Ethan Walker
Cleaning old Catholic medals can be a delicate process, as the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive tools may damage the medals. Soaking the medals in vinegar or Coca-Cola, or using store-bought cleaners with high acidity, should be avoided as they can damage the finish of the medals. Instead, a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of dish soap can be used for gentle cleaning. For copper medals, a copper cleaner from a hardware store can be used, while brass medals can be cleaned with Brasso polish cleaner.
Characteristics and Values of Cleaning Old Catholic Medals
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning products | Lemon juice, table salt, vinegar, baking soda, copper cleaner, Brasso polish cleaner, toothbrush, jewellery cleaner |
| Soaking time | 3 days |
| Cleaning methods | Soaking, gentle rubbing, polishing |
| Tools | Soft-bristle toothbrush, fine-abrasion tumbler, Dremel tool, buff and polish cloth |
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What You'll Learn
Soak in Coca-Cola for three days
Coca-Cola can be used as a simple cleaning substitute for sterling or plated silver. The acid in Coke works to cut through any grime or rust on the silver's surface. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean old Catholic medals by soaking them in Coca-Cola for three days:
Step 1: Prepare the Coca-Cola
Pour Coca-Cola into a bowl or container. Ensure that the bowl or container is large and deep enough to completely submerge the medals.
Step 2: Submerge the medals
Place the medals in the bowl or container and ensure they are fully covered by the Coca-Cola. You may need to add more Coca-Cola to ensure the medals are completely submerged.
Step 3: Soak for three days
Allow the medals to soak undisturbed for three days. The acid in the Coca-Cola will work to loosen and cut through any grime, residue, or rust on the medals' surface.
Step 4: Remove the medals
After three days, remove the medals from the Coca-Cola. You can use a pair of tongs to avoid getting Coca-Cola on your fingers. Shake off any excess Coca-Cola back into the container and place the medals on a flat surface.
Step 5: Scrub with a toothbrush
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the medals in tight circles. This will help remove any remaining residue or loosened tarnish that didn't come off during the soaking process.
Step 6: Rinse and dry
Rinse the medals under clean water to remove any remaining Coca-Cola and residue. Finally, pat the medals dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Your old Catholic medals should now be clean and good as new!
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Use a toothbrush with dish soap and baking soda
When cleaning old Catholic medals, it is important to be cautious and gentle to avoid causing any damage. Firstly, identify the material of your medal as not all materials can be cleaned in the same way.
If you are dealing with wooden medals, it is recommended to use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently dust them. You can also use a soft toothbrush, but be extra careful to avoid scratching the surface. For light stains on wooden medals, you can dampen a cloth with a small amount of vinegar and water, then gently rub the affected area. Make sure not to over-wet the cloth as too much moisture can damage the wood.
For other types of medals, a mild cleaning solution is recommended. Mix dish soap with warm water in a bowl and use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the medal. Be cautious not to use too much force to prevent scratching. After scrubbing, rinse the medal under running water to remove any soap residue.
For tougher stains, you can create a paste using baking soda and a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the medal and use the toothbrush to scrub the stained areas. Again, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure. Once you're done, rinse the medal under running water to remove any baking soda residue and dry it with a clean, soft cloth.
It is important to note that you should not submerge the medals in water or cleaning solution as this may cause oxidation and corrosion. Always dry the medals thoroughly and immediately after cleaning to prevent moisture buildup.
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Try a copper cleaner from a hardware store
Copper is a beautiful metal that is used for a variety of items, from cookware to jewellery. It is one of the earth's naturally occurring minerals and has a distinctive warm hue. However, copper does naturally tarnish over time due to oxidation, a process where copper slowly reacts with oxygen in the air, producing copper oxide, a brown or black compound, or tarnish. Other chemicals in the atmosphere, such as sulphur, can also cause the tarnish to turn blue or green.
To restore copper to its original state, you can try a copper cleaner from a hardware store. These commercial cleaners are designed to revive dull copper and can be an effective and easy way to clean your Catholic medals. When using a store-bought copper polish, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
It is important to note that copper should be handled with care when cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the metal. Do not scrub too hard to prevent scratching the surface and removing the finish. Also, never air-dry copper and always use a microfiber cloth or lint-free dishtowel to dry it off.
To maintain the shine of your copper medals, you can apply a thin layer of mineral oil after cleaning to protect the metal from oxidation and slow down the tarnishing process. Store your medals in a cool, dry place, and consider applying a thin coat of paste wax for extra protection.
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Lemon juice and table salt
To clean your old Catholic medal using lemon juice and table salt, first, mix the lemon juice and salt together to form a paste. You can adjust the amount of paste you make depending on the size of your medal and how heavily soiled it is. Ensure that the paste is well combined and has a spreadable consistency.
Next, using a soft bristle toothbrush or a clean cloth, gently apply the lemon juice and salt paste to the medal. Work the paste into the medal's grooves and intricate details, ensuring that it comes into contact with all the areas that require cleaning. Leave the paste on the medal for a few minutes to allow the acidic properties of the lemon juice to cut through any built-up grime or oxidation.
After a few minutes, gently scrub the medal with the toothbrush or cloth to dislodge any remaining dirt or residue. Rinse the medal under warm water to remove the paste and any loosened debris. If necessary, repeat the process until your medal is sufficiently clean.
Finally, dry your medal with a soft, clean cloth. Ensure that all traces of moisture are removed, as water can accelerate the formation of rust on susceptible metals. You can also use a polishing cloth to gently buff your medal, restoring its shine and luster.
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Brasso polish cleaner
Brasso Metal Polish Cleaner is a product designed for brass and copper medals. It can be purchased from Amazon. To use it, squeeze the bottle so the product puffs out at the top, then lightly dab it onto the medallion. Using a buff and polish cloth, gently rub the product over and into the medallion. Repeat this process until the desired level of polish is achieved.
Before using Brasso or any other metal polish cleaner, it is important to note that polishing can damage the medal. The repeated abrasion of polishing will damage the sharpness of the medal's design. Polishing will also quickly remove the gilded layer from gold-plated medals. Some polishes contain silicones, which can make the application of a protective coating more difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to only polish medals if absolutely necessary.
If you are looking to clean rather than polish your medal, there are other methods you can try. One option is to use a soft brush and vacuum cleaner to gently remove dirt and debris. You can also try submerging the medal in Coca-Cola for three days to clean it, although this may not be suitable for certain metals. Another option is to use a toothbrush with a small amount of dish soap and baking soda for regular maintenance.
It is important to always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when cleaning medals, as some of the chemicals can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin or are inhaled. Additionally, medals should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and light to prevent damage.
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