How to Clean Silver with Vinegar

12 ways to effectively clean silver at home

Silver products attract people with the lunar shine of the metal and exquisite beauty. The openwork, filigree design of rings and chains made them popular jewelry. But due to their tendency to darken, they require attention. Therefore, when the need arises, you need to know how to clean silver and do it at home.

Why does it get dark

It's unpleasant when you put on silver jewelry and notice how it has become very black for no apparent reason. Owners are interested in the question: why did the silver darken? Darkening is considered the biggest drawback of products made from this precious metal. In its pure form, it is relatively soft and ductile, therefore, when making products, copper is added to it. This is the reason for its high sensitivity to environmental factors.

Interacting with sulfur compounds every time the silver jewelry is exposed to the open air, it changes its color from yellowish to dark blue and even black. Therefore, those who like to constantly wear jewelry made of this metal have to decide how to clean silver at home. Manufacturers use a number of technological methods to protect the metal surface from darkening:

• applying galvanic coating;
• white boiling;
• rhodium plating;
• varnishing.

What can you clean with?

It is impossible to answer the question of what and how to clean tarnished silver at home, since several important factors must be taken into account when answering:

• what standard is the precious metal or alloy;
• are there stones, gilding, enamel and other elements;
• type and degree of pollution;
• size.

Using various utensils, napkins and traditional methods, you can quickly and effectively clean silver jewelry and tableware. There are ways to clean tarnished silver, but when choosing an option you need to remember the rules:

• the use of aggressive cleaning agents is only possible for simple silver jewelry and household items;
• cleaning items with stones, gilding, enamel and engraving is permissible only using gentle methods;
• High-grade filigree silver jewelry should be cleaned by professionals.

Tooth powder or paste

There are many familiar household products that are best suited for cleaning silver items at home. Of these, two options are toothpaste or tooth powder. The last remedy is ordinary chalk, which is obtained by chemical deposition.

Although, frankly speaking, today you may not find tooth powder on store shelves. But, of course, everyone has toothpaste. True, you will have to buy regular white paste for your chain. The gel paste that is popular today is not suitable for cleaning silver.

And then everything is very simple: take a toothbrush (just not too hard), squeeze out the toothpaste and start brushing.

Cleaning with vinegar

Many people use vinegar for various purposes, in particular in the kitchen it is a common way to disinfect objects and surfaces. And I must admit that in some situations it works more effectively than other special cleaning products. But when you clean silver at home, you must not forget that this acid is aggressive. Therefore, when deciding to manipulate with vinegar, you need to know how to properly clean with it. All recipes for cleaning with vinegar boil down to the following:

• 1 tbsp. table vinegar is poured into a small container;
• heat to approximately 60 °C and remove from heat;
• darkened silver items are placed in warm vinegar and left for 10–15 minutes;
• After the time has passed, they are removed from the container, washed with clean water and wiped with a woolen or suede cloth.

This method is best suited for preventive care of slightly tarnished silver jewelry.

Lemon acid

The housewife has a packet of citric acid in her box of spices and seasonings, and some have more than one. For what purpose is this kitchen assistant used? But even some experienced housewives don’t know how to clean silver items with citric acid. And it’s not that difficult to do. It is necessary to keep the silver in its hot solution for some time.

Therefore, cleaning darkened silver with citric acid is done in a water bath. Pour one glass of water into a bowl and add 40 g of lemon. Place a pan of water on the stove. Place a bowl with the solution in it, bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat. Place silver items in the solution and keep it in it for 20 minutes. Then take it out, rinse and wipe with a soft cloth.

Potato

The easiest way to return tarnished silver to its former shine at home is to peel it with a potato. This vegetable is rich in starch, which is a natural abrasive.

Therefore, the problem of how to clean silver is easily solved - we peel the potatoes, pour water and set them to cook. And after pouring the potato broth into a small container, we put the darkened metal into it. This is the easiest way to cleanse, because cleansing will happen naturally.

Potato broth, saturated with starch, will return the lost shine to the precious metal in 15–20 minutes.

Foil for cleaning silver

Another effective way to restore shine to tarnished silverware is to clean it with food foil. To carry out the cleaning procedure, dissolve 1–2 tbsp in 0.5 liters of water. l. baking soda. Line the bottom of a small enamel pan with food foil. Pour the soda solution into a saucepan, put on fire and bring to a boil.

Immerse the silverware in the boiling solution and “cook” for 15–20 minutes. Then you need to rinse under running water and wipe the product. Those who are interested in how to clean silver using foil should keep in mind that this can be done in another way. When using it, all actions are similar, but salt is used instead of soda.

After cleaning procedures, the products are placed in a soap solution and then thoroughly washed with clean water.

Olive oil

Housewives in the kitchen use olive oil for various purposes. While admiring the capabilities of this useful product, the question arises of how to clean tarnished silver with olive oil.

It really softens dirt and deposits on this precious metal, even without boiling; they can then be easily removed with a soft brush. But it should be noted that, unlike other methods, such silver cleaning is not highly effective.

Therefore, it is better to use it for preventive care of slightly darkened jewelry, as well as for polishing it to increase shine.

Hydrogen peroxide

Another handy tool that allows you to clean silver jewelry is hydrogen peroxide. Some owners are afraid to use this product because if used incorrectly, they can become even darker. To get the result, you need to soak the silver for 2-3 hours in a soap solution.

Pour 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 10 ml of ammonia into a glass (ammonia is not suitable). While the reaction is taking place, alternately “bathe” all the decorations in the mixture. As soon as the reaction of ammonia and peroxide stops, you need to add a little peroxide and continue “bathing” the jewelry.

After cleaning, dip the product in a soapy solution and rinse in clean water. All darkening disappears instantly.

Silver cleaning soda

Another handy tool that allows you to clean blackness is sodium salt. Since there are several types of it, it must be borne in mind that only a certain sodium salt is used for this purpose. At home, you can clean silver with sodium bicarbonate and baking soda, as it is usually called in everyday life. There are many recipes for using soda, but none of them use it in dry form.

Soda powder is classified as an abrasive material. Therefore, for the cleansing procedure, prepare a creamy paste from salt and soda, diluting them with a small amount of water. Apply soda slurry to the darkened product and begin to rub it with a soft toothbrush.

But if you put jewelry in a paste of soda and ammonia for 10 minutes, you don’t even have to rub it, all the dirt comes off on its own. After any cleaning procedure, be sure to dip them in a soapy solution, rinse under the tap and dry thoroughly.

Ammonia

You can also use ammonia to clean silver items. Cleaning manipulations with it are effective and simple, so they are performed at home.

They are quite gentle, since ammonia does not affect the metal, but helps remove the oxide film from it, so there is no risk when using it. To prepare the solution, mix one spoon of ammonia with 10 tbsp in a glass. l. water.

Place the darkened jewelry into the resulting solution and leave for half an hour. Take them out and blot them with a dry cloth.

Coca Cola

More recently, it turned out that Coca-Cola is one of the products that can be used to clean silver if it has turned black. It turns out that this drink, beloved by many, also copes with darkening, returning the noble metal to its original shine. When you put rings or earrings in a glass of Coca-Cola, you don't have to worry about them getting damaged.

Special solutions

You can buy a ready-made silver cleaner in jewelry stores. This solution is quite safe for the precious metal, because its composition has already been thought out by specialists. An additional advantage of using a special product for cleaning jewelry is that it forms a protective film on the surface of the metal and the product does not darken for a long time.

Mechanical cleaning of silver

Many women sooner or later face the task of how to clean silver jewelry.

And although there are various means for cleaning tarnished silver items at home, owners do not dare to use them for fear of ruining their favorite jewelry; they prefer a mechanical cleaning method.

Therefore, they begin to wonder what can be used to clean silver? To mechanically remove various contaminants and traces of oxidation, brushes, ordinary needles, pieces of suede and flannel are used.

But first, think about how to remove dust and grease stains. Because it will be much easier to clean a silver item until it shines after washing. To remove dirt and degrease the surfaces of silver items, they must be washed with soap and a soft brush.

For ease of use, bar soap can be replaced with soap shavings. After “bathing” you can choose one of the cleansers. The jewelry store also sells a cleaning cloth for precious metals.

You just need to warn the seller about cleaning silver, since each napkin is designed for a specific metal.

If with stones and gilding

When answering the question of how to clean silver with stones from blackness at home, jewelers usually advise not to do this yourself. Since none of the “bathing” and boiling methods are suitable for products with stones and gilding. Cleaning silver jewelry with stones is too risky, because the reaction of noble pearls or amber to chemical exposure is impossible to predict. Buying new jewelry will cost significantly more than having it cleaned by a professional.

How to store silver

Sometimes silver jewelry becomes the most beloved by its owners. And if stored correctly, it will be necessary to clean silver less often from the blackness that has appeared at home. Therefore, it is worth listening to advice on how to wear and store them. For example, it is better to store them in a box.

If you do not plan to wear earrings or a chain in the near future, then it is more practical to wrap them in foil. There is no need to put your favorite things at risk when washing dishes or cleaning the apartment; let them spend this time in the box. It is better to remove silver jewelry at night and in hot weather.

Silver is a noble metal. If stored, worn and cleaned correctly, silver jewelry will delight you with its beauty and brilliance for a long time.

Source: https://VseoMetallah.ru/uvelir-isdelia/kak-chistit/serebro-doma

How to clean silver at home

The first silver products appeared long before our era, and with them the problem arose - how to clean silver at home . Everyone knows that over time, silver jewelry and silver household utensils darken. It is believed that this metal has the ability to protect its owner from negative influences and therefore turns black.

In fact, the rate of silver oxidation at home depends on many factors. A change in color or loss of shine of a product occurs especially quickly when it comes into contact with sulfur compounds contained in some cosmetics and detergents. The negative process is also accelerated by exposure to household gas, onions, table salt, and egg yolks.

Therefore, sooner or later the question arises: how to return silver products to their original appearance?

There are many ways to clean silver at home. They can be divided into two groups according to the degree of impact on the product. You can completely remove the silver sulfide film that has formed on the surface, or you can force it to react chemically with a more active metal to release the silver from the sulfide. In the latter case, there is no loss of precious metal, but it is more difficult to perform at home.

Cleaning Silver with Aluminum Foil

To clean silver from the plaque that has coated it and make the product shiny again, you can use a more active metal - aluminum. With this cleaning method, silver will be completely restored due to the ability of aluminum to react with silver sulfide.

To clean, you need to choose a pan in which you can completely immerse your product. Place aluminum foil on the bottom of the vessel, and place silver items on it so that they touch the foil. Boil water in another saucepan and place the container in the kitchen sink.

Add baking soda to hot water at the rate of 200 g of baking soda per 4 liters of water. Wait until the mixture boils and stops the violent reaction with foaming. Pour the soda solution over the prepared silver and aluminum foil so that the mixture completely covers the precious metal.

After a few minutes, you will see that the tarnish has disappeared and the silver is shining again and pleasing to the eye. Carefully remove the silver items, rinse under running water and place to dry.

If this method of cleaning silver at home seems too complicated or risky to you, then you can use proven “folk” methods:

Method for cleaning silver with ammonia

One of the most accessible and common silver cleaners is ammonia. It can be easily purchased at any pharmacy, it is safe and not aggressive towards metals and human skin, but reacts well with silver sulfide.

In order to clean silver at home, you need to prepare a solution - 2 tablespoons of ammonia per liter of water. For greater effect, you can add a little soap or hydrogen peroxide to the solution. By dipping tarnished silver into this mixture, in 15 minutes you will receive products without the slightest hint of plaque. If the silver is highly oxidized, the reaction with ammonia will take about an hour.

Please also note that the oxidized part of the silver will dissolve in water, so the product will become several milligrams lighter.

Another equally safe reagent for silver sulfide is a common food additive - citric acid. Since acids do not react with tarnished precious metal at room temperature, a heating process will have to be used. In order to clean silver at home with citric acid, you need to prepare its solution at the rate of 200 grams of lemon per liter of water.

The mixture must be placed in a water bath so that the product lying on the bottom of the pan is heated evenly. Dip the silver item into the solution along with a piece of copper wire. Bring the water to a boil and leave to simmer for 15-30 minutes. During the boiling period, turn on the hood, as harmful substances may be released with the vapors.

Carefully remove the cleaned products from the cooled solution, rinse with running water and wipe dry.

Method for cleaning silver with acetic acid

Ordinary acetic acid cleans plaque and mold on silverware quite well. To clean, use a 6% or 9% vinegar solution. Heat the solution, dip a soft cloth in it and wipe the metal. Acetic acid is more aggressive than citric acid, and when boiling it will release an order of magnitude more harmful fumes, so at home it is enough to apply a small layer of warm solution to the silver item and wait a few hours.

Method for cleaning silver with other products

Other substances you can use to clean silver at home include curdled milk, raw potatoes, and ashes. Lactic acid contained in curdled milk, like any other weak acid, can react and clean the dark film covering silver.

It is enough to immerse a silver item in heated yogurt for a few minutes and the tarnished item will shine again. Cigarette ash is used to enhance the effect of acids. You can mix lemon juice with ashes and wipe the silver item with the resulting mixture to return it to its original condition.

Raw potatoes are peeled, cut into slices and placed in a container of water. When the starch is released and the water becomes cloudy, a silver object is lowered into the container.

Mechanical methods for cleaning silver

In addition to chemical methods at home, you can also use mechanical methods to clean silver from dark deposits. Before you begin any polishing of a silver item, you need to understand that silver is a soft metal. Any careless mechanical impact can damage the product.

Fine abrasive products are well suited for polishing and cleaning silver: cosmetic powder, lipstick, toothpaste, tooth powder, etc. The principle of operation is simple: apply the substance to a soft, lint-free fabric (suede, tweed) and thoroughly polish the product until the plaque disappears. After a shine appears on the surface, rinse the valuable item with running water and wipe dry.

An ordinary stationery eraser removes plaque from silver very well.

Methods for cleaning silver items with stones

If your silver jewelry contains precious stones, then it is better not to clean these items at home. In any case, all chemical methods with complete immersion and boiling are eliminated immediately.

Precious stones react differently to chemical exposure. Amber, pearls, coral and many other stones are very sensitive to aggressive chemicals.

The slightest carelessness will ruin the product and cost you much more than a visit to a cleaning professional.

After you clean your silver at home, keep in mind that you have violated the natural protective coating on the precious item. To form a new protective layer and preserve it for a long time in the future, it is not recommended to use the product for several days after cleaning the silver or to coat it with a special varnish from a jeweler.

Source: https://domowik.net/domovodstvo/kak-pochistit-serebro-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html

How to clean silver at home? — Website about construction

Silver is a noble metal from which dishes, interior items, and jewelry are made.

Its ions have disinfecting properties, which means that the use of silver cutlery has a positive effect on health.

But over time, the surface of the metal changes - it becomes dull, dark deposits and stains appear on it. Let's figure out how to clean silver at home so that it takes on its original appearance.

Why does silver darken?

Before we figure out how to clean silver at home, let's find out why it darkens. In the old days, it was believed that black magic was to blame. But it has now been established that metal reacts with different elements.

Reasons for darkening of silver:

Increased room humidity or contact with wet skin.

Reaction to human sweat. If there is a lot of sulfur in it, then the silver turns black quickly. The predominance of nitrogen in the secretion of the sweat glands contributes to the long-term preservation of the appearance of the metal. Pathologies, as well as taking medications, can lead to a large amount of sulfur in the discharge.

Interaction with cosmetics, food (onions, yolks, salt), household chemicals, rubber, gas.

Incorrect storage.

Low quality metal.

The answer to the question of how you can clean silver at home is determined by factors such as:

• product sample, composition, if we are talking about an alloy;
• the presence of gilding, precious stones, enamel and other additional elements;
• degree of pollution;
• size.

There is an important rule: aggressive agents can only be used for simple jewelry and household items made of silver. If they have stones, enamel, gilding, or engraving, then only gentle methods are allowed. Expensive filigree jewelry made of high-quality metal is best left to professionals.

Special preparations for processing silver are sold. Popular brands are Talisman, Silbo, Aladdin, Silver Quick. They are available in the form of sprays, solutions, pastes, and wipes. Such products clean effectively and carefully, but it is important to carefully follow the instructions.

Important: Silver is a soft, ductile metal. When working with it, do not use rough cloth, hard brushes or metal scrapers.

Cleaning methods

High-quality cleaning of silver at home requires preparation. It is necessary to remove grease, dust, residues of cosmetics, products and other contaminants from the surface.

To do this, prepare a warm solution of water and soap, shampoo or detergent in arbitrary proportions. The silver item must be thoroughly rinsed in the liquid. If it has indentations, it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush.

At the end, you need to rinse the decoration or cutlery in clean water and let it dry.

Toothpaste and powder

You can quickly remove blackness from silver at home using tooth powder or paste. But this method is considered quite rough, so it is better not to use it for jewelry and expensive household items.

The powder should be diluted with water to a paste. There is no need to prepare the paste; it should be white without impurities and large abrasive particles. The mixture needs to be applied to a soft piece of cloth and carefully rubbed onto the silver item. You can use a soft toothbrush. It is important to move in one direction in a straight line. Do not press too hard on the metal, otherwise you may damage the surface.

Note: For any cleaning method, the final treatment consists of rinsing the silver item under running water, drying it and thoroughly polishing it with a soft cloth.

Soda

An affordable silver cleaner is baking soda. To process simple products, it is enough to combine the substance with water to form a paste, apply it to the surface, and after 10 minutes remove it by carefully rubbing the item with a cloth.

If there is a problem with how to carefully clean silver at home, it is better to use a soda solution. Algorithm of actions:

Boil 250 ml of water, add 20 g of soda to it, stir.

Place a piece of foil at the bottom of the container. If you are using an aluminum pan, you can do without this.

Place silver objects into the hot solution. Wait 15 minutes.

An effective solution for cleaning silver can be prepared with citric acid. Stages of work:

Dissolve 100 g of acid in 500 ml of water.

Place the container with the liquid in a water bath and place a piece of copper wire in it.

After the solution boils, immerse the silver in it for 15 minutes.

If the silver item is small and not very dirty, you can simply soak the material in vinegar (6%) and wipe the surface. Another option for a cleanser is a 10% solution of citric acid (10 g of powder per 100 ml of water).

Coins and other simple items that have become very dark can be cleaned with formic or sulfuric acid. Items should be boiled for several minutes in a 5% solution of one of these substances.

Important: When using various acids and substances with a strong odor, you should work with gloves in a room in which air circulates.

Ammonia

When thinking about how to quickly clean silver at home, you should resort to ammonia. Products that have slightly darkened can be simply wiped with cotton wool soaked in it. Heavily contaminated items should be placed in a 10 percent solution of ammonia for 10 minutes, then rinsed with water. You can also use the following methods:

Combine water, ammonia and tooth powder in a ratio of 5:2:1. Soak a napkin in the solution and rub the silver. Leave for 10-15 minutes.

Mix ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in equal quantities. Keep the product in the liquid for 10-15 minutes.

Pour a little ammonia into the chalk powder to form a paste. Process metal. Instead of chalk, you can use tooth powder.

Regular table salt will help give silver a shiny look:

Dissolve 25 g of salt and 10 g of cream of tartar in 0.5 liters of hot water. Immerse the products in the liquid for 10-20 minutes.

Pour 0.5 liters of water into an aluminum pan. After it boils, add 10 g of salt, soda and dish soap, stir. Place silver into the pan. Boil for 30 minutes.

There are several other effective methods for cleaning simple silver items:

Pour Sprite, Cola, 7-Up, or other similar drink containing phosphoric acid into the pan. Immerse a silver object in the liquid. Boil for 5-7 minutes over low heat.

Prepare a solution of washing powder and water in arbitrary proportions. Dip decoration or cutlery into it. Boil for 10 minutes.

Spray the product with window cleaner. Wipe with a cloth.

Polish the contaminated item with a regular office eraser. This method is not suitable for openwork decorations.

The nuances of cleaning products with stones, gilding and other features

How to clean silver with stones without damaging it? Such products require careful handling, especially if they are inlaid with turquoise, moonstone, amber, malachite, coral, and pearls.

Dust and small dirt can be removed with regular alcohol or cologne. You should wipe the jewelry with a cotton pad soaked in the substance. A cotton swab is suitable for processing recesses and various decorative details.

You can also clean silver jewelry with stones using a soft toothbrush, but you must be very careful.

You can remove plaque and stains by soaking silver objects for 15-30 minutes in a solution prepared according to one of the following recipes:

• grate laundry soap, dissolve in warm water to form foam, add a few drops of ammonia;
• pour a tablespoon of ammonia or vinegar into a glass of water.

The same methods are suitable for gold-plated products. After soaking, the jewelry should be rinsed with water, dried with a paper towel and rubbed with suede.

An original way to clean jewelry with stones is to use lipstick. You need to lubricate the metal surface with it, and then treat it with a flannel flap. If the silver is decorated with pearls, you need to sew a linen bag, pour a spoonful of salt into it and put the product, then wash it in warm water.

Blackened silver requires special care. Cleaning methods:

• hold the decoration for 20 minutes in a solution of soap (10 g), soda (1 teaspoon) and water (500 ml);
• cut raw potatoes, fill them with water and put silver in there, take them out after 3 hours.

General cleaning rules

To ensure that cleaning is effective and does not cause harm to silver items, the following rules should be followed:

Wash jewelry and household items regularly before the stains become very severe.

Do not use harsh abrasives. When handling simple items, you can use a soft toothbrush. If you need to clean jewelry, it is better to use a brush with natural bristles.

925 sterling silver may only be lubricated with special means. Home methods may damage it.

Radiant metal is resistant to chemical damage, but its surface is easily scratched. It can only be cleaned with a soft cloth.

After pastes and solutions, the product should be rinsed under running water. It is especially important to do this if foil or aluminum utensils were used during the cleaning process. Otherwise, a film of aluminum sulfate may form on the surface.

To add shine, the metal should be treated with lemon juice and hot water.

You can dry the products on paper napkins or under a hair dryer.

Dry silver items should be polished with suede, flannel or wool.

It is better not to wear jewelry for 2-3 days after cleaning so that a protective layer forms on it.

How to properly store silver

Silver items will maintain a shiny, clean surface longer if they are properly cared for. Basic Rules:

Products should be stored in separate closed boxes (cases, caskets) in a dry place. If you plan to not use an item for a long time, you should wash it with soapy water, dry it and wrap it in flannel, foil or parchment.

During storage, silver should not come into contact with medications, food, household chemicals, plastic, or rubber.

It is recommended to remove silver jewelry before applying cosmetics, taking a shower, swimming in the bath, the sea, or visiting the pool or sauna. It is also undesirable to clean them so that detergents do not get on the chain or ring.

If the product gets wet or dirty, wipe it dry with a cloth.

Jewelry and household items made of silver, with proper care, can please their owners for a long time and bring them benefits. If, after all, the products are covered with a dark coating, they can be easily cleaned using toothpaste, powder, ammonia, soda and other means. It is better to entrust the processing of very valuable silver items to professionals.

Source: https://1olestnice.ru/kamni/chem-pochistit-serebro-v-domashnih-ysloviiah/

7 ways to update your gold jewelry + 3 recipes for miracle vinegar solutions

Hello! You can clean a gold or silver item that has lost its marketable appearance yourself, or you can entrust this task to a professional. In the second case, the procedure will cost the nth amount of money.

It is much more economical to use folk remedies and return your favorite product to its original shine on your own. If you don’t know how to clean gold with vinegar, soda or other means at hand, this article is especially for you!

Types and causes of pollution

The main reason affecting the contamination of gold products is the presence of impurities in each alloy (silver, copper, etc.). However, there are a number of other factors:

• prolonged contact with skin leads to oxidation of the precious metal;
• components contained in decorative cosmetics, perfumes and creams leave marks on jewelry;
• dirt and street dust quickly “stick” to gold items;
• Increased sweating also negatively affects the appearance of jewelry.

Loss of appearance of a gold-containing product most often manifests itself in two forms: oxidation of the metal or its contamination.

Is it possible to clean gold with vinegar?

Internet resources are full of options for cleaning gold jewelry using vinegar. However, jewelry store sales consultants and experts do not advise doing this. If handled incorrectly, this method can damage the product, especially if it contains inserts of precious stones.

Advantages and disadvantages of this method

Advantages:

• availability of the main “ingredient”;
• ease of procedure;
• good cleaning properties;
• safety for humans.

Flaws:

• not suitable for alloys of white and matte gold, as well as for jewelry with stones;
• requires compliance with security measures.

Which samples can withstand this treatment?

As an acid, vinegar has a negative effect on copper, silver and other impurities contained in the gold alloy.

The higher their percentage, the greater the likelihood of damaging the jewelry during cleaning.

This is why 375 gold cannot be treated with vinegar.

How not to clean gold

Each type of gold has its own restrictions on the material for cleaning. The easiest way is to choose a product for processing yellow and red precious metals. They practically do not react with detergents and cleaning agents. White gold is not friendly only with vinegar. Matte alloys have more restrictions - vinegar, paste and alcohol.

How to clean gold with vinegar at home

Vinegar is available in almost every home. Using it, you can quickly and easily remove dark spots and dirt from a gold product, add gloss and shine.

Precautionary measures

1. Before you begin the cleaning procedure, you should thoroughly wash your hands to remove dirt and grease. Ideally, it is better to wear gloves.
2. The residence time of gold in the solution should be strictly observed.
3. At the end of the work, it is necessary to rinse the product thoroughly with running water to remove any remaining vinegar.

Cleaning Solution Recipes

Option 1. Pour regular washing powder (2 tablespoons) into water (100 ml) and put on fire. Place gold jewelry in the solution. Bring to a boil and pour in vinegar (2 tablespoons). Boil for 20 minutes. Take out the gold and let it dry well.

Option 2. Pour 9 percent vinegar into a cup and put jewelry in it. After 15-20 minutes, remove them and, if necessary, further treat them with a toothbrush. Rinse with cold water and dry.

Option 3. Pour 0.5 cup of apple cider vinegar into a small container and put gold in it. If there are a lot of decorations, add vinegar until the items are completely hidden under the liquid. In a separate container, mix another 0.5 cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of salt. Add flour (about ¼ cup), stirring the solution until a creamy mixture forms.

Remove the gold from the cup. Using a soft brush, scoop up a little of the resulting paste and gently work the products, then rinse them with cool water. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

Preparation of the solution

1. Any container is suitable for preparing a vinegar-based solution. The main criterion is that all products must be covered with liquid.
2. When adding powder, soda and other ingredients, make sure that they are well dissolved.

Preparing Jewelry for Cleaning

To obtain a more effective result, it is recommended to treat gold with a special solution before cleaning it. To do this, take 2 tablespoons of table salt per glass of water and mix thoroughly. You need to put the precious metal in the resulting salt solution and leave it there for 8-10 hours. After the required time, pull out the products and rinse with warm water.

Cleaning process

The cleaning procedure itself requires compliance with a few simple rules:

• the prepared solution must completely cover the contaminated surface;
• It is necessary to strictly observe the soaking time;
• For mechanical cleaning, it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush, cotton swabs or soft cloth.

Other cleaning methods

If vinegar does not suit you for any reason or does not bring effective results, you can always use another of the many traditional methods.

Citric acid

Citric acid is a strong solvent that effectively removes plaque from gold-containing products. To work, it must be diluted in boiling water. The jewelry that needs cleaning is dipped into the prepared solution for 5-6 minutes. After the specified time, pull out the gold, rinse with running water and dry thoroughly.

Baking soda

You can also quickly and effectively clean dirt from precious metals using soda. The jewelry bath is prepared from the following components:

• 250 ml hot water;
• 0.5 teaspoon of dishwashing detergent;
• 1.5 tablespoons of baking soda.

Place a soft cloth in the container with the resulting solution, which will not scratch the metal. Decorations that need cleaning are placed on it. The container is placed on low heat and heated for 25-30 minutes. After the solution has cooled, rinse the gold with plain water and dry.

Eraser

A stationery eraser is used to remove dark stains and plaque from gold at home. With its help, you can rub a pendant or ring until it shines. It is recommended to choose a white tool, without dyes.

Washing powder

Mix washing powder with ammonia in equal proportions and add boiled hot water (1 cup). Place carefully so that there are no lumps left. Immerse the jewelry in the resulting solution and leave for 2 hours. Then pull them out and place them under running water to completely remove any remaining solution. Dry the items carefully with a soft cloth.

Ammonia

A 25 percent ammonia solution can be purchased at a pharmacy. At home, it is poured into a container, then gold items are dropped into it. Soaking time depends on the degree of contamination. In particularly critical cases, it is allowed to leave the jewelry in the “bath” overnight. At the end of the procedure, the jewelry must be rinsed with water and dried thoroughly.

Salt

Table salt also works well at removing stains from yellow metal. To work, it is mixed with water (3 tablespoons of soda per 125 ml of liquid). Gold that needs purification is dipped into the resulting solution for 10 hours. After finishing the product, rinse with running water and dry with a soft cloth.

Zinc

The procedure for purifying gold with zinc is called refining. To carry it out, you need to place the jewelry that needs cleaning in a small glass container. Add 1.5-2 grams of zinc to them and pour in 1-1.5 tablespoons of calcined salt solution. After 10 minutes, pull out the products, wash with water and dry.

How to clean jewelry with stones

Cleaning jewelry with cubic zirconia, diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones must be approached with extreme caution. Different inserts require different methods for getting rid of dirt.

For example, amber and pearls, as the most fragile materials, are best given to a master immediately.

Topazes and rubies are less finicky, but they should never be washed in hot water.

Turquoise and opal are easily scratched under mechanical stress, so abrasive materials (salt, soda, etc.) are not suitable for cleaning them.

It is best to use gasoline or ammonia when cleaning gold jewelry with stones. In the first case, you need to moisten a soft, unnecessary toothbrush with fuel. The bristles must be soft so as not to scratch the stone. Use gentle movements to cover the entire surface of the decoration.

With an alcohol-containing cleaner (lotion, strong alcohol, cologne, etc.), the principle of operation is the same. The only difference is that the tool used is not a toothbrush, but a cotton swab.

Here is an excellent video that competently explains the nuances of cleaning products with stones:

Rules for wearing, care and storage of gold items

1. Almost all cleaning products and detergents contain alkalis and acids. Their contact with gold leads to oxidation of the metal and loss of its appearance.
2. Cosmetic products (nail polishes and nail removers, some creams, etc.

   ) contain chemical elements harmful to gold rings, bracelets and pendants.

3.  Remove all gold jewelry before training, visiting a bathhouse, sauna, or bath.
4. Do not store precious metals in cardboard or wooden boxes.

Conclusion

If you follow the rules of wearing and caring for gold jewelry, as well as regularly cleaning the metal, it will look like new for many years. Would you like to learn more about other ways to clean jewelry? Then subscribe to our articles and share information on your social media accounts.

Source: https://zhazhdazolota.ru/dragotsennosti/uhod/kak-pochistit-uksusom

How to Clean Silver with Vinegar

page » Home and comfort » Caring for jewelry

Jewelry requires regular care. In order for products to delight with their brilliance and beauty, it is necessary to properly remove dirt and darkening that are characteristic of this metal.

Questions often arise about how to clean silver with vinegar, because this method is effective, inexpensive and accessible to everyone.

Why does silver darken?

The surface of any metal changes under the influence of the environment. Depending on the characteristics of storage and operation, the darkening process may accelerate and worsen.

It is worth knowing the main reasons for the appearance of blackness on silver:

1. High humidity. If the product comes into contact with water or wet human skin after showering or swimming, the metal quickly darkens due to the various minerals in the liquid.
2. Physiological pollution. Excretions on human skin (sweat, sulfur, sebum) react with silver and cause it to darken. The composition of sweat can change due to certain diseases or medications, which is reflected in jewelry.
3. If the blood and body fluids contain a large amount of nitrogen, this will affect the shade of the product.
4. Improper storage. If the metal is in places with high humidity, near heating devices, or in direct sunlight, the appearance of the decoration will change.
5. Low grade material. If the silver alloy has a low silver content and more impurities, then the jewelry begins to quickly darken. Copper present in the metal quickly undergoes oxidation. The higher the standard, the longer the silver will retain its shine.
6. Contact with cosmetics and perfumes. When interacting with cosmetics, silver items begin to tarnish and turn black.

Light soiling, darkening

When your favorite silver jewelry does not please its owner with its appearance, you need to determine the degree of contamination.

Minor darkening and plaque can be removed with table vinegar. If the product has indentations, then vinegar is supplemented with other ingredients.

Cleaning with white vinegar

Vinegar can remove small deposits and refresh the appearance of silver. To do this, you need to select a suitable container, put the decoration in it and fill it with the product.

It will take from 15 minutes to 2-3 hours to remove contamination. After cleaning, rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry.

Is it possible to replace regular apple cider vinegar to renew silver items? It should be borne in mind that you can replace one acid with another only if the darkening is slight, since the reaction will be less effective .

Vinegar with soda

The method provides deeper cleaning from blackness. A reaction occurs between the ingredients that helps neutralize the darkening.

For the procedure, you need to prepare a solution: 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 tbsp. l. baking soda. Place the jewelry in the composition and keep it for up to 3 hours as it gets dirty. Then rinse with water and wipe dry.

Vinegar with tea tree oil

The product is used when there are inserts on the product. To clean, prepare a mixture: ½ cup vinegar, 1 drop essential oil. Place silver in a glass jar and pour in the prepared solution for 8-12 hours. During this time, plaque, dirt, and oxidation should come off.

If dirt appears in the water, then the reaction was completed correctly. After the procedure, wash and dry the jewelry.

Removing heavy plaque

When choosing a cleaning method, you should evaluate the degree of contamination of the product. If the metal has changed color, oxidized, or become very black, you need effective cleaning methods in acetic acid and special technologies that are compared with professional methods.

Cleaning with foil

The procedure can eliminate darkening and restore shine to the jewelry.

The dark coating on silver is sulfide, which is formed from the combination of sulfur with other substances. Upon contact with soda, a chemical reaction occurs; aluminum from the foil removes impurities from the silver and returns it to its original shine.

Required equipment:

• baking soda;
• ordinary salt;
• table vinegar;
• aluminium foil;
• pan.

Sequence of procedure:

1. Cover the bottom and sides of the pan with foil.
2. Place the silver in the frying pan (you must try to keep it in contact with the foil as much as possible).
3. Prepare half a glass of boiling water, add 1 tbsp. l. soda, 1 tbsp. l. salt, 1/2 cup vinegar.
4. Pour the container with silver for 5-10 minutes. During cleaning, turn the products over so that they come into contact with the foil on all sides.
5. After the procedure, rinse the jewelry under running water, preferably with strong pressure.
6. Place all decorations on paper towels and dry well.

Etching method

A technological technique - removing a layer of material under the influence of chemical reactions - helps to restore the shine and former attractiveness. In this case, through the use of vinegar, severe dirt, darkening and deposits are eliminated.

The procedure is performed in many ways, one of which is safe and easy to do at home.

To carry out etching you need the following ingredients:

• vinegar;
• salt;
• distilled water.

It is necessary to use distilled water, since tap liquid contains minerals that can interact with acetic acid and disrupt the reaction.

Step-by-step instruction

Procedure:

1. Take a pan that will no longer be used for cooking.
2. Prepare a solution of 250 ml water, 125 ml vinegar, 1 tsp. salt (vinegar is added to water, not vice versa).
3. The liquid is brought to a boil.
4. Silver items are placed in a pan and kept there until completely clean. You need to constantly monitor the etching process in order to notice improvements in time.
5. The decorations are taken out with tongs or a spoon.
6. Wash items under running water and dry.

How to clean silver at home

in Tips for the hostess

Silver jewelry only looks stunning if it is given proper and regular care. When exposed to dust and water, silver will stain and even new items will appear old, dull and unattractive.

The easiest way to solve the problem is to take it to a jeweler for polishing. But you can also do it yourself using the tips below on how to clean silver at home.

How to clean silver with foil and baking soda

This is one of the best silver cleaning products, affordable and simple.

• Boil 1 liter of water in an enamel bowl;
• Add 1 tbsp to it. baking soda and a piece of aluminum foil;
• After the composition boils again, place the silver product in it and leave for a few seconds;
• After this time, the dull coating will begin to disappear, and the product will become like new;
• Remove the silver from the dish and wipe dry;
• If the dull appearance still remains, make a thick paste from baking soda and water, immerse the item in it and clean with a sponge. Finally, rinse with cold water and dry with a cloth.

Some recipes for cleaning silver with foil and soda require direct contact between the silver and foil. If you like this idea better, you can use it too. To do this, cover the entire bottom of the dish with foil, you can also grab the sides, place a silver item on the foil, cover it with soda and pour boiling water over it. After a few minutes, the silver is removed, washed, wiped dry and admire the result.

Cleaning silver with vinegar

Silver can be successfully cleaned with vinegar, both apple and regular table vinegar. Vinegar removes dark stains on silver, plaque and mold, and renews dull and blackened silver items.

• Pour half a glass of vinegar into a bowl and add 2 tablespoons to it. baking soda;
• Mix the composition thoroughly and dip the product into it;
• Leave for 2-3 hours, rinse with cold water and wipe with a cloth.

There is another option for using vinegar. It is heated to a warm state, then the fabric is soaked and the metal is wiped. You can first hold the product in warm vinegar for 15-20 minutes.

Cleaning silver with ammonia

Ammonia emits a very pungent odor, but when cleaning silver you can achieve excellent results.

• Mix ammonia and warm water in a bowl in a ratio of 1:10. For example, 1 spoon of ammonia and 10 spoons of warm water. The quantity varies depending on the size of the silver item.
• Soak the silver in the mixture for half an hour.
• Dry gently with a towel.

If the product is heavily soiled, it can be dipped in undiluted ammonia for 10 minutes. If it is weak, it is recommended to wipe with a cloth soaked in a solution of ammonia and water.

Cleaning silver with cornstarch

A good solution for cleaning silver at home is to use cornstarch.

• Mix starch with water in arbitrary quantities, but to obtain a fairly thick paste;
• Dip a damp cloth into it and go over the entire product;
• Leave for 10-15 minutes, the composition should dry completely;
• Then take a terry towel, which will act as something of an abrasive, and rub the silver.

How to clean silver by boiling

The boiling method is quite effective, and if for some reason the previous recipes were not effective, this method will definitely have the desired effect.

• Boil 1 liter of water in an aluminum pan;
• Add a spoonful of salt and soda (if desired, you can add another 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent);
• Bring water to a boil and immerse the silver item in it;
• Simmer over low heat for a few minutes (half an hour maximum), then remove, rinse with water and pat dry.

How to clean silver at home: additional methods

There are many products and remedies that successfully clean silver. Many of them are found in every home, some can be purchased at a pharmacy or store. Cleaning silver will be successful when using the following components:

• Toothpaste. Squeeze onto cloth and polish silver and rinse;
• Window cleaner. Spray a cloth or toothbrush and clean your silverware;
• Hair conditioner. Pour onto a cloth and rub onto the metal. This will prevent it from becoming dull;
• Lemon juice. Add 1 tbsp to half a glass of water. lemon juice and soak the silver in the mixture overnight. In the morning, rinse and wipe dry;
• Ketchup. Apply a small amount of ketchup to a paper towel and rub into your silver item. Leave for 15 minutes, then wipe with a soft cloth and wash;
• Banana peel. Throw the peels into a blender and add a spoonful of water. Apply the resulting paste to the silver item using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Wash and dry.

Cleaning silver with vinegar - 3 simplest and most effective methods

To clean silver at home, you can use either apple cider vinegar or table vinegar. Each of them removes dark stains well, giving the product shine. To clean heavily tarnished silver, it is preferable to choose 10 percent vinegar.

A 6 percent acetic acid solution can handle light stains.

You can clean silver with vinegar without damaging its structure. This product effectively removes plaque, returning the product to its original appearance.

In order not to damage the valuable metal, it is necessary to strictly observe the proportions when preparing the cleaning solution and strictly follow the instructions.

When tarnished, silver combines with sulfur to form black silver sulfide. Because of this, the product darkens. To restore it to its former beauty, it is necessary to remove silver sulfide from its surface. Acetic acid copes with this task effectively - it comes into contact with silver sulfide, splitting it, without damaging the metal itself (subject to all cleaning rules).

Pros and cons of cleaning silver with vinegar solution

Cleaning precious metal with vinegar has a number of advantages:

• does not take much time;
• effectively eliminates both mild and severe darkening;
• does not require effort;
• does not require financial investment (vinegar can be found in every home);
• restores shine to jewelry.

Despite a number of advantages, this method of cleaning silver products also has one significant drawback - it is unsafe. Vinegar belongs to the group of aggressive solutions, so it is necessary to pay special attention to safety and strictly observe precautions.

How to clean silver with vinegar

Immediately before cleaning silver items, it is recommended to remove grease and dirt from their surface. To do this, it is recommended to immerse the metal in a saline solution for 2 minutes. This way you can quickly get rid of blackening and give the decoration an aesthetic appearance. Below are the most effective and simple methods for cleaning silver using vinegar.

Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda to remove light stains

To prepare the solution you will need:

• vinegar - ½ cup;
• soda – 2 tbsp. l.

Combine the ingredients, stirring thoroughly until smooth. Immerse the silver in the resulting solution and leave for 3 hours. After the specified time has passed, rinse the product in clean water and wipe dry.

This method is not recommended for cleaning silver jewelry with real stones. Prolonged exposure to vinegar solution can negatively affect their appearance.

See another very simple cleaning method, you will need: baking soda and foil.

The fastest way to clean silver from blackness

Using this method, you can restore the shine of silver in 15 minutes. To do this, you must follow the following algorithm of actions:

1. Heat six percent vinegar to a temperature of 50°.
2. Soak a cloth in it.
3. Wipe the silver.

Please note that if the item has become very blackened, oxidized or yellowed, it is recommended to soak the silver in warm vinegar for 10–15 minutes before cleaning.

How to clean silver? You will learn: how to clean any silver product using home methods (7 effective ways); about cleaning silver with special products (3 best products); and also what to do

An effective way to remove heavy plaque

To clean products from heavy contamination, you will need:

• soda – 1 tbsp. l;
• salt – 1 tbsp. l;
• table vinegar - ½ cup;
• foil (aluminum).

It is recommended to carry out cleaning in a frying pan, the bottom and sides of which are covered with foil. To prepare the solution, add salt, soda and vinegar in the quantities indicated above to 100 ml of boiling water. Place silver on the bottom of the frying pan and fill with the resulting solution. Leave for 15–20 minutes, then rinse the items in running water.

During the procedure, it is necessary to regularly turn the product over so that each side is in contact with the foil.

how to clean a silver ring You will learn: about proper preparation for cleaning; how to clean a silver ring without a stone and with stones; how to save the cleaning results and

After cleaning, items should be stored properly, otherwise they will quickly fade. Silver should not be kept in a damp place all the time. Keep in mind that it is best to store it separately from other jewelry.

Silver cleaning Jewelry cleaning

Source: https://you.cleaning/chistka/kak-pochistit-serebro-uksusom

How to clean silver at home - 9 proven methods

Silver goes with a person throughout his entire history. This metal is used to make money, jewelry, and is an indispensable conductor in technology. The list could go on for a long time, but the truth is that metal is present in our lives in all sorts of manifestations.

It happens that silver products become covered with dark spots. To restore metal to its natural beauty, you need to know how to do it. In this article we will tell you how to clean silver, get rid of its deposits without damaging the material.

Causes of darkening

Silver is a noble metal, which means it does not rust. However, we still observe a black coating that appears over time on all products. There are several reasons for this:

1. Contact with water. When metal comes into contact with damp skin, or is in a room with humid air, the metal necessarily darkens.
2. Human influence. Sweating can cause silver to darken. If there is a lot of sulfur in it, the metal will darken very quickly, but if it contains nitrogen, it will never darken.
3. Improper storage. Any jewelry should be stored only in boxes or similar dark, dry places.
4. Alloy sample. Everything is simple here: the less silver in the composition, the faster plaque formation occurs.
5. Cosmetics. They contain chemicals that cause blackening.

The problem may not even depend on how you handle the jewelry.

Methods for cleaning jewelry

To clean silver from blackness, a chemical is always used that can separate the plaque from the product itself. Try not to use abrasive substances because they will scratch your product. Also, do not soak for a long time in strong acids and alkalis, because... silver will dissolve in the same hydrochloric acid. Be careful and follow the instructions. Always rinse the metal after the procedure and dry it.

Alcohol

If they are lightly soiled, cleaning silver coins and jewelry is very easy. It is enough to wipe with a cloth soaked in silver ammonia and the product will get rid of plaque. For more severe contamination, try soaking the metal in the solution for a quarter of an hour. The solution is soapy water with 5-6 drops of ammonia.

If the metal still cannot be cleaned, then you can increase the percentage of ammonia in the solution and the residence time in it. The main thing is to cover with a lid and shake periodically. Or dip in undiluted ammonia. But be careful and monitor the process; you can expose silver to this effect for no more than 10 minutes.

Soda + salt

Surely your grandmother used baking soda as a means to combat black plaque. To use it, you need to understand that crystallized soda can scratch the metal surface. Therefore, add water, bring to a boil and the mixture will take the form of a paste. Add foil, silverware and the mixture to a convenient container and leave for 15 minutes. Rub the mixture onto the metal, but be careful not to scratch it.

Cleaning silver with salt involves mixing a solution of dish soap and one tablespoon each of salt and baking soda. Together with the decoration, put it on the fire in an aluminum saucepan and boil over low heat for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, you may need less time.

Vinegar

Cleaning silver with vinegar is in many ways similar to other cleaning methods. To remove dirt and plaque from silver jewelry, you need to heat a small amount of vinegar to a temperature of 40-60, then remove the container in which everything was heated from the stove and put the silver product there for 20 minutes.

Check whether the contamination has been removed or not. Otherwise, dip it back into vinegar. After the procedure, rinse the jewelry and dry it.

If the contamination is minor, then simply wipe it with a cloth soaked in vinegar.

Toothpaste

For this method, you will need regular toothpaste, without any dyes or additives, and a soft-bristled brush. Keep in mind that the method is quite crude, which means it is better not to use it on particularly expensive products. It is better not to use tooth powder because it can seriously scratch. With any cleaning method, it is necessary to rinse the product under running water and dry it.

Egg yolk

It is impossible to say for sure whether this method works, but it is considered popular. Soak a cotton swab in the yolk and wipe the entire surface of the product. Then wait until the product dries and rinse it. Your jewelry should be cleaned and have a protective film.

Pomade

An unconventional way to clean silver until it shines is to use lipstick. Lip gloss won't work. The decoration, preferably without relief, must be smeared with lipstick. After 5 minutes, wipe away any remaining lipstick.

Hydrogen peroxide + ammonia

It is guaranteed to clean silver with ammonia and ammonia. Lightly soiled items can be simply wiped with a cotton swab dipped in ammonia. If unsuccessful, try one of the following:

1. Mix ammonia, water and tooth powder in a ratio of 2:5:1, soak a cloth or napkin in this solution and wipe the jewelry. Leave for 10-15 minutes.
2. Mix ammonia and hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio, then dip the silver in the solution for 15 minutes.
3. Mix chalk with ammonia to form a paste and process the product.

Cleaning with foil

Cleaning silver with foil involves the use of additional substances. In particular, salt and soda: make a bag out of foil, put silver, salt and soda in it and place in water. After heating it to 100 degrees, leave it to cool for 10 minutes and then cool it in cold water.

Some tips for prevention

Store jewelry in a locked, dry place. Regular boxes work well for this. If the item will not be worn for a long time, it is better to wash it in soapy water and wrap it in parchment.

Avoid metal contact with household chemicals and aggressive reagents.

Avoid exposure to cosmetics, detergents and large amounts of water (swimming, for example).

If the product becomes dirty, immediately wipe it dry with a cloth.

Source: https://iHouseWife.ru/sovety/chistim-serebro

How to clean silver at home?

Many people know about the beneficial properties of silver. Therefore, today we propose to talk about how to clean silver at home. After all, over time, this metal darkens and unsightly spots appear on it. In this article you will become familiar with the most proven methods and recipes. You will learn what method helps remove dirt from jewelry with stones, as well as a lot of other useful information.

Why does silver change color?

Before you clean silver at home, we suggest you first find out the main reasons why this metal darkens?

Scientists from Harvard University have found that silver reacts with a variety of elements. Here is a list of the main reasons that affect color:

• High humidity in the room or contact of metal with wet skin;
• Human sweat. Silver begins to darken when a lot of sulfur is released in sweat secretion;
• Contact with cosmetics and other food products;
• Incorrect storage method;
• Poor quality metal.

Now that you know why silver darkens, you can begin the cleaning step. But even here there are certain rules and difficulties. After all, you may choose the wrong method, and thereby ruin the product. To prevent this from happening, we recommend that you decide on a list of the following factors.

Pay attention to:

• product sample and metal composition;
• presence of precious stones;
• pollution levels;
• dimensions of the object.

Remember important information: use stronger chemicals for ordinary jewelry. If the product has stones, enamel or engraving, then use gentle methods.

How to quickly clean silver: 6 best ways

Do-it-yourself cleaning requires preliminary preparation. That is, before proceeding with one of the selected methods, it is necessary to remove external dirt.

To do this, you just need to make a solution. Take warm water and soap, dishwashing liquid. Then you need to rinse the accessory in the prepared liquid. At the end of the procedure, do not forget to rinse the product under running water and let it dry at room temperature.

Next, we invite you to familiarize yourself in more detail with a selection of the most popular methods for cleaning silver.

How to clean silver from blackness with toothpaste?

This method is rough.
Hence, it can be used on inexpensive jewelry. How to make the cleaning mixture: dilute the powder to the consistency of a thick porridge. The paste should turn out white, without any grains or other impurities.

How to use ready-made paste?

Apply it to a soft cloth and gently rub the product. You can also use a toothbrush to clean. When cleaning the product, be sure to move in one direction with a slight movement of your hand. Do not press on the product, movements should be smooth.

Important information: no matter what cleaning method you choose. Always at the end of the procedure, do not forget to rinse the product under running water, dry the product thoroughly and polish the surface with a soft cloth.

How to clean silver with soda - a simple recipe

This option is suitable for inexpensive silver accessories. What is the essence of the procedure? You dilute the soda with water to the consistency of porridge. Apply the resulting mixture to the product. After 15 minutes, you need to remove the applied composition from the object with a soft cloth.

How to clean silver with foil?

Step-by-step action plan:

1. Boil 1 glass of water.
2. Add about 20 g of soda to the water and stir well.
3. Place a piece of foil in the bowl.
4. Place the silver item in the solution for half an hour.

How to clean silver with vinegar?

The recipe is simple. Take 9% vinegar. You heat it up and put your product in it. Leave it for about 15 minutes, then take it out and rub it with a wool or suede cloth.

Cleaning with citric acid

Step-by-step action:

1. Dissolve the acid in water in the proportion of 100 g of acid per 400 ml of water.
2. Heat a vessel with water in a water bath.
3. Add a piece of copper wire there.
4. When the water boils, lower the object for half an hour.

How to clean silver with ammonia?

Silver can be treated with cotton wool previously soaked in ammonia. If the products are very dirty, you can use a 10% ammonia solution. To do this, you just need to immerse the silver in ammonia for half an hour, then rinse it under running water.

How else can you clean silver using ammonia and tooth powder?

There is another proven recipe:

1. Combine this alcohol, toothpaste and water in a ratio of 2:1:5.
2. Soak a napkin in the solution and rub the product.
3. Leave it like this for half an hour.
4. Mix ammonia with peroxide in equal proportions.
5. Keep the product in the liquid for about 15 minutes.
6. Pour ammonia into the coated powder, you will get a paste
7. Treat the surface.

How to tidy up jewelry with precious stones?

How to clean silver with stones without spoiling it? Here are the main secrets of gentle cleaning:

• Such items, interspersed with precious stones, require gentle cleaning methods. Remove dust and other dirt with alcohol. Also, don’t forget to use cotton pads;
• Use cotton swabs to clean decorative areas;
• To remove plaque and stains, use a proven recipe. Soak the item in a warm solution of soap and water. Don’t forget to add a couple of drops of ammonia to such a bath.
•  Silver jewelry with stones can also be cleaned using lipstick. For this method, it is enough to treat the surface of the product with lipstick, and then rub it with a piece of flannel.

Recommended cleaning rules

These tips will save you from the most common mistakes:

1. Wash products regularly.
2. Do not use harsh abrasives.
3. Treat simple objects with a soft toothbrush.
4. To clean jewelry, use a brush with natural bristles.
5. Treat 925 silver items only with special tools. Since home methods can ruin it.
6. Remember that the irradiated version of silver, although resistant to chemical environments, is still easy to be damaged mechanically. Such products can only be cleaned with a soft cloth. But after using the paste and other solutions, you need to rinse the silver thoroughly with water at room temperature. This is especially necessary if you used foil or an aluminum container for cleaning.
7. The metal can be given additional shine. To do this, just use lemon juice and hot water.
8. It is best to dry silver items with dry cloths or using a hair dryer.
9. It is not recommended to wear the product for several days after cleaning so that the protective layer has time to appear.

How to properly store silver?

Careful care helps preserve the external beauty of silver. How to do it? Read the list of important rules:

1. Store silver in separate containers in a dry room without high humidity.
2. If you will not use items for a long period of time, then be sure to wash them in a solution of soapy water. Dry the washed products and wrap them in foil or wrap them in parchment paper.
3. Do not store the product near food, medicine, plastic or rubber products.
4. Don’t forget to take off your jewelry when you go to wash, go to the pool, or sauna.
5. When cleaning, remove jewelry. This way, your items won't get any detergent.
6. At the slightest contamination, be sure to wipe the product with a dry cloth.

Now you know how you can clean silver at home. All of the methods listed are safe, but they require accuracy and a clear algorithm of actions.

Source: https://blog.replicahouse.ru/kak-pochistit-serebro/