How to clean silver at home
Silver items may become covered with a dark coating over time. Due to environmental influences, they lose their original appearance and darken. However, you can return silver jewelry and utensils to their original appearance. To do this, it is not necessary to resort to professional metal cleaning. It is quite possible to clean silver at home.
Reasons for the appearance of dark plaque
Silver is a metal that is capable of chemical reactions with various substances from the environment. As a result of this reaction, plaque forms . There are several reasons for changes in the color of silver items:
- Silver interacts with air, because of this, a dark coating forms on products over time - silver sulfide.
- A silver item may become covered with a dark coating if it is in constant contact with sweat. Human sweat contains sulfur compounds that react with metal, causing darkening.
- Silver items can change color when in contact with water and due to increased moisture in the air. Therefore, you should remove such jewelry before swimming.
- Contact with cosmetics can also cause darkening.
- Plaque can form from storing products near certain medications.
- Plaque formation can be caused by storing products together with food (salt, egg yolks, onions), as well as exposure to household gas. Silver should not be stored together with rubber products.
We can say that silver jewelry and utensils require proper storage and care. Therefore, it is important to properly care for your silver .
How to clean carpet at home
Cleaning silver jewelry yourself
Cleaning silver at home can be done in different ways. The following factors influence the choice of cleaning method:
- degree of darkening;
- product size;
- try;
- the presence of other metals in the alloy (if the product is made of an alloy);
- the presence of stones in the decoration, as well as the presence of a layer of gilding and enamel.
Cleaning silver items requires preliminary preparation of the item. Before cleaning, the decoration or utensil is washed to remove dirt. You need to dilute a soap product (shampoo or soap) in warm water and rinse the silver. Then the product must be rinsed and wiped dry. Then they proceed directly to cleaning. Various home remedies are used for this:
- Baking soda solution . You need to dissolve one spoon of baking soda in a glass of boiled water and put a piece of foil on the bottom. Place the product in this solution for 15 minutes. You can use another cleaning method. Mix soda with a small amount of water until a paste forms and apply the mixture for 10–15 minutes. Wipe with a dry cloth.
- Tooth powder or paste . This is a quick cleaning method. However, this method is quite crude, because tooth powder may contain hard abrasive particles. Therefore, before use, you need to dilute the tooth powder with water. If you use toothpaste, you should choose white toothpaste. The composition is applied to the surface using a piece of cloth and gently wiped.
- Lemon acid . Take 100 grams of citric acid for 0.5 liters of water. Heat the composition by steam, lowering a copper wire into it. Bring to a boil and place the silver in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
- Vinegar . Moisten cotton wool with a 5% vinegar solution and thoroughly wipe the ring or earring.
- Formic acid . Formic acid can be used to clean silver coins. You need to prepare a 5% acid solution, boil it and place the coins in boiling water for a few minutes.
- Ammonia . If the darkening is slight, then you can wipe the product with ammonia. In case of heavy deposits, the object should be placed in a solution of ammonia for 10–15 minutes. After processing, the product must be washed. You can use a solution of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide mixed in equal proportions. But at the same time, one condition must be observed: the product must be made of pure silver. Hydrogen peroxide can interact with alloys. You can mix ammonia with dental powder or chalk and rub the silver with this mixture.
- Salt . You can clean the product from plaque using salt. This can be done in two ways. Dissolve salt and tartrate (tartar) in warm water. You will need 25 grams of salt and 10 grams of tartrate per 0.5 liter of water. Place the silver object there for 20 minutes. Boil 0.5 liters of water in a saucepan, dissolve 10 grams of salt, soda and dishwashing detergent in boiling water. Place silver in the solution and boil for half an hour.
- Soda . Pour sparkling water into a container and place the silver item there. You need to choose water with phosphoric acid (for example, Coca-Cola, Sprite). Place the liquid on the fire and boil for 10 minutes.
- Glass cleaner . Treat the product with glass cleaner, then wipe with a soft cloth.
- Washing powder . Boil the product for 10 minutes in water with washing powder.
- Eraser . If the earring or ring does not have openwork elements, then it can be cleaned with an eraser.
Cleaning the washing machine with vinegar or citric acid
Products with stones and gold plated jewelry
Products decorated with stones or with a layer of gilding require careful handling. A thin layer of gold deposited on silver is very fragile. Cleaning a silver ring with a precious stone has its own characteristics. Slight darkening can be removed with cologne or alcohol . If the darkening is severe, then the following cleaning methods can be used:
- Add a spoonful of vinegar or ammonia to a glass of water and lower the decoration into the solution for half an hour. Then wash, dry and dry with a suede cloth. If the product is gold-plated, you should wipe it carefully so as not to damage the gold layer.
- Dissolve laundry soap in warm water, after grinding it on a grater. You should get a foamy solution. Add a few drops of ammonia. Place the earrings or ring in the solution for half an hour. Next, rinse, wipe and polish with suede.
- Lubricate the product with lipstick and then wipe with a piece of flannel fabric.
- A ring or earrings with pearls can be processed in this way: put the jewelry in a small linen bag along with salt (about 1 spoon of salt). Then wash the bag in warm water.
Cleaning silver with blackening (oxidized silver) has its own characteristics. Blackened silver can be cleaned using the following methods:
- Take a few raw potatoes, cut them into pieces and put them in water along with silver for 3 hours.
- For half a liter of water, take a spoonful of soda and a quarter of a piece of soap, and place the silver there for 15–20 minutes.
Cleaning the automatic machine from dirt and odors outside and inside
For high-grade silver (925), it is better not to use folk cleaning products. It should be cleaned only with professional products.
Any silver should be cleaned with a soft brush or cloth. Do not use hard brushes or abrasives. This may scratch the surface. After cleaning, the jewelry should not be worn for several days . During this time, a special film is formed on the product to protect the product from darkening.
Rules for storing silver
In order for jewelry to retain its original appearance for a long time, it is important to follow the rules for storing it :
- Products must be kept in closed cases (boxes, caskets).
- The air in the room should be dry.
- If the decoration is not used for a long time, then it should be stored wrapped in parchment, foil or a piece of cloth.
- It is better to remove jewelry before cleaning or washing. Contact with household chemicals is harmful to metal.
- Jewelry should be removed before water and cosmetic procedures.
- Jewelry should not be stored together with food, medicines, rubber, or household chemicals.
- If the product becomes dirty, it is necessary to remove the dirt as quickly as possible.
Compliance with these simple rules contributes to the safety of products. If silver objects are still coated with plaque, they can be cleaned with home remedies. In more complex cases, if the product is complex and expensive (for example, high-grade silver), then it is better to entrust cleaning to professionals.
Source: https://RedSol.ru/chistka/kak-chistit-serebro-v-domashnih-usloviyah
The most effective ways to clean silver from blackness at home
Silver items look noble and elegant. It is especially beautiful when cutlery or jewelry is clean and shiny. It is possible to get rid of darkening and return silver items to their original appearance using professional means or folk recipes.
Why does the silver surface darken and turn black?
To decide exactly how to clean silver at home quickly and effectively, you need to understand why it changes color. Mystics blame otherworldly forces for the darkening of the metal, and physicists claim that other elements influence silver.
Reasons for changing the color of metal:
- excess humidity in the room;
- regular contact with wet skin;
- hormonal changes;
- taking certain medications;
- the owner's sweat contains excess sulfur;
Interesting!
When sweat contains a lot of nitrogen, jewelry stays light in color longer.
- influence of cosmetics and care products;
- food influence;
- frequent contact with rubber;
- improper storage conditions;
- poor quality alloy.
How to clean silver yourself - general rules
To restore an attractive appearance to a silver item, you can use various means. The choice of a specific method depends on several factors:
- metal sample or alloy composition;
- the presence of coating or decorative inserts (stones, enamel, etc.);
- pollution levels;
- dimensions.
Subtleties of cleansing
If you have no experience in cleaning silver, it is better to use the simplest and most gentle means possible. Expensive jewelry, such as filigree or items with high carat and stones, should be entrusted to professionals and taken to the nearest jewelry workshop.
Important!
Aggressive agents are used exclusively for silverware without inserts and for cutlery.
Simple items and dishes can usually be cleaned independently. The stores offer professional series for metal care. It is also permissible to use folk recipes that have been tested for centuries.
General recommendations:
- Radiant silver is treated with a soft cloth so as not to be scratched;
- when using the foil method, the clean product must be thoroughly rinsed with running water;
- use lemon juice or hot water to add shine;
- dry cleaned items with a paper towel or hair dryer;
- for polishing use flannel, wool, suede, or eraser;
- After cleaning, leave the jewelry untouched for 2-3 days to form a protective layer on the surface.
Is it possible to boil silver?
Some recipes involve heating or boiling. Silver products are boiled only in a glass container in a water bath.
Important!
Heating speeds up any reaction, so you need to be very careful when boiling silver.
Recipes suitable for boiling:
- citric acid solution (100 g per 700 ml of water) with the addition of copper wire: boil for 20-30 minutes;
- baking soda solution (1 tablespoon per 500 ml of water) with the addition of foil: boil for 10-15 seconds;
- Coca-Cola: boil for 3-5 minutes;
- salt solution (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water) with the addition of chicken egg shells: boil for 15 seconds;
- washing powder solution (1 tablespoon per 500 ml of water): boil for 2 minutes.
What to soak silver in to clean
Soaking silver items is an effective but time-consuming method.
Soaking Recipes:
- salt solution (1 teaspoon per 200 ml of water): keep for several hours;
- water with chopped raw potatoes: keep for 2-3 hours;
- 5% sulfuric acid solution: keep for several hours, to speed up the reaction, heating is permissible;
- 10% formic acid solution: hold for 10 minutes.
What to do if silver is darkened by water
With frequent contact with water (visiting the pool, washing dishes, swimming in a pond, etc.), jewelry suffers. Darkening and black areas appear on the surface, and the shine and attractiveness disappear. The easiest way to avoid this is to remove all jewelry before coming into contact with moisture. And if the products have already darkened, you can use any suitable cleaning method.
Silver cleaning products
The choice of methods for cleaning silver is very wide. You can use folk compositions, with the addition of improvised means and products. Good results can also be achieved by using specialized products. Range of professional products:
They are purchased in jewelry stores or in departments with household chemicals.
Solutions
Manufacturers of special solutions for metal care guarantee results. Liquids gently and effectively cope with any contaminants. Professional solutions can be used for products with stones.
Napkins
There are 2 types of cleansing wipes: impregnated and non-impregnated. As a rule, microfiber is used, which does not leave marks or scratches on the surface. Napkins are used without the use of additional products.
Important!
Napkins are only suitable for smooth surfaces; it is difficult to treat embossed and multi-level products with them.
Impregnated microfiber should not be used for jewelry with pearls, mother-of-pearl or coral. There are disposable and reusable wipes; one piece is enough to clean 5-10 products (depending on their size).
How to clean silver at home - ways
Before using any traditional method, you need to wash the product in running water using soap. You can also soak the metal in warm soapy water. After soaking, the product is washed and dried. Then you can begin cleansing using one of the traditional methods.
How to clean silver with soda
Dilute baking soda powder with water to form a paste. Apply the product to the metal surface and remove with a soft cloth after 10 minutes.
For gentle cleansing, you can use a soda solution:
- Combine 250 ml of water and 20 g of powder.
- Boil, stirring.
- Place foil on the bottom.
- Place silver in the hot solution for 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with tap water.
Cleansing with toothpaste
Apply toothpaste to the surface using a soft cloth and rub particularly dirty areas. When completing the procedure, rinse the product with running water. After the metal has dried, it should be polished with a soft, dry cloth, such as microfiber.
Important!
You can only use toothpaste without additives or impurities.
How to clean metal with tooth powder
Mix the powder with water to form a paste. Apply the resulting mixture to the surface with a soft cloth. Rub the product in one direction, then rinse it under the tap.
How to clean silver with vinegar
Table vinegar is effective if the contamination is fresh. A 6% solution is used. It must be applied to the fabric and wiped over the product. At the end of the procedure, rinse the metal with water.
Cleaning silver with citric acid
To clean silver, use a 10% citric acid solution. To do this, dissolve 10 g of powder in 100 ml of water. Wipe the product with the resulting composition, then rinse with water.
Citric acid is also used when boiling. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Add 100 g of acid to 500 ml of water.
- Place a piece of copper wire into the liquid.
- Boil the contents.
- Place the product in the container.
- After 15 minutes, rinse all items.
- Dry.
- Polish.
Cleaning silver with salt
Table salt cleans silver well. Procedure:
- Combine 500 ml of hot water with 25 g of salt and 10 g of citric acid.
- Place the product in the solution for 10-20 minutes.
- Rinse the products.
- Dry.
- Polish.
How to clean with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an aggressive liquid, so it is diluted with warm soapy water. You need to place the product in the resulting mixture, after 2 minutes, remove it and rinse.
Cleansing with Coca-Cola
Pour a carbonated drink into a saucepan, place silver, and boil. After a few minutes you need to evaluate the result. Boil the cola until the silver is completely clean.
How to clean silver with olive oil
Olive oil is only suitable as a silver polish. Therefore, it is impossible to get rid of dark spots with its help. But it will give you a mirror shine. To do this, apply a few drops of oil to microfiber and wipe the product.
How to clean silverware
Regardless of frequency of use, silver cutlery needs regular cleaning.
Important!
To maintain the attractive appearance of the appliances, they are never washed in the dishwasher. Noble metal requires careful handling and manual cleaning.
The most popular method is to rub the products with tooth powder. It is quite soft, and at the same time penetrates into the recesses. Ammonia is also used:
- Combine alcohol and water in a ratio of 1:10.
- Place the dishes in the solution for 30-60 minutes (depending on the degree of contamination).
- Rinse the devices with running water.
Cleaning a silver chain at home with peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can only be used on high-quality, high-grade products. The easiest way:
- Pour peroxide solution (3%) into a container.
- Place the chain there.
- Wait until the product acquires a light shade.
- Rinse.
- Dry.
Cleaning your silver watch
Not all products can be completely immersed in liquid. For example, you can clean a watch with a silver bracelet using suede or microfiber. Apply ammonia or hydrogen peroxide to the fabric. You can also use professional wipes.
Important!
After cleaning, the product is not washed, but left to dry in an open space.
What to do to prevent silver from turning black
It is necessary to regularly pay attention to silver products - clean and polish them. It is also important to pay attention to the rules for storing and using silver:
- It is better to keep all products in a dry and dark container (box, case, etc.);
- prolonged contact with food, medicines and rubber should be avoided;
- before visiting the shower, swimming pool, washing dishes, visiting the bathhouse or gym, jewelry must be removed;
- Before applying the cream to your hands or face, it is also advisable to remove jewelry.
Conclusion
Caring for silver at home is quite simple - keep the items dry and periodically wipe with a soft cloth. When blackness appears, you need to use any suitable method - use professional remedies or folk recipes.
Subscribe to our channel in Yandex.Zen! Click “Subscribe to channel” to read Hozsekretiki.ru in the Yandex feed
Source: https://hozsekretiki.ru/sovety/kak-pochistit-serebro-ot-chernoty.html
How to effectively clean silver at home
Over time, silver items lose their attractive appearance, the metal begins to tarnish, and therefore there is a need to clean them. For this purpose, you can use expensive products sold in specialized stores, but it is much cheaper and easier to use proven folk methods.
Over time, silver items lose their attractive appearance, the metal begins to tarnish, which makes it necessary to clean them
Cleaning jewelry at home
Silver is one of the oldest metals that humanity uses for a variety of purposes - jewelry, medicine, tableware. In the jewelry industry, this metal is valued due to its ductility. This property allows us to produce a variety of exquisite products.
The process of cleaning silver items requires preparatory procedures. First you need to remove traces of fat and sweat, as well as other dirt from the jewelry. Pre-cleaning will make subsequent procedures much more effective.
The most popular abrasive cleaning products are tooth powder and baking soda. Ammonia and vinegar are often used. Some methods surprise with their originality no less than with their speed and efficiency.
Silver is one of the oldest metals that humanity uses for a variety of purposes - jewelry, medicine, tableware
Cleaning silver using fine detergents
Effective means for cleaning silver are tooth powder and baking soda. A damp piece of cloth should be dipped in tooth powder or soda and the product should be thoroughly wiped, removing blackness in all places. You should act carefully, without putting a lot of effort, because silver is a fairly soft metal and is susceptible to mechanical damage in the form of scratches.
Do-it-yourself water cooler cleaning
To clean a ring or other large object, you can mix tooth powder with an alcohol solution to form a paste and rub the resulting mixture onto the surface. When it is completely dry, clean the remaining mixture from the surface with a piece of cloth.
If the jewelry does not have decorative elements attached with glue, they can be boiled by dissolving 1 tbsp. l. baking soda in 200-250 g of water. When the prepared solution boils, place decorations and food foil in it. When cleaning of the products is completed, you need to remove them from the container, rinse with running water and wipe dry with a woolen cloth. Using this method, you can restore the shine of silver.
If you have tried many well-known methods for cleaning silver jewelry, but the desired result is not achieved, use the universal method. It does not require large expenditures, but at the same time is effective. It can be used to clean gold and silver, as well as items made from other precious metals. You will need an aluminum container to prepare a special solution, including:
- 200 g water;
- 2 tsp. baking soda;
- 10-20 g of liquid soap;
- 20 g salt.
After combining the ingredients listed, place the items that require cleaning into a container and bring to a boil. The unique composition will quickly and effectively remove dark spots, dullness and dirt from the surface of jewelry or cutlery.
Cleaning silver with vinegar, salt or citric acid
Using a vinegar solution, stains and other surface stains on silver items are cleaned. If the item does not have stones, you can completely immerse it in a warm solution and leave it for a short time. At the end of the procedure, the silver must be dried and wiped with a woolen cloth.
How to clean a gas stove at home
Silver jewelry can be cleaned at home with citric acid. For this purpose, it is necessary to dissolve 100 g of acid in 500 g of water and place a copper wire in the resulting solution. Place the container on the fire, heat it slightly, and then put the products there. After 15 minutes of exposure, remove them and wipe dry with a cloth.
If you don’t have the necessary ingredients at home, ordinary salt will come to the rescue. Before cleaning silver jewelry, 1 tbsp. l. salts must be dissolved in 200 g of water and the prepared solution should be brought to a boil. Place them in a container with liquid and boil for 20 minutes.
Cleaning silver items with stones
Cleaning jewelry requires skill and careful work. Objects with stones deserve special attention. During the cleaning process, the stone may become dull, scratched, and lose its former attractiveness. You should remember a few basic rules:
- cleaning silver with stones should be very delicate and soft;
- It is undesirable to use abrasive substances: tooth powder, soda and any other cleaning agent;
- Methods that require boiling should not be used for cleaning.
Cleaning silver jewelry with ammonia
Ammonia is the most gentle means for cleaning silver. It is suitable for both products with stones and ordinary rings, bracelets, earrings, and chains. There are many cleaning options, the basis of which is an ammonia solution (ammonia):
- An aqueous solution of ammonia. It is necessary to dissolve 10 ml of alcohol in 100-150 ml of water. After moistening a piece of fleecy cloth, wipe the surface thoroughly. This method is great for rings and earrings. You can clean a silver bracelet or chain using ammonia by completely immersing it in the solution for 15-30 minutes, then wiping it with a dry cloth. Using this method, you can clean precious metal with stones yourself.
- A heavily contaminated precious metal product can be immersed in a pure alcohol solution without adding water, but the exposure time to ammonia should not exceed 10 minutes. After the procedure, the product should be wiped with a napkin and dried.
- Ammonia with hydrogen peroxide. In a previously prepared container, prepare a solution containing the following ingredients: 200 ml of water, 1 tsp. ammonia, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, a little liquid soap.
How to clean silver from blackness yourself at home
Immerse items that require cleaning in the solution and observe the process. The exposure time should be at least 15 minutes. For heavily soiled items, cleaning time can be 30-60 minutes. When the desired result is achieved, wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth. This method is universal and suitable for jewelry made from other precious metals.
Immerse items that require cleaning in the solution and observe the process.
Table vinegar will serve as an excellent assistant in cleaning silver with stones. After warming it up slightly, moisten a wool or suede cloth and wipe the surface.
An amazing folk remedy – water from boiled eggs – will also help. Thanks to the mineral compounds dissolved in it, it quickly and effectively gets rid of dark spots and dullness. To clean products, place them in slightly cooled water for 15-30 minutes.
Preventing tarnishing of silver items
Over time, silver jewelry tends to darken. There are a number of reasons for this:
- Silver does not oxidize in air, but can react to its individual components, in particular hydrogen sulfide. During the oxidation process, a dark film forms on the entire surface of the product.
- Increased moisture content in the air. Contact with wet skin significantly accelerates the oxidation process of the metal, losing its attractive appearance and shine.
- Elevated body temperature also serves as a catalyst in the oxidation process, which contributes to the rapid darkening of the metal.
- Contact with cosmetics containing sulfur results in the formation of chemical compounds that are black in color.
- Reaction to sweat. Human sweat has a unique composition and can affect oxidative processes.
- If the product is made from an alloy that contains more copper and other impurities than silver, then the oxidation process will be much faster, since copper oxidizes quickly in air.
How to remove brilliant green at home
Caring for silver does not require much effort. To do this, just follow a few simple rules:
- Wipe jewelry and cutlery with a flannel or woolen cloth after contact with water.
- When cleaning, remove silver items without exposing them to aggressive detergents.
- When applying cosmetics containing sulfur, remove silver rings, chains, and bracelets.
- Store silver items in a flannel fabric or a special box, separating them from other jewelry.
- Rarely used items can be stored in foil, which will protect the metal from oxidation.
Proper care of silver jewelry or tableware will preserve their original appearance, and simple folk methods will allow you to clean them as effectively as possible, restoring their original shine.
Source: https://moiton.ru/chistka/kak-effektivno-chistit-serebro-v-domashnih-usloviyah
How to clean silver at home: 11 methods, tips
We invite you to find out all the secrets and life hacks on how to clean silver at home, and understand what nuances to take into account in order to carry out the procedure effectively and competently.
You just can’t help but love grandma’s cute rings and elaborate massive pendants made of silver. A rare grandmother's brooch, a trendy bracelet with stones, a charming necklace as a gift from a loved one, a ring Silver is an exquisite metal, and with proper care it will look great for many decades.
But, alas, grandma’s brooch, family forks, and a brand new bracelet all darken over time, losing their elegant appearance, and the silver begins to look unsightly and dull. What to do? Do not be discouraged and do not hide the value in a distant box, but take action and return the trinket to its former dazzling appearance.
Why does silver darken?
We will find out how and with what to clean silver at home, but first we suggest you figure out why it darkens and loses its shine. Knowing some of the nuances and features of this metal, it is easier to prevent repeated darkening and maintain its beautiful shiny appearance longer!
This metal darkens when it reacts with a number of chemicals, in particular sulfur, as well as a number of other minerals. They are found in our sweat and sebum secreted by special glands, in the sea, swimming pool and tap, and in decorative cosmetics.
So it turns out: silver, in contact with the body, face, skin, and especially with water, cannot withstand and changes its color. Accordingly, in order to save metal as much as possible, you should first accustom yourself to take off jewelry when going to swim or take a shower.
If you wash dishes or hands, remove the rings from your fingers and your favorite bracelets from your wrists. Leave the trinkets at home when you hit the gym and go for walks on hot days.
This will help keep your favorite “trinkets” beautiful and new for many years!
How to clean silver at home
If your favorite chain, pendant or earrings have darkened, don’t be upset. We will give you all the secrets of how to clean silver at home, and you choose the most accessible method for you and get to work – returning the metal its attractive beauty and radiance!
But first, one warning! Before using any method, experiment with a piece of silver that you don't mind too much. And only then move on to expensive or antique jewelry.
Ammonia
This is a great way to brighten your silver item safely and quickly. So, how to clean a silver chain at home using an ordinary product lying around in your medicine cabinet?
Take a ceramic bowl and measure out one part of ammonia, dilute with nine parts of clean cold water. Place the decorations in the solution so that they sink and leave for half an hour. After this, be sure to wipe the item dry - and enjoy its shine!
Hydrogen peroxide
Another substance that perfectly dissolves dark plaque without damaging the silver surface. Cleaning silver at home with this product is a home “life hack” that was also used by our mothers and grandmothers.
Take a bowl and mix water and peroxide, about one to eight. Add a couple of drops of ammonia. Rinse your darkened items with warm water and soap or tooth powder to degrease and remove dirt. Immerse in the solution and leave for a couple of hours. Polish lightly with a soft sponge or brush. Rinse and dry with a towel. Ready!
Salt
Salt is a fairly effective way to clean silver at home. True, it is not suitable for jewelry with gold or stones, as it can ruin them. Under no circumstances rub the metal with grains of salt, you will scratch it!
Prepare a measure of table salt, about half a glass for three glasses of water. Place the mixture on the fire and let it boil. Immerse your silver in boiling water and turn off the heat. After an hour, take it out, rub it with a soft cloth, rinse and dry.
Soda
A simple method on how to clean silver at home “cheap and cheerful”. If your kitchen appliances or favorite knick-knacks are looking black and dull, try your usual baking soda. However, if there is a stone on your bracelets or ring, the method will not work.
Take six tablespoons of baking soda and add half a liter of water. Bring the baking soda solution to a boil, turn off the heat and carefully plunge the trinkets directly into the boiling water. Leave it like that for an hour and a half, then carefully remove it and lightly rub it with a soft toothbrush or cloth, polishing the metal. Enjoy the shine!
Foil
Source: https://adella.ru/home/cleaning/kak-pochistit-serebro-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
Cleaning silver with salt and soda - recommendations from professionals and experts
Proven methods for cleaning silver with soda. How to properly take baking soda while cleaning silver so as not to spoil the silver item.
Silver is an exquisite metal, and silver products are more popular than gold. Silver jewelry, like all other jewelry, needs constant cleaning.
Over time, the metal begins to tarnish and turn black, which adds to the sloppy appearance of the jewelry. This is influenced by a variety of factors:
- Silver combines with hydrogen sulfide present in the air to form silver sulfide.
- Cosmetics. Some products with cosmetic effects contain sulfur, which enters into the chemical. reaction with silver.
- Human sweat glands. Each organism is personal and the degree of blackening when wearing silver is different for everyone. An excess of nitrogenous substances in the human body makes the process faster than the darkening of silver.
Silver cleaning process
There are many different ways to clean silver . Of course, you can purchase special products, but the best method at home is considered to be removing blackness with soda.
If you are thinking about how to clean silver with soda, then below is a detailed description of all the stages.
Let's look at 3 surefire ways to clean silver with soda:
To do this you will need:
Cover the top of the container with foil, completely covering it, place the silver and sprinkle well with soda. Then pour boiling water and wait a couple of minutes.
After the procedure, the product must be washed under tap water.
This method is similar to the first, only here the container is filled with cold water and placed on the fire, pouring 2-3 tsp into it in advance. soda
When the water boils, place a piece of foil in it and lower the silver object into it. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and take it out. Afterwards it is recommended to rinse with cold water and wipe with a clean cloth.
Pour water into an aluminum bowl, add soda, salt and a little dishwashing liquid. Place the cup on the fire, place silver objects in it and boil over medium heat for 20-30 minutes. After such cleaning, the products look like new: sparkle and sparkle.
It is important to remember that silver is a soft metal, so there is no need to use substances with abrasive particles to clean it.
Blackened silver must be taken care of very carefully.
It is washed in water and soap with the addition of soda. Or dilute soda to a porridge state and dip it in a rag and rub the product. Then rinse thoroughly.
When cleaning or when in contact with water or using creams, it is better to remove silver jewelry, and if it gets wet, wipe it with a flannel rag.
Why does silver
Metal in its pure form is almost never used for the production of silver jewelry, household items or tableware. It is very plastic, easily deformed and bends.
Jewelers have learned to “tame” this material: in their own works they use silver alloys. To obtain them, auxiliary elements are used - multi-colored or precious metals (very often copper).
The alloy receives updated properties - it becomes harder and more resistant to wear, and receives a certain shade.
Over time, a dark coating appears on the metal surface, it loses its shine and becomes dull. Depending on the elements added to the alloy, the surface may change color, for example, turn black or bloom.
The main reason for such metamorphoses is very high humidity in the room where the item is stored.
Other factors may affect the condition of jewelry:
- prolonged contact with the skin, then the owner of the jewelry;
- the effect of elements of cosmetic or hygiene products;
- aggressive action of detergents and cleaning products used for household cleaning;
- friction on rubber;
- contact with food (onions, egg yolks), household gas and elements released during its combustion.
To restore the beautiful appearance of silver, you need to clean it. A similar service is provided in jewelry workshops and stores.
There are often cases when a favorite accessory needs to be shined immediately; there is not enough time to visit a professional.
You can clean a silver item at home using common recipes with available elements: soda, ammonia, lemon acid, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
Good Tips Before Cleaning Silver Items
silver without outside help , without harming the item or your health, you need to follow these small instructions:
Using baking soda and water
Cleaning silver with soda in most cases is carried out using an additional component - water.
This method is in demand due to its ease of use and general availability.
The procedure requires that hand movements be light and gentle; no force should be used - excessive zeal can cause damage to your favorite things.
Soda and foil
It's easy to clean silver with baking soda and foil.
Composition with added salt
clean silver from blackness with soda using an additional substance - salt.
It is important that no extra effort is required to obtain results; all the work will be done by energetic elements.
Using Vinegar
Heavily soiled, old silver jewelry without stones can be perfectly cleaned using a procedure with the addition of table vinegar.
The accompanying item is washed with water and dried with a napkin.
Soda boiling
In order to whiten table sets made from your favorite material, the only additional product you can use at home is soda .
Upon completion of the procedure, silverware is thoroughly wiped with a napkin, rinsed with water, and dried thoroughly.
Other items for cleaning
At home, other cleaning options and available components are used to restore the shine of silver items.
It must be taken into account that a simple buyer will not often use such a care product, which leads to the rapid drying of the composition and its complete unusability.
A recipe with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia is in demand.
Citric acid has a cleansing effect.
Changing the appearance of jewelry or other silver items will not happen quickly if you follow a few tips:
- any product requires a separate, dry storage space;
- the use of foil as packaging will protect silver from moisture, mechanical damage, and oxidation;
- Jewelry should be removed when performing household cleaning, washing dishes, and performing hygiene and cosmetic procedures.
Why does silver lose its shine
Silver is a metal that is resistant to chemical influences. It is not affected by acids and alkalis, but with prolonged exposure to certain household factors, silver products may darken or change shade (take on a greenish or bluish color). The following can worsen the condition of silver:
- high air humidity;
- contact with cosmetics containing sulfur;
- long wearing in contact with the skin;
- a reaction caused by interaction with household gas, onion juice, rubber, egg yolk, table salt.
Silver reacts with sulfur compounds (plus hydrogen sulfide), causing dark spots to appear on the metal. Contact with nitrogenous substances leads to a similar effect. Both elements are present in natural human skin secretions. Silver jewelry, when worn for a long time without periodic cleaning, inevitably becomes dark.
Source: http://versace-promo.ru/babushkiny-sovety/chistka-serebra-solju-i-sodoj-rekomendacii/
Cleaning silver at home
To ensure that silver items are always in perfect condition, you need to take care of them regularly. There are special cleaning products sold in stores, but they can be expensive or harsh. Silver can be easily cleaned using simple home remedies. Let's find out how they work.
Ammonia solution
To prepare the solution you will need 1 part ammonia to 9 parts water. For best results, you can add a little liquid detergent. Silver items are placed in the solution for 15 minutes, after which they are washed with water and wiped dry.
Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia solution
Feel like a medieval alchemist - prepare a cleaning solution from 2-3 tablespoons of ammonia and the same volume of 3% hydrogen peroxide. After immersing silver items in such a composition, an active chemical reaction will begin, so take precautions - take deep dishes, otherwise the foam will “overflow”. When the bubbling is over, rinse the silver thoroughly and wipe with a napkin.
Brine
2-3 teaspoons of salt should be dissolved in 0.5 liters of boiling water. Silver jewelry can be left in a saline solution for 1-2 hours or boiled for 15 minutes, and then washed and wiped dry.
Soda solution
For severely tarnished jewelry or dishes, mix three parts baking soda with one part water and heat the mixture. Wet the silver and apply the paste with a soft, lint-free cloth, rub gently, rinse well and dry.
Baking soda and foil
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and cut aluminum foil to a glass of boiling water. This process initiates a chemical reaction that removes tarnish from the silver within minutes. Dip the jewelry into the resulting solution and hold for 1-3 minutes, then rinse under cool water and wipe dry with a soft cloth. You will be able to watch how the shine of darkened jewelry returns before your eyes. This method is perhaps the best of all.
Citric acid solution
Squeeze the lemon into a bowl with 3 tablespoons of salt and hot water and place the tarnished silver items in it for 5 minutes, then remove and wipe with a soft cloth. Instead of fresh lemon, you can use citric acid. This method is especially effective if you have a special cleaning cloth.
Toothpaste
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste onto a tissue or sponge and rub onto the silver, then rinse in warm water. You can use a toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach areas, such as the links of a bracelet.
Chalk and citric acid solution
Dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid and a little chalk in 200 ml of water. Do not use a metal container; it is better to use a ceramic or glass saucer. Monitor the cleansing process carefully. Sometimes 2-3 minutes is enough for the product to lighten. The maximum exposure time in the solution is 15 minutes.
Coca Cola
Pour some Coca-Cola into a bowl and soak your silver jewelry in it for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry with a cloth. If this does not help, increase the exposure time to 30 minutes.
Vinegar solution
Soak silver jewelry in vinegar diluted half and half with water, then rinse and wipe with a cloth. Perhaps this method is not so good for heavily soiled areas, but it is quite capable of refreshing tarnished items.
Here are the main reasons why silver darkens:
- high humidity;
- interaction with cosmetics;
- influence of impurities;
- low sample.
Silver will remain shiny if you place a few pieces of chalk in your jewelry box or dinnerware box. Chalk absorbs moisture, preventing tarnishing of silver items.
Source: https://vannadecor.ru/bit/polezno-znat/chistka-serebra-v-domashnikh-usloviyakh.html
How to clean silver with vinegar
Silver jewelry does not lose popularity. They are worn by both men and women. This is justified by the elegance, sophistication and sophistication of the products. However, a situation arises in which they become dirty, turn black and lose their original appearance. In this case, cleaning silver with vinegar at home will help. In this article you will learn about the features of the procedure, the rules of the procedure and the effect of vinegar on silver.
Every owner of a product faces the problem of silver blackening.
Is it possible to clean silver with vinegar?
Silver is cleaned in different ways. And many people have a question: how to clean silver with vinegar at home in order to immediately get results. Acid is often used in this matter. Although it is considered a harsh chemical, it can be used on silver items.
Is it possible to clean gold with vinegar? The answer is yes. Vinegar removes plaque from jewelry and does not harm its appearance. The main thing is to follow the proportions and do as indicated in the instructions.
How to quickly clean blackness at home
Vinegar is not only an effective silver cleaner, but also a quick one. It will not take much time to process the product, and the result will pleasantly surprise you.
When processing, follow safety precautions: make sure that the vinegar does not get on the skin and mucous membranes. Wear gloves before the procedure. Cleaning will help restore the shine of the product.
Cleaning with apple cider vinegar
Cleaning silver with apple cider vinegar is not only effective, but also quick. Malic acid, like regular table acid, will help deal with black deposits and stains on silver items.
Ingredients for preparing the product:
- Apple cider vinegar - a glass.
- Warming container.
Preparation: Pour vinegar into a container and heat over low heat. Do not bring to a boil! The liquid should be warm.
Application: Dip a piece of cloth into the resulting solution. Wipe your silver jewelry with it, removing plaque. You can clean your iron using vinegar this way. If the products have hard-to-reach places and crevices, place them in a vinegar solution for 15-20 minutes, then remove and wipe dry.
Result: The blackness disappears before the eyes, all stains are removed. At the same time, the silver is not only cleaned, but also acquires a shine, like a new product.
Effective plaque removal using foil
Foil removes black deposits and dirt from silver. The method is simple.
Only aluminum foil is suitable for use. Aluminum comes into contact with silver and draws out sulfur, which causes the items to turn black. Have you tried cleaning silver with foil?
Necessary materials:
- 2 pieces of aluminum foil.
- Potatoes – 4 pcs.
- Vinegar 9% – 2 tbsp. l.
Preparation: Boil the potatoes in their jackets. You can use it as you need, it will not be useful for cleaning silver. Drain the cooking liquid into a separate container. Let cool. Add vinegar and foil there. The solution is ready for use.
Application: Place silver items in the liquid for 10-15 minutes. Then remove and wipe with a dry cloth.
Result: Plaque goes away even from hard-to-reach places. Jewelry becomes shiny.
Foil can be used simply with water
How to clean with vinegar 70 percent: solution proportions
70% vinegar in its pure form can harm not only jewelry, but also the person himself. Therefore, it is important to dilute the solution in the correct proportion, even if you decide to test gold at home with vinegar.
To use vinegar essence for cleaning, it must be diluted to 9% or 6%. Afterwards it is not used in its pure form, but is supplemented with other ingredients (or water). If you dilute 70% vinegar to 3%, it can be used without additional dilution.
Dilution proportions for 70% vinegar (based on 1 tbsp. L)
The required percentage | Amount of water |
9% | 7 tbsp. l. |
6% | 11th century l |
3% | 22.5 tbsp. l |
How to clean with 9 percent vinegar
Using 9% vinegar is a simple method that does not require time or effort.
Necessary materials:
- Vinegar 9% – 1-2 glasses.
- Glass container.
Preparation: Place silver jewelry in the prepared container. Fill them to the top.
Application: Leave for 1 – 2 hours. It all depends on the degree of contamination. Then remove, rinse under running water and wipe dry.
Result: Cleaning silver with soda and vinegar removes plaque, the product acquires shine and sophistication.
For interesting options on how to clean silver at home, watch the following video:
Clean silver with salt
Salt is an ingredient that is always on hand. It can also be used to clean silver jewelry.
Ingredients:
- Salt – 1 tsp.
- Water – 1 tbsp.
Preparation: In a saucer, dilute a solution of water and salt at the rate of 1 teaspoon of salt per glass of water. Stir until everything is dissolved.
Application: Dip silver into the resulting solution for 30 minutes or an hour (depending on the degree of contamination). Then remove the items and wipe them dry with a cloth. There is no need to rinse under running water.
Result: After treatment, the plaque is removed, and the silver regains its original appearance.
How to clean with citric acid
Citric acid copes with plaque and blackness on silver items.
Ingredients for cooking:
- Citric acid – 100 g.
- Water – 1 l.
- Copper wire – 1 piece.
Do you use citric acid to clean silver?
Preparation: Dissolve citric acid in water, add wire. Place the container with the solution in a water bath.
Application: After the liquid is heated, dip the silver into it. Heat it in a water bath for half an hour. After this time, remove all products and rinse with clean water. Wipe with a cloth and leave to dry naturally.
Result: Plaque and black spots are removed. Silver takes on its original appearance.
You can replace the acid with lemon juice.
You can watch a detailed method of cleaning with citric acid in the following video:
Vinegar plus peroxide
This combination allows you to remove plaque and blackness and maintain the result for a long period.
Ingredients:
- Water – 1 glass.
- Vinegar 9% – 2 tbsp. l.
- Peroxide – 5-6 drops.
- Liquid soap – 2-3 drops.
Preparation: Dilute vinegar, peroxide and liquid soap in a glass of water. Stir until everything is dissolved.
Application: Immerse the jewelry in the resulting solution for 15 minutes. Then remove the silver and rinse under running water. Wipe dry with a dry cloth.
Result: Plaque is quickly removed, the effect lasts for a long time.
How to prepare items for cleaning with vinegar
In order to achieve the desired cleaning effect, prepare the product in advance. To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove contaminants (including grease) from silver. Wash the product with soapy water. It is better to clean jewelry with a soft toothbrush (bristles remove dirt and grease even in hard-to-reach places).
- After treatment, rinse the silver in cool, clean water. Then wipe dry with a cloth.
- Repeat the procedure if necessary.
If you don't have soap on hand, dilute shampoo or dishwashing detergent in water. Such liquids will effectively remove dirt. Preparing silver is an important part of the cleaning process
FAQ
Questions whether it is possible to clean silver with vinegar or not usually do not arise. Everyone knows that it is possible and necessary to use this method for cleaning products and jewelry. But in the process, nuances may emerge that are best dealt with in advance.
How much vinegar is needed to clean silver?
What vinegar should I use to clean silver? Two options are suitable for cleaning silver: regular table and apple. The percentage of acid should not exceed 9%. You can use a solution with low acidity (add less water).
How long to keep the product in vinegar
The answer depends on what cleaning method you use. In one case, 10-15 minutes is enough, in another - 2-3 hours. The exact time is indicated in the instructions.
If you notice that time has already passed and the result leaves much to be desired, leave the silver in the liquid for another ⅓ of the specified time. This situation may arise if there is too much plaque or black spots on the product.
Is it possible to clean jewelry with stones at home?
You can clean jewelry with stones not only at the jeweler, but also at home. They are processed in the same manner as any other silver jewelry. It is necessary to take into account the nuances that relate to the stones themselves. These include:
- Pearls, coral and amber are delicate materials. They should not be treated with ammonia or a solution based on it: otherwise they will change color and fade. Wipe the stone with flannel or suede to avoid scratching it.
- Glycerin will help give shine and beauty to other stones. Rub the stone, then rinse.
- Corn starch will also help you care for your jewelry. Pour it onto a cloth and rub the stone.
You will find useful tips on how to clean silver items with stones in the following video:
Why does silver turn black in vinegar?
This situation can arise in two cases:
- High temperature of the solution used to process silver.
- Incorrect acid percentage. If it is above 14%, the silver changes color.
How does silver react to vinegar when heated?
The cleaning solution should be warm. If you increase the temperature or boil it and then place silver items there, this will negatively affect them. They will quickly darken. This method is ideal for testing gold at home using vinegar.
What happens if you put a chain in vinegar for several days?
This method allows you to establish authenticity. How to test silver with vinegar - put the chain in a vinegar solution for a day; if the product is made of the specified material, nothing will happen to it. If there are other impurities in silver, it will darken.
On a note
- Although vinegar is considered an aggressive substance, it can be used to clean silver items. In addition, it shows high performance.
- When preparing a cleaning solution, follow the specified proportions so as not to harm the silver.
- During the procedure, take precautions to avoid harming yourself.
Have you already used this method of cleaning silver? Share the result with other users in the comments. If the article was useful to you, tell your loved ones about it.
Reviews from those who have tried cleaning silver with vinegar
Cleaned a silver chain with citric acid. I liked the method. Everything is simple and the decoration has truly acquired its original appearance. Now I will clean other products, since my experiment was a success. At first I thought that there would be no such effect, I would only ruin it. But, as you can see, I was wrong. I had a silver braided bracelet. And it seemed to look good, but blackness appeared right between this small weave.
I thought that there was no way to remove this plaque from there. Soaked in vinegar solution for 2 hours. After I started wiping, everything was fine. I just can't be happier. Yes, silver is, of course, a noble metal, but it has to be cleaned often. I clean my chain almost every 3-4 months. I don’t know whether this is a lot or a little time in reality, but for me personally it’s a lot. Fortunately, the procedure itself is simple and does not require much effort.
I usually clean it with salt and water. It’s good that explanations are given for jewelry with stones. Otherwise, my ring is already obvious that it needs to be cleaned, but I didn’t know how the stone would react to such a procedure. So I hesitated. After reading it I did everything right away. As a result, now I walk around happy with a spotlessly clean ring and a stone on it. I like the apple cider vinegar method - heat it up a little and you're done.
And to be honest, it seems to me that this method is more gentle on the metal itself. Although there doesn’t seem to be any harm from ordinary table vinegar. In general, in this matter, as I understand it, you should focus only on personal tastes and preferences. Now, I didn’t even know that silver must first be prepared before cleaning. That's why I always had places on my products that weren't quite finished yet.
If you didn’t look closely, of course, they were invisible. But you always know your faults. But now I tried it with processing before the procedure - and everything turned out perfect.
PreviousNext
Source: https://uksus-hous.ru/v-bytu/chistit-serebro-uksusom
How to clean silver at home. 7 proven methods
Since ancient times, silver has been used to make various jewelry and household utensils. Unfortunately, over time this precious metal tends to darken.
Why does silver darken?
Silver often darkens due to the high humidity of the room in which it is stored. The process occurs with prolonged contact with the skin. Moreover, the rate of its darkening is individual in nature; on one person, silver may not darken for years, but on another it will darken in a matter of days. Many people believe that this indicates health problems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAXxp0wJmV8
Also, a change in the color of silver and loss of shine can occur upon contact with cosmetics and substances containing sulfur ions.
Rapid darkening of silver occurs upon contact with household gas, rubber, onions, egg yolks, table salt and some detergents.
In order to restore the precious metal to its former shine, you need to know how to properly clean silver. We will tell you how to do this at home.
How to clean silver at home
There are many different ways to clean silver at home. Of course, you can buy a special silver cleaner at a hardware or jewelry store, but it is not cheap. Therefore, it is much better to use proven “folk” remedies, which are likely to be found in every home. It is worth noting that silver is a fairly soft material, so aggressive cleaning agents with abrasive particles should be avoided.
How to clean silver with alcohol
Perhaps the most common silver cleaner is ammonia. First you need to prepare a solution - 2 tablespoons of ammonia per liter of water. To enhance the effect, you can add a little hydrogen peroxide and soap to the solution. Dip your silver items in this mixture for 15 minutes and then wipe them with a lint cloth.
How to clean silver with soda and salt
The best way to clean silverware is with baking soda. Dilute 1-2 tablespoons of soda in 500 ml of water, put this solution on the fire and, when the water boils, put in silver and a piece of ordinary food foil. After 10-15 minutes, the silver will shine like new. Or you can simply soak the products in a soda solution for a few minutes, and then wipe them with a soft cloth.
Instead of soda, you can also use salt (1 tsp per 200 ml of water), in which case you will have to soak the silver for a couple of hours or boil it for 10-15 minutes.
Citric acid
A solution of citric acid will help restore shine to jewelry and remove plaque. Dilute 100 grams of citric acid in 0.5 liters of water and place the solution in a water bath. Place a silver item and a piece of copper wire in it, boil for 15-30 minutes, and then rinse with water.
Vinegar
Vinegar will help get rid of plaque and mold on silver. Heat a 6% vinegar solution, dip a soft cloth in it and wipe the metal. Many also advise boiling the product in Coca-Cola for 5 minutes. Its “useful” composition will help remove dark plaque in a matter of minutes.
Foil
Pour ½ cup of vinegar into half a glass of boiling water. Place foil on the bottom of the bowl and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and salt. Dry ingredients are poured into liquid ones. Decorations in the solution should be in maximum contact with the foil. This method takes about 5 minutes, but effectively cleans even antique silver.
Chalk
Powdered chalk is mixed with ammonia. Silver jewelry is cleaned with this paste and washed well. This is the most effective way to clear chains. Instead of this paste, you can use tooth powder. The product is dipped into it and wiped well with a brush.
How to clean a ring with a stone
The choice of method depends on the type of stone.
1. Moonstone, turquoise, malachite and opal should not be rubbed with a brush, soda or paste. Scratches then appear on these minerals. They can only be washed in soapy water.
2. Aquamarine, emerald, sapphire are stones for which you can use any method. However, the most preferable is ammonia with water.
3. Garnet, ruby and topaz do not “like” hot water. It may even change the color of the stone. The solution is used only warm (ammonia or soap). The surface of the stone is wiped with an alcohol solution using cotton wool.
A few more ways to clean silver at home
If you want to clean your silver extensively, you will need to use an “abrasive” such as brushing with toothpaste and a brush. It is best to mix water with ammonia and tooth powder in a ratio of 5:2:2. Rub the product with a brush and this composition, and then rinse with water.
But it is worth noting that, despite the effectiveness of such cleaning, it is quite rough and scratches the surface of the precious metal. Instead of toothpaste, you can use lipstick and a toothbrush, and polish the silver with a regular eraser. This method is suitable for rings and large items, but not for chains.
Source: https://ona-znaet.ru/chist_serebro
How to clean silver with baking soda: effective ways and methods
page » Home and comfort » Caring for jewelry
You can clean silver and restore its shine using a product that is found in every home - soda. There are many reasons for the darkening of metal, but they are all related to the oxidation process. At home, silver jewelry can be cleaned with baking soda and other effective household products.
Features of cleaning with soda
Silver changes color over time and becomes darker. It is affected by water, air and other external factors.
Jewelry made from this metal must be worn correctly and cleaned approximately 2 times a year.
What affects the color change of silver:
- exposure to water;
- Sun rays;
- household chemicals;
- sweat;
- cosmetic products.
You can restore the color of a product and give it shine at home using soda-based products.
Pros and cons of the method
Advantages of use:
- Baking soda effectively removes dirt and grease and returns bright color and shine.
- Unlike polish, the product does not remove the top layer of metal.
- It's very cheap.
- Can be purchased at any grocery store.
- Easy to use.
The disadvantage of using it is that the decoration may become cloudy. This happens if there are many impurities in the composition. The method is effective for samples above 800 on the stamp.
You cannot clean gold-plated and blackened silver with soda solutions. It is also prohibited to use them to wash natural stones.
Efficiency
Thanks to its effective cleaning properties, baking soda does an excellent job of removing the tarnish of silver. Sodium bicarbonate causes an oxidation process, which helps restore the color of the metal.
To prevent the silver from darkening even more during washing, use foil. It is recommended to use it with any cleaning method.
Cleaning methods
There are several ways to clean jewelry and cutlery using baking soda.
Each method allows you to return the color, shine and original appearance to an object:
- soda solution.
- with hydrogen peroxide;
- with ammonia;
- soda and foil;
- with toothpaste;
- with vinegar;
- With salt.
Each method has its own application features.
General recommendations
Tips for cleaning silver with baking soda:
- Use regular baking soda.
- Clean products only by hand, without using polishers.
- Use vinegar very carefully.
- To remove heavy stains, use a soft toothbrush or dish sponge.
Recommendations will help preserve the appearance of an item made of precious metal. If you are not sure of the result, it is better to contact a jeweler .
With hydrogen peroxide
This method perfectly removes blackness from metal:
- Pour hydrogen peroxide (50 ml) into a glass bowl and add 2 tbsp. l. soda The result is a liquid white mass.
- Dip the product into the product for 10-15 minutes, then brush and rinse with running water.
- The item is polished with a soft cloth to a bright shine.
With ammonia
This method helps to rinse hard-to-reach places:
- 5 ml of ammonia are mixed with 50 ml of clean water;
- add 1 tsp. soda;
- mix the product until smooth;
- The object is dipped into it and left for 20 minutes;
- the product is washed and dried.
Soda and foil
The most effective way to remove tarnish from silver items is to use baking soda and foil. The procedure restores shine and color brightness.
Cleaning process:
- 2 tbsp. l. Soda is mixed with 500 ml of water, placed on the stove and brought to a boil over maximum heat.
- Silver jewelry is carefully wrapped in foil (there should be no gaps).
- Dip the resulting package into a boiling solution and leave for 15 minutes.
- Take out the jewelry and wash it with warm water.
- Dry on a towel and rub until shiny.
If the metal object is not too dirty, you can not boil it, but simply keep it in the solution, packing it in foil.
With toothpaste
A simple, inexpensive and affordable way is to use toothpaste. The disadvantage of this method is that the cleaning mass does not penetrate well into hard-to-reach places.
Squeeze a small amount of paste from the tube into a bowl, add soda and stir. Rub the product with the resulting product using a napkin or sponge. Rinse well in water and dry.
With vinegar
A solution of soda and vinegar can ruin the product. Before use, you should test it on an inconspicuous area, for example, on the inside of the ring.
How to prepare the solution:
- For 5 g of baking soda, take 10 ml of vinegar 9%;
- mix the ingredients until smooth.
You only need to work with gloves so as not to damage the skin of your hands. The product is placed in the solution for 2 hours, then removed and washed. This method does not leave scratches or damage.
With salt
Soda and salt quickly remove black deposits on silver.
The components are taken in equal proportions and mixed with water to a paste, carefully apply the mixture to the entire product in a thick layer and leave for 10 minutes. The item is treated with a brush, then washed off under running water .
Boiling silver with soda
For the procedure you will need an aluminum pan, baking soda, dishwashing liquid and a piece of foil. The method allows you to clean blackened silver in a short time.
Pour soda into the pan, add a few drops of detergent and water. Bring everything to a boil.
The decorations are wrapped in foil so that there are no gaps, the package is immersed in liquid and boiled for half an hour.
The product is carefully removed from the water, removed from the foil and washed under running water. You can wipe the silver with a brush or cloth to remove any remaining tarnish or dirt.
The decoration is dried on cotton fabric. At the end of the procedure, the object is rubbed to a shine.
How often can you clean with baking soda?
Can I clean jewelry and cutlery frequently with baking soda? To prevent the product from losing its appearance and shine, it should not be washed constantly. Cleaning is carried out as soon as it gets dirty, but not more than once every 6 months.
To maintain the light shade of a piece of jewelry, it must be handled correctly.
You should wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing it, remove jewelry when taking a bath or swimming in the sea, and store it in a place protected from direct sunlight.
Algorithm for cleaning from blackness
Procedure:
- Sodium bicarbonate is mixed with water in the required proportions.
- Place the decoration in a bowl.
- Leave the item in the solution for 10 to 40 minutes.
- Take out the product and rub it with a toothbrush or soft sponge.
- Rinse with clean tap water.
- Polish with a cloth or jewelry napkin.
Before cleaning, precious metal items should be prepared for the procedure so that the baking soda works effectively.
Preparation
What should be done:
- Mix soap shavings with warm water.
- Lower the item for 1 hour.
- Rinse.
After this simple preparatory procedure, you can begin the main cleaning.
Cleaning items with stones
It is not recommended to clean silver items with stones at home. It is worth using a jewelry napkin or entrusting the procedure to specialists.
Which stones cannot be treated with soda:
When washing, you should avoid getting the product on the precious stones. It is better to use a soap solution and a soft cloth.
You can clean and boil emerald, aquamarine, and sapphire.
Ruby, garnet and topaz should not be boiled or placed in a hot solution. After the procedure, you need to thoroughly rinse the item with water.
Additional recommendations
To preserve the appearance and shine of silver products for a long time, you should properly care for them.
Recommendations:
- put cutlery made of precious metals in a dark and dry place after use;
- remove jewelry before taking a bath or going to the solarium;
- use cosmetics and toilet water carefully so that the products do not come into contact with the metal;
- Silverware cannot be washed in the dishwasher;
- Wipe items with a dry cloth.
You can save the item from darkening using a special napkin. You can clean silver with a soda solution if it is heavily soiled and a black tint appears.