How to clean and preserve your finds

Treasure hunting with a metal detector can yield a lot of unique finds —   from ancient coins and jewelry to fragments of household items from past eras. However, when you have extracted an artifact from the ground, the real process has just begun. Proper cleaning of items found with a metal detector is no less important than the search itself. The fate of each item will directly depend on how carefully you approach this issue, namely, whether it will be able to survive for years or fall apart in a few months.

What do you need to know before cleaning?

Before you start working, it is important to initially decide how to clean items found with a metal detector. To do this, we recommend adhering to several basic principles:

1. Do not rush. Rash actions can damage the item or destroy important parts.

2. Determine the material. Each metal and type of material requires its own approach.

3. Do not clean finds on the spot. It is better to carefully pack the artifact and postpone cleaning until you get home.

4. Record the data. Note the date, coordinates, and conditions of the find —   this is important for subsequent analysis and assessment of historical significance.

Cleaning finds made of different metals

When studying how to clean items found with a metal detector, it is worth noting that working with different materials has its own specific nuances that must be taken into account.

Copper and bronze items

It is recommended to start cleaning copper and bronze coins found with a metal detector by soaking them in distilled water for several hours or even days. This helps to soften the dirt and not damage the surface. Then you can carefully treat the item with a soft brush or a wooden stick. In case of heavy contamination, it is permissible to use a weak solution of citric acid (0.5-1%), but you need to carefully monitor the process so as not to damage the surface. After all manipulations are completed, the item should be thoroughly washed and completely dried. After waxing, it is recommended to store the item in a dry, temperature-stable room, avoiding sudden changes in humidity and overheating.

Iron items

It is necessary to handle metal items with extreme care, otherwise rust may form on their surface. Therefore, it is important to know how to clean old iron items found with a metal detector. First, remove loose dirt from the surface using a dry brush or a wooden tool. If you have the appropriate skills, you can carry out electrolysis, which helps to clean the metal deeper. After this procedure, it is important to thoroughly rinse the item and neutralize the remaining alkali to avoid further destruction. Storage is carried out exclusively in a sealed container, preferably with the addition of silica gel to control humidity.

Precious metals

Silver and gold require a particularly delicate approach, which is especially important in situations where silver has already begun to darken. Cleaning precious metal items found with a metal detector begins first of all with rinsing in warm water with the addition of a small amount of soap. Dirt is removed with a soft brush or cloth. If necessary, you can use a paste of soda and water, applying it very carefully. To preserve the items, they should not be kept near other metals. It is best to pack each item in a separate, thick bag made of fabric or polyethylene.

Glass and ceramics

Findings made of these materials are cleaned with warm water without the use of detergents. The surface should first be carefully wiped with a soft brush and allowed to dry completely at room temperature. After cleaning the items found with a metal detector, you should take a responsible approach to storage issues. It is recommended to use boxes made of soft fabric or special fabric bags.

What tools are needed to clean objects found with a metal detector?

Before deciding how to clean iron objects found with a metal detector, you should definitely acquire an arsenal of the necessary tools. The approach to care depends on the condition and material of the find. Therefore, below we offer you a basic set that will certainly be useful to every detectorist:

• soft toothbrushes and paintbrushes;

• wooden or plastic sticks;

• tweezers;

• cotton swabs and soft cloths;

• distilled water;

• citric acid in a weak solution;

• microcrystalline wax or oil;

• gloves (nitrile recommended);

• storage containers;

• silica gel to protect against moisture.

How to properly store finds?

Cleaning objects found with a metal detector is only the first step. Real care begins later, when it comes to preserving it in proper condition for years to come. Proper storage helps prevent corrosion, material deterioration, and loss of appearance. If you want to keep your artifacts in tip-top shape, here are five basic tips to help you keep your finds in tip-top condition.

Humidity Control

It is important to maintain optimal humidity levels in the storage area. High humidity promotes rust and mold on metal, as well as deformation of organic materials such as wood and leather. To prevent these processes, use desiccants such as silica gel to help keep containers or boxes dry. Also avoid storing finds in damp and poorly ventilated areas such as basements and attics, where humidity can fluctuate significantly.

Limit Light

Light, especially ultraviolet rays, can have a destructive effect on many materials, including metal, fabric, and organic matter. It accelerates the process of oxidation, fading, and surface deterioration. This is especially important for storing coins, which can lose their coating and become dull. Store your finds in dark places, such as closed containers or boxes, and avoid direct sunlight.

Individual packaging

To avoid mechanical damage such as scratches or cracks, each item should be stored separately. Never stack several finds on top of each other, even if they look strong. To do this, use soft packaging materials such as cloth bags or wrappers, as well as special compartments in boxes for storing items. This will help protect them from accidental impacts and pressure, which can lead to damage.

Temperature conditions

Temperature fluctuations can affect the materials of your finds. Sudden changes in temperature cause expansion and contraction, which can lead to microcracks or even destruction. To prevent such problems, store finds in stable temperature conditions. Avoid places where the temperature can change sharply, such as heating devices, air conditioners, or places with constant fluctuations in temperature. Typical mistakes of treasure hunters

In order to preserve the found artifacts in the best possible condition, ensuring their durability and preservation of historical value, it is important to know how to clean the items found with a metal detector. However, even the most valuable find can be irreparably damaged if you do not follow simple care rules. Often, such mistakes are made due to ignorance or in an effort to speed up the process. Some mistakes can irreparably damage finds:

• using metal brushes;

• boiling items;

• using chemicals without experience;

• drying on batteries or using a hair dryer;

• storing finds made of different materials together;

• • using aggressive cleaning pastes.

Let's summarize

Each find is a unique touch to the past. Your attitude to the item after its extraction determines whether it will remain a part of history or disappear without a trace. Cleaning and preservation is not only a technical process, but also an expression of respect for the past. Don't be afraid to explore new techniques, consult with restorers and collectors, and let your finds remain in their original form for many years.