How to quickly clean copper wire from oxide

An excellent life hack for radio amateurs and more. For those who had to solder oxidized copper wires. This cleaning method can also be very useful for motorists. Main advantages: the method is fast, inexpensive, accessible to absolutely everyone.
Usually, in order to tin a wire, it is cleaned either mechanically by scraping it with a knife, or thermally - by heating it over an open flame. These methods are not always effective and even more convenient; for example, none of them are suitable for multi-core wires.
A chemical method for purifying copper and its alloys from natural oxide during long-term storage is well suited here.

Will need

Well, there is no need to indicate exact proportions; everything is mixed by eye:

• Vinegar.
  
• Baking soda.
  
• Water.
  
• Table salt, food salt.

All components can easily be found in any kitchen, even the worst cook.
You will also need mixing containers. I took two test tubes, you can use any container, glass or ceramic. In the end, plastic disposable cups will do.
Place half a teaspoon of soda in one test tube and salt in the other.

We clean copper wires from oxide chemically

The whole process will take place in two stages: the first is etching in acid, and the second is neutralization.
Pour vinegar into a test tube with salt. And put water in a test tube with soda. Mix everything well. Well, as far as possible, since neither soda nor salt dissolve completely.

Now we dip the exposed wire into vinegar and salt and wait.

It is advisable to stir the salt in the test tube with a wire.

Reaction time from 30 seconds to approximately 2 minutes. It all depends on the pollution. It may take 10 or even 20 minutes.
After the wire has been cleaned, we neutralize the effect of the acid by lowering the wires into a test tube with a soda solution for a couple of seconds.

Next, the wire can be dried. The result is excellent. Copper shines bright pink.


The advantages of the method are obvious - almost instant results without unnecessary steps.

Agree, everything is incredibly simple, the cleaning result is excellent.