What Should I Use To Clean Tokens Before Putting In Display Case Please

100% pure acetone. Use the search box,upper left of page for lots of good info.
John1

Token collectors aren't like coin collectors on the subject of cleaning. If the item is metal the acetone won't hurt it, plastic is another story since acetone is a solvent and adhesive for some plastics.Remember that ACETONE is a highly flammable solvent DO NOT use around open flame or while smoking, and in a well ventilated area. Also do not use acetone in ultrasonic cleaners! I have used what ever it takes to curd off of some tokens. Including two that were in a fire that I have posted in my bulk token thread in the last month. I also have used a plastic bristle brush, and a coin cleaner fluid called E Z est for copper, gold and silver. Generally if a batch has a lot of surface dirt,curd I use my heated ultrasonic cleaner, for a couple cycles.
There are a number of books out there on cleaning coins and medals along with the chemistry in preservation.



This is the hard cover of the previous photo of the inside title page.
And here is two booklets on the subject


Depending on how you feel about the cleaning and preservation of tokens and medals. If they are older tokens,high value ones CWT's etc. Then professional preservation may be in order. A lot of token collectors and dealers have no problem cleaning up the lower value, newer tokens. Even in the elongated coin collectors, some apply lacquer after cleaning.

With the advent of the internet sales I think that coin, token, and medal collectors would be shocked at the number of dealers that do some form of cleaning in the back room before selling the items.

It will depend on your personal feelings on the subject,age and values of the items and how you intend to display them.
Here is one that has been cleaned that was in a fire

It is from around the end of WWI

Yes I have never used the product you mentioned Just the one the LCS sell e-Z-est cleaner for copper silver and gold although way it has gold listed since other than low karat gold can suffer from problems. I will look and see what is listed in them and get back to you in this thread.

Since I don't collect coins and only talking about tokens. There is not much in the books for the average collector to use, as each metal for the items is discussed separately, and acids and alkali's for each.The books are more for the preservationist. The one think that is mentioned is the old standard of the aluminum plate/foil and hot water with baking soda for the removing of toning like cleaning silver ware. and then neutralizing the actions with any chemical process. The Lidnder pamphlet lists their products, a google search as I can't remember which on line dealer sold the booklet and the products since it was a number of years ago that I bought it.
If you have some items that you try. A diluted solution of white vinegar (acetic aid) would start with 5parts water to 1part vinegar, then depending on the amount of corrosion you can in crease the vinegar.
Something else that you can experiment with is a cleaning solution that we use in silversmithing, coppersmithing It is Sodium Bisulfate commonly called Ph reducer used in swimming pools dissolved in hot water. Use only in a glass bowl or dish, and only with plastic tongs or tweezers to handle the items. As any metal of the steel/iron type will react with the solution and do a flash copper plate on items in it.

I agree--great info @circus. Thx!