Identify Metal and Corrosion Type Before Touching
30 minutes per findClassify coin vs iron relic vs copper alloy; photograph all sides dry, log in notepad before any cleaning attempt.
Intermediateongoing
Find Cleaning Preservation Guide
Complete guide for find cleaning preservation — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
conservatorscollectors
Workflow
Apply Gentlest Effective Cleaning Method
Hours to weeksStart with distilled water soak and soft brush; escalate to olive oil soak for crusty copper only after research.
Dry, Seal, and Store With Desiccant
1 hourAir-dry completely, seal in archival holder with desiccant for iron, compress documentation photo for catalog.
Log Provenance and Consider Professional Conservation
30 minutesUpdate notepad catalog with cleaning history; consult conservator if value may exceed amateur cleaning risk.
Tools Used
- NotepadPrimary
Logs metal type, cleaning methods attempted, and before/after condition for each conserved find.
- Image CompressorPrimary
Archives high-quality before and after photos without degrading patina detail in storage.
- Time Duration CalculatorSupporting
Tracks soak durations for olive oil and distilled water cleaning cycles.
- Date Difference CalculatorReference
Schedules follow-up inspection dates for iron relics in storage.
Checklist
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Compliance
Gear
Documentation
Planning
Reference Materials
Cleaning Methods by MaterialTable
Cleaning Methods by Material
| Material | Safe Start | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Silver coin | Soap + water | Polish compounds |
| Copper coin | Distilled water soak | Harsh acids |
| Iron relic | Dry brush only | Water without seal plan |
| Gold | Warm soapy water | Abrasive cloth |
Olive Oil SoakFormula
Crusty copper soak: change oil weekly; typical duration 2–8 weeks depending on crust thickness.
Do No HarmStandard
Reversible cleaning only — if you cannot undo it, do not do it on potentially valuable finds.
Grid Your Search
Overlap passes in a grid pattern — random wandering leaves large areas unsearched.
Record Provenance
Note depth, signal ID, and GPS for every good find — context drives historical value.
Fill Every Hole
Leave ground as you found it — unfilled holes get detectorists banned from sites.
Safety Notes
- Always get permission before detecting on private property.
- Fill all holes — unfilled holes are trip hazards and damage landowner relationships.
- Wear nitrile gloves and ventilate when using chemical cleaners on relics.