What is in steak sauce that cleans a pennies?

You're probably thinking about the old wives' tale that ketchup can clean pennies. It's not the steak sauce itself that does the cleaning, but the acetic acid found in both ketchup and some steak sauces.

Here's how it works:

* Acetic acid is a weak acid that can dissolve the copper oxide that forms on the surface of pennies, making them look dull and greenish.

* When you soak a penny in ketchup or steak sauce, the acetic acid reacts with the copper oxide, removing it and leaving behind the shiny copper underneath.

However, it's important to note that:

* This method is not a foolproof way to clean pennies, and the results may vary depending on the age and condition of the penny.

* Some steak sauces contain other ingredients that can damage the penny or leave a residue.

* It's generally better to use a dedicated penny cleaning solution or a soft cloth with mild soap and water for a more thorough and safe cleaning.

So while steak sauce might have some cleaning power due to its acetic acid content, it's not the best or most reliable method for cleaning pennies.