[noelsarchs]

This is great info posted by bidnezman in another thread. Didn't want this info to get lost when someone does a search for cleaning chips.

I have used this method and although labor intensive, does not destroy or damage chips.

reprint as follows:


I do clean my chips, but I am anal retentive that way, most people don't care, and many actually like the historical patina (dirt). The H&C design really picks up dirt, especially in the crosshatch area of the chip. I had about 3,200 of the Vineyard tournament chips, way too many chips to clean! The orange 50c Vineyard logo chips were filthy, and well circulated, but the foil is intact on all but a few chips. They are in much better shape than they looked, because of the finger dirt. Fortunately with some very concerted effort, many can be made to look very nice indeed! This is a the method I use, and have found works best for me:

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"CLEANING CHIPS"
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I said take the time...because chip cleaning can take 3-5+ minutes per chip when done right, and then your only half done. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands, I think cleaning chips is best reserved for those collectible chips, not whole chip sets in the hundreds. Even so, I decided to clean ~400 NCV chips, plus my 50c chips.

I tried a few cleaning methods suggested by the "CC&GTCC", and from my trial and error, found what worked best for me. I preferred using "Sterlings Magic" cleaner. Slather it on good, protecting the foil portion with your thumb, and rub the rest of the chip with the thumb and finger, from your other hand. Then carefully brush areas (except
foil area), with a baby's soft toothbrush, and also the edge. I chose to rinse off the chip quickly with water, and immediately PAT dry with a soft linen cloth, always trying to be careful around the foil area. Remember, if the chip has a plastic seal over the inlay, there is always a chance of loosening it, and causing damage to the inlay. This is unlikely, and worth taking the chance, unless it is a very valuable chip. Leave those alone!!! Also, remember cleaning causes some wear.

Note: The lesser worn the chip is, the better chance you have of not damaging the foil denomination stamping. Gold foil color may change to more of a silver color, especially in the case of the more worn chips.
Sadly, in the case of heavily worn chips, they clean much easier, this is because they have less cross-hatching, and are smoother.

The cleaning process will further dry-out the chip. Be sure to rub chips all cleaned chips liberally one at a time, with mineral oil after the cleaning process. Caution: DO NOT soak the chips in water or oil, this will either leave ring marks, or cause other damage! The oiling process brings back the color, and in my view is a necessary step! You won't hurt the chip. I dab off the excess, let stand 15 minutes on a paper towel, then I carefully wipe them with a clean linen cloth. Again, lay them out on paper towels for several hours, then flip them, wait another few hours, laid out, then give all a quick wipe, to make sure chip is dry enough to store.

Voila! Your done...now wasn't that easy??!!!??

Also, please see the following on claning chips, for the site I referenced above:
CCGTCC.COM - Casino Chip & Gaming Tokens Collectors Club

The cleaner I use: "Sterling's Magic", might be available at your local hardware store, or can be bought from:
TyrusRex, Inc.

Kindly yours,
Ken Brookshire (bidznessman)