sound waves really clean delicate items?

An ultrasonic cleaner is a small machine. It uses sound waves to clean things. It’s like a tiny, powerful washing machine, but with no moving parts that scrub. It uses a process called “cavitation.” It may sound complicated, but I got it very easily. High-frequency sound waves go into the water. These waves make millions of tiny bubbles. These bubbles are microscopic! They form and collapse very, very fast. This collapsing action is powerful. It gently lifts dirt and grime. It’s like having countless tiny scrub brushes. But, these brushes are so small, they don’t scratch.

A typical ultrasonic cleaner has a few key parts. There’s a stainless steel tank. This is where you put the water and the items. There’s also something called a “transducer.” This is the heart of the machine. It creates the sound waves. It’s usually under the tank. Finally, there’s a control panel. You use this to set the cleaning time. Some have extra features. Some let you heat the water. Others have different power settings.

There are many sizes of these cleaners. Some are small, for jewelry. Some are big, for industrial parts. Some are specific, such as ultrasonic cleaners for dentures or for carburetors. Finding the right size for coins is pretty easy. Most jewelry-sized ones are perfect. I was really embarrassed at the beginning, I put one of my silver coins along with other metals. It was a bad idea!

Can You Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner for Coins? (The Pros and Cons)

Honestly, this was my biggest question. I’d heard horror stories about cleaned coins losing value. But I also had a pile of muddy, metal-detected coins I could barely identify. So, I needed to weigh the good and the bad.

The Pros

Let’s start with the good news. When used right, an ultrasonic cleaner can be a game-changer for certain coins. I’ve found it incredibly useful in several ways:

• It blasts away dirt: Think of that thick, caked-on mud you get on dug coins. An ultrasonic cleaner can often remove this much better than just rinsing. It gets into all those tiny spaces.
• It’s gentle (mostly): Compared to scrubbing with a brush, the cavitation process is surprisingly gentle. It’s like a microscopic power wash. It lifts the dirt without harsh abrasion.
• It gets into the nooks and crannies: Coin designs have lots of details. Think of the lettering, the images, the edges. Dirt loves to hide there. The ultrasonic action reaches these areas.
• It’s fast: Most cleaning cycles are just a few minutes. This is way faster than soaking coins for hours or days. I could clean a whole batch of metal detecting finds in under an hour.
• It’s great for multiple coins: You can clean several coins at once. Just make sure they’re not touching (more on that later!). This is a huge time-saver.
• Perfect for Metal Detecting and Those Really Dirty Coins: I can tell my experience, the ultrasonic cleaning is perfect for metal-detected coins. These are often covered in who-knows-what. Also if you get coins from circulation that’s full of grim, this is good.

The Cons

Now, for the important warnings. This is where that “cleaning kills value” idea comes in. And it’s partially true. We need to be careful.

• Cleaning can ruin value: This is the big one. If you have a rare, valuable, or uncirculated coin, do not clean it. Period. Collectors often prefer original surfaces, even if they’re a bit toned. Cleaning can remove that originality. It can leave microscopic scratches. These can drastically reduce the coin’s value.
• It won’t fix everything: Ultrasonic cleaners remove loose dirt and grime. They cannot remove tarnish or corrosion. Those are chemical changes to the metal itself. Trying to remove them with an ultrasonic cleaner won’t work. It might even make things worse.
• You must use it correctly: This is where I messed up initially. You cannot just toss a bunch of coins in together. Different metals can react with each other in the water. This can cause discoloration. Always use the basket. This keeps the coins from vibrating against the tank. That can cause scratches.
• Not for valuable coins, as a general rule: Even if you follow all the rules, there’s always a slight risk with cleaning any coin. For everyday, circulated coins, it’s usually fine. For anything potentially valuable, get expert advice first. Or just leave it alone.

How to Clean Coins with an Ultrasonic Cleaner (Step-by-Step Guide)

Okay, you’ve decided to give it a try. Great! I’ll walk you through exactly how I do it. It’s not hard, but there are a few crucial steps you can’t skip. Follow these, and you’ll minimize the risk.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start, gather everything. This makes the process smooth. Trust me, you don’t want to be scrambling for a cloth with wet coins in your hand!

• An ultrasonic cleaner (obviously!).
• Distilled water. This is super important. Tap water has minerals. These can leave spots on your coins.
• Mild dish soap (optional). A tiny drop can help with greasy coins. But be careful! Some soaps can react with certain metals. When in doubt, skip it. Or, use a specialized ultrasonic cleaning solution made for jewelry or coins. [Link to an example product here – affiliate link].
• The basket that came with your cleaner. Don’t skip this! It’s essential.
• A soft, lint-free cloth. An old, clean t-shirt works. Microfiber is even better.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s the process, step by step. It’s like following a recipe. Don’t skip steps!

1. Fill: Put distilled water in the tank. Fill it to the “max” line. Don’t overfill.
2. Soap (Optional): If you’re using soap, add one or two drops only. Too much is bad.
3. Basket Prep: Put your coins in the basket. Important: Keep different metals separate. Don’t let them touch. I put copper coins in one section, clad coins in another, and silver in a third.
4. Submerge: Put the basket in the tank. Make sure the coins are fully underwater.
5. Set Time: Start with a short cycle. I usually do 3 minutes. You can always run it again.
6. Start: Turn on the ultrasonic cleaner.
7. Watch: Keep an eye on things. You’ll see dirt coming off. It’s oddly satisfying!
8. Rinse: When it’s done, take the basket out. Rinse the coins thoroughly with more distilled water. This removes any soap residue.
9. Dry: Gently pat the coins dry with your soft, lint-free cloth. Don’t rub hard.

Important Cautions and Tips

These are the “don’t do what I did” lessons. Learn from my mistakes!

• Basket, Basket, Basket!: I can’t stress this enough. The basket prevents the coins from vibrating against the metal tank. That vibration can cause tiny scratches. You might not see them right away. But they’ll be there.
• Metal Separation: Think of it like laundry. You don’t wash whites and darks together. Same idea here. Different metals can react in the water. This can cause discoloration. It’s called electrolysis.
• No Harsh Stuff: Never, ever use acetone, bleach, or anything abrasive. These will damage your coins. I’ve seen people online suggest all sorts of crazy things. Don’t listen!
• Don’t Overload: Don’t cram too many coins in the basket. They need space for the water to circulate.
• Valuable Coins? No!: If you have a coin that might be worth something, don’t clean it yourself. Take it to a professional coin dealer or conservator.
• Listen: Pay the sound of the machine. If the sound is getting louder, that means, it is getting heated. So, switch of the machine immediately.
• Short Bursts: Don’t run long cycles right away. Start short. Check the coins. Repeat if needed.

Best Ultrasonic Cleaner for Coins: Reviews and Comparisons

So, we’ve covered the basics. Now, let’s get to the fun part: the machines! I’ve tested several popular models. I’ll share my honest thoughts on each. Remember, what works best for me might be different for you. It depends on your needs.

Review of CDs-100 (Life Basis) Ultrasonic Cleaner

This is the model I mentioned earlier, the one where I made the mistake of mixing metals. Let’s see if it’s a good choice overall, despite my initial blunder.

• Overview: The Life Basis CDs-100 is a popular, compact ultrasonic cleaner. It’s often marketed for jewelry. It has a stainless steel tank. It has digital controls. It has several preset cleaning cycles. It seems geared towards home use.
• Pros:
  • It’s great for jewelry. I’ve used it on rings and necklaces. They come out sparkling.
  • It’s easy to use. The controls are simple. The timer is clear.
  • It’s relatively quiet. It doesn’t sound like a jet engine.
  • It’s affordable. It’s often priced lower than some other brands.
  • It has a good-sized tank for most jewelry and coin cleaning needs.
• Cons:
  • For coins, it’s a mixed bag. It removes loose dirt well. But it struggles with heavy tarnish or crust.
  • The instructions could be clearer about separating metals. (My mistake, but still…).
  • It doesn’t have a separate heating function. (Some models do).
• My Personal Experience: I like this cleaner for my everyday jewelry. It keeps things looking great. For coins, it’s okay for a quick clean. But for really dirty finds, I often need something stronger. Or I need to use it multiple times.
• What I Like: The simplicity and the price. It’s a good starter model.
• What Could Be Better: More power for tough coin grime. Clearer warnings about mixing metals.

Review of Magnasonic Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner Machine (CD2800)

This one is a workhorse! I got this specifically for my metal detecting finds, after seeing it recommended online.

• Overview: The Magnasonic CD2800 is marketed as a “professional” model. It boasts 42,000 Hz of ultrasonic power. It has a 20-ounce tank. It has five preset cleaning cycles. It’s very similar in design to the Life Basis.
• Pros:
  • It’s definitely more powerful than the CDs-100. It cleans coins faster.
  • The multiple cleaning cycles are handy. I can choose a longer cycle for really dirty items.
  • It’s still pretty easy to use. The digital display is clear.
  • It comes with a basket and a watch stand.
• Cons:
  • It’s a bit louder than the CDs-100. Not too loud, but noticeable.
  • It’s still not a miracle worker for heavy corrosion.
  • The price is slightly higher than the CDs-100.
• My Personal Experience: This is my go-to for cleaning my metal-detected coins. It handles most of the dirt and grime pretty well. It’s a good balance of power and price.
• What I Like: The power and the multiple cleaning cycle options.
• What Could Be Better: A slightly larger tank would be nice for cleaning larger batches.

Review of C Park Professional Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

I haven’t personally used this one as extensively, but I’ve done my research. It’s a popular choice, so it’s worth including.

• Overview: The C Park cleaner emphasizes its “dual-core ultrasonic technology.” It claims to be suitable for home, professional, and industrial use. It has two cleaning modes: a 5-minute and a 7-minute cycle.
• Pros:
  • The “dual-core” technology sounds impressive. It suggests strong cleaning power.
  • The two cleaning modes are simple and straightforward.
  • It includes a watch stand, which is a nice bonus.
  • It’s generally well-reviewed online.
• Cons:
  • Only two cleaning modes might be limiting for some users.
  • The marketing claims about “industrial use” seem a bit overblown for a small, home-use cleaner.
  • I can’t give it an honest personal review.
• My Personal Experience: (Limited) I’ve seen others use it with good results on jewelry.
• What I Like: (Based on research) The reported cleaning power.
• What Could Be Better: More cleaning cycle options.

Review of By Xive Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

This is another model I haven’t used personally, but it gets mentioned a lot in online discussions.

• Overview: The By Xive cleaner boasts a high frequency of 48,000 Hz. It has two cleaning modes (5 and 7 minutes). It emphasizes its compact and portable design.
• Pros:
  • The high frequency should mean very effective cleaning.
  • The compact size is good for small spaces.
  • It comes with a watch stand.
  • It often comes with a warranty.
• Cons:
  • Only two cleaning modes, again, might be limiting.
  • The higher frequency doesn’t always mean better cleaning for all materials.
  • I can’t give it an honest personal review.
• My Personal Experience: (None)
• What I Like: (Based on research) The high frequency and the compact size.
• What Could Be Better: More information on the actual cleaning power (watts).

Review of Kunphy Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

This one stands out for its simplicity and focus on ease of use.

• Overview: The Khunphy cleaner emphasizes its one-touch operation. It has a 3-minute cleaning cycle. It recommends using its own cleaning solution. It has a 350ml capacity.
• Pros:
  • Extremely easy to use. Just one button!
  • The 3-minute cycle is a good starting point for most items.
  • It’s designed to be quiet.
  • It’s often very affordable.
• Cons:
  • Only one cleaning cycle. This is very limiting.
  • The reliance on their own cleaning solution could be seen as a drawback.
  • I can’t give it an honest personal review.
• My Personal Experience: (None)
• What I Like: (Based on research) The simplicity and the price.
• What Could Be Better: More cleaning cycle options. More flexibility in cleaning solutions.

Comparison Table

Feature	CDs-100 (Life Basis)	Magnasonic CD2800	C Park	By Xive	Comfy
Frequency (Hz)	~42,000	42,000	(Not Specified)	48,000	46,000
Cleaning Cycles	Multiple (presets)	5 (presets)	2 (5 & 7 min)	2 (5 & 7 min)	1 (3 min)
Capacity	Good	Good (20 oz)	(Not Specified)	(Not Specified)	350ml
Accessories	Basket	Basket, Watch Stand	Watch Stand	Watch Stand	(None Specified)
Price	Lower	Mid-Range	Mid-Range	Mid-Range	Lower
Pros	Easy, quiet, good for jewelry, Affordable	Powerful, multiple cycles, easy to use.	Dual Core, Simple to use, additional Watch stand	High frequency, compact	Simple, quiet, affordable
Cons	Less effective for heavy coin tarnish, Mixing Coin issue.	Louder, not best for heavy corrosion	Only two modes, Industrial claim may be overblown	Only two modes	Only one mode
My Rating	0000	00000	000	000	00

Alternative Coin Cleaning Methods

Before I discovered ultrasonic cleaners, I tried other methods. Some worked, some… not so much. It’s important to know your options. Remember, always prioritize the least invasive method first.

Sometimes, less is more. For coins with just light surface dirt, distilled water and a soft cloth are often enough. Just soak the coin for a bit. Then, gently pat it dry. Don’t rub! This is the safest method. It’s what I use for most of my circulated coins.

For stickier stuff, like tape residue, acetone can be helpful. But, and this is a huge but, it’s powerful. It’s a solvent. Use it only on circulated coins made of copper, nickel, or clad. Never use it on valuable coins. Never use it on silver without extreme caution (it can cause spotting). Use it in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves. Soak a cotton swab in acetone. Gently dab the residue. Don’t soak the whole coin. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water afterward. I once ruined a perfectly good wheat cent by leaving it in acetone too long. It turned a weird, dull gray. Lesson learned!

Another option is a product called EZest. It’s designed for removing tarnish from silver coins. But, like acetone, it’s strong. It can easily strip away the original surface. This can make the coin look unnatural. It can also lower its value. I’d only recommend EZest for heavily tarnished, circulated silver coins. And even then, use it very sparingly. Follow the instructions exactly.

Finally, for any coin you think might be valuable, the best option is professional coin conservation. This is not DIY. A professional conservator has the training and tools. They can clean the coin safely. They can preserve its value. It’s worth the cost for a truly special coin. I do not have expertise at this level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are the questions I get asked all the time about ultrasonic cleaners and coins. Here are my honest answers.

• Does cleaning coins with an ultrasonic cleaner damage them? It can, if you’re not careful. Use the basket. Separate metals. Don’t use harsh chemicals. Don’t clean valuable coins. But, used correctly, it’s generally safe for circulated coins.
• Can I use tap water in an ultrasonic cleaner? No! Always use distilled water. Tap water has minerals. These can leave spots on your coins.
• What kind of soap can I use in an ultrasonic cleaner for coins? Most of the time, you don’t need soap. For greasy coins, use a tiny drop of mild dish soap. Or, use a specialized ultrasonic cleaning solution.
• How long should I clean coins in an ultrasonic cleaner? Start with short cycles (3 minutes). Check the coins. Repeat if needed. Don’t overdo it.
• Can I clean silver and copper coins together? No! Different metals can react. This can cause discoloration. Clean them separately.
• Should I clean my metal-detected coins? An ultrasonic cleaner is great for removing dirt and grime from metal detecting finds. But be careful with potentially valuable finds.

Conclusion

So, are ultrasonic cleaners good for coins? The answer is: it depends. They’re a fantastic tool for cleaning dirty, circulated coins. They’re especially useful for metal detecting finds. They’re much easier than scrubbing each coin by hand.

But, they’re not a magic solution. They won’t remove tarnish or corrosion. They can damage coins if used improperly. And they’re never recommended for valuable or numismatic coins.

Based on my tests and research, I recommend the Magnasonic CD2800 for most coin collectors and metal detectorists. It’s powerful enough for tough dirt. It has multiple cleaning cycles. It’s reasonably priced. The Life Basis CD-100 is a good, more affordable option, especially if you also want to clean jewelry.

Ultimately, the decision to clean any coin is a personal one. Weigh the risks and benefits. Consider the coin’s value and condition. When in doubt, leave it alone. Or consult a professional.