How to clean silver at home: basic cleaning rules, effective products and polishing methods

The silverware tends to grow dull and blacken during usage. This trouble is easier to solve at the initial stage, because at first there is only a yellowish color, gradually darkening to a black color.

To help the noble metal to regain its former glow is quite possible, for this there are many proven techniques and folk tips.

Basic rules for cleaning blackened silver at home

Esotericism states that such a negative phenomenon as blackness occurs in connection with spoilage, curse, but it can be argued with this, relying on the scientific explanation.

Darkening is promoted by oxidation due to increased humidity, the same effect of sulfur present in sweat, medicines and surroundings.

Quickly darkens a low-quality alloy, and if the object began to be covered with a banal rust, it means that you bought a handicraft instead of a precious thing.

Dry varieties of detergents with abrasive particles can lead to scratches, and also you should be careful in the presence of stones, enamel and pearl in order to avoid damaging them.

Products that are left exposed to the air for a long time without being worn will inevitably change color as a result of:

• dust settling;
• soot;
• varnish;
• wax;

The same reaction is caused by applying cosmetic creams, lotions, contact with egg yolk, onions, household gas, rubber, and grease.

Silverware is cleaned without rubber gloves, avoiding combining with other utensils.

Periodic cleaning is required not only for aesthetic reasons, but also in terms of hygiene, preventing the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Only silver coated with radium, which belongs to the platinum group, cannot change its color.

Effective remedies

Of course, you can turn to purchased products, but these are chemicals that can cause allergies to the skin, another way to take a thing in a jewelry salon for professional cleaning, but it will cost money.

Today known a number of effective methods successfully used at home without financial cost.

Soda and foil

You will need an aluminum wrapper from chocolate or a piece from a baking roll in the oven, which is spread on the bottom of the prepared container, placing on it accessories 50 g of baking soda combine with a liter of boiling water and pour into the pot. Some people also add a spoonful of salt.

A chemical reaction will take place, affecting the sulfate oxide, and the dirt will disappear in 20 minutes.

Next, you need to rinse the items and wipe them with a soft cloth. This method is not acceptable for products with pebbles, which can peel off.

Hydrogen peroxide

In this case, operate with a mixture of pharmacy remedy, combined with ammonia in equal proportions and poured into a jar:

• Having stirred the consistency, put the silver in there, leaving the container with the lid closed for half an hour.
• After this time, take out the objects with tweezers, washing them under a stream of water.

If you have doubts about the components of the ring or chain, it is better not to take the risk of experimenting; the glued fragments may fall off.

Ammonia

This technique works one hundred percent and guarantees the jewelry a pristine look. Dilute the pure substance with 10% water or manipulate with ammonia alcohol:

1. Pour the ammonia solution into a vessel so that the attributes are covered entirely.
2. Shake the jar, speeding up the process.
3. Let it stand for a few minutes.

Next, as usual, rinse and clean with a rag based on microfiber or flannel. The described technique saves, if the silver item is characterized by matte, it will return it to a shiny appearance.

Citric acid

"Washing" in acidic crystals will help with subtle problems:

• Dissolve 100 g of powdered product per half liter of liquid, using a fireproof saucepan, and bring the compound to a boil.
• Dip the jewelry and boil for another 15 minutes.
• After "bathing", wipe them dry.
• Replace the acid with freshly squeezed lemon juice, which has the same effect.

Vinegar

Every housewife has 9% food vinegar in the kitchen. With it completely pour the elements, leaving for a full cleaning for a couple of hours.

If you're not satisfied with the result, add baking soda (2 tbsp.) and try again.

The subsequent reaction looks like an active boiling, which is absolutely correct, after you finish, wash and thoroughly dry the paraphernalia.

Toothpaste or powder

This is the most effective option for cleaning silver objects. After wetting them with warm water, squeeze a pea of paste without bleaching effect on a brush or a piece of cloth and move it gently over the surface.

Teeth powder is also in demand, but because of the presence of chalk, it is a less gentle method.

Blackened silver is not cleaned with brushes, acidic compositions and at high temperatures, so the native exclusive coating is removed.

Baking soda

The easiest and most interesting way is to use store-bought Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola. Pour the carbonated beverage into a pot and boil it for about 10 minutes together with the jewelry. Then give them a good rinse and wipe.

Potato broth

Order of manipulation:

1. After peeling and boiling the potatoes, drain the broth into a bowl.
2. Place a piece of foil in it and set it out until it cools.
3. Place the product on the bottom for about ten minutes.
4. After the operation, rinse and rub with a soft cloth.

Many people use raw potatoes, soaking them in water, and are very happy with the result.

Banana peels.

After eating a delicious exotic fruit, do not throw away the skin, it will come in handy for making a viscous mass, with which to wipe the tarnished object.

You will need a blender for grinding. The consistency is applied with a cloth, making rubbing movements, it removes not only the blackness, but also promises a shining state to your bling.

Eraser

A simple writing utensil can be found in any home, just rubbing blackened areas with it. In the presence of gilding, it is an indispensable item, which is also convenient to go over the existing seams between the patterns.

Take into account the specifics of the stones:

• Diamonds, cubic zirconia, emeralds are washed in cool water with soap;
• crystal, amethyst and sapphires cannot stand heat;
• Topazes can be washed with laundry detergent;
• turquoise does not like moisture and should be wiped with a dry cloth;
• Garnet, pearl, and opal are very sensitive and fastidious; they can be cleaned without soaking in a delicate cloth dampened with a soapy solution.

On the other hand, rubies are very resistant and unpretentious. To protect the stones, do not operate with acidic and alkaline reagents, they are not kept long in the liquid, and the perimeter of the ring is cleaned with a cotton swab or match with a coiled cotton swab moistened with a neutral substance.

Polishing silver to make it shine

The interaction with the air forms a thin film on the surface, hiding the dazzling shine. To eliminate it, you can use any of the above recipe.

In specialized stores freely sells polish, which is applied to the coating and rub with a lint-free flap, sometimes wiping with special wipes, designed for this purpose is sufficient. Also involved:

1. A solution of Alcoseltzer hangover tablets.
2. Tomato ketchup.
3. Glass cleaner.

The shine is achieved with lipstick, an old recipe that is gentle on the product to acquire its former gloss.

Proper care is necessary to ensure that silver retains its pristine state. The jewelry should be stored in a dry place, away from direct sunlight; usually in a soft upholstered box, and not in a piled pile that could cause scratches.

Take off your jewelry during hygiene procedures, application of cosmetics, washing dishes. Be sure to do so when visiting the pool because of the negative effects of chlorine or bathing in the sea or river.

Do not keep accessories near medicines, rubber, steel, paint.

Family expensive heirlooms do not risk to clean their own, it is better to resort to the services of a jeweler.

In other cases, to experiment with different versions is allowed, starting with less aggressive suggestions and proceeding to "heavy artillery" if unsuccessful.

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