How to clean silverware from blackness at home?
Silver tableware is a true decoration of any table; it is valued for its elegant, expensive appearance, the disinfecting properties of this material, and also often acts as a family treasure, passed on to children from their grandparents. But any silver product requires strict storage and care conditions, otherwise its moon-silver color will be covered with unsightly blackness on top.
Causes of darkening of silver
This noble natural metal tends to oxidize, resulting in a layer of silver sulfide forming on top, giving it a dark, dirty color. Oxidation reactions can occur quickly, then the silver device will darken within a month, and if specific maintenance rules are followed, the darkening process can drag on for years. It has been noticed that the lower the standard of the product, the more impurities of other metals it contains, the faster it will change its color to dark.
Blackness on silver appears due to contact with other substances that are in the air, water, and detergents. Therefore, its appearance is due to the following circumstances:
- wet conditions;
- exposure to direct sunlight;
- storage condition with other metal devices;
- improper care with prolonged exposure to detergent.
Darkening can be the result not only of oxidation, but also of the adhesion of droplets of grease and dirt, which will not be difficult to deal with.
Why does silver darken?
Preparing silver for cleaning
Before thoroughly cleaning your silverware, you should remove any adhering greasy layer from it. This can be done using a hot (about 50°C) soap solution, which is prepared using laundry soap or a neutral detergent (shampoo can be used). You need to soak the dishes in the prepared solution for about 30 minutes, and then clean them with a soft rag. Then rinse with water and dry with paper towels.
If not all grease stains have been removed, the procedure must be repeated.
Silver cleaning products
Cleaning silverware at home can be done in a variety of ways to restore its original shine and newness.
Potato
The cleansing component is starch. You need to boil the potatoes, drain the water into a separate container, add a piece of foil and then wait until the starch mixture cools to about room temperature. Immerse cutlery for 5 minutes, remove and rinse with running water. Leave to dry or dry with a soft cloth.
Paste GOI
This is a special cleaning product that can be purchased at a jewelry store. Available in the form of shavings in a box or paste in a tube. It is ideal when you need to clean silver spoons or other utensils that are used frequently.
The method of application is simple: apply the required amount of paste to a cloth napkin and wipe the silver with it. To improve the effect of the product, you can drop a little machine oil on it.
With the help of Goya paste, each spoon is not only cleaned of dark spots, but also polished from micro-scratches.
Toothpaste
This is the most common home cleaning method. You need to cover the surface of the product with paste and carefully clean it with a soft brush. Afterwards, thoroughly rinse off any remaining substance.
Ammonia. It can be used diluted or concentrated. In the first case, 10 ml of ammonia should be diluted in half a glass of water. Immerse silver in the solution and wait 15-30 minutes.
Then take it out and polish it to a shine using a paper napkin. This method is considered easier. But in case of severe darkening, you can clean silverware in undiluted ammonia, but the contact time is limited to 10 minutes.
After this, the silver shines like new.
Chalk
Crushed chalk should be mixed with a small amount of water until a paste forms. Apply it to the surface of the product to be cleaned and rub thoroughly. Then rinse with cool water and dry.
Baking soda
Any housewife usually has this product in her kitchen; with its help, you can easily clean the blackness from silverware. It is necessary to dilute Art. spoon of soda in a glass of water and boil the resulting solution. Then add a piece of foil and the cutlery to be cleaned. Boil for 15 minutes. Afterwards, drain the solution and wipe the product dry with a cloth.
Soap
This cleaning method will help remove greasy stains, but will not get rid of blackness. To clean, you need to make a soapy solution using dishwashing detergent and soak the silverware in it. Then clean it with a soft brush and dry with a cloth.
Foil
This type of silver restoration is suitable for quickly cleaning a large number of accessories at once. You need to line a bowl with foil, fill it with water, add a tablespoon of soda and salt to one glass of water.
In case of intense darkening, you can pour half a glass of vinegar; it is considered a powerful cleaner. Then immerse the dishes, while trying to ensure contact of the foil with as many products as possible.
Boil for one minute, then carefully remove the utensils and dry them with a cloth.
Lemon acid
Everyone knows that this acid can easily remove scale from dishes. But it will also effectively clean silverware.
To do this, you need to dilute it at the following rate - 100 g per 500 ml of water, add a small piece of copper wire to the solution and place in a water bath. When the mixture boils, put the blackened silverware for 15-30 minutes, all this time the solution should boil.
Then rinse and dry with a cloth. This type of cleaning is considered delicate and is therefore suitable even for high-grade silver.
Salt
This is an inexpensive and effective cleaning method. You need to dissolve salt in water, based on the proportion - a tablespoon per glass of water. Boil the solution and place the device to be cleaned in it, boil for 15 minutes, then remove and pat dry with a soft towel.
What can you do to prevent silver from turning black?
It should be understood that the darkening of silver is a natural process that sooner or later occurs even under ideal conditions. It can only be slowed down by proper storage and regular cleaning.
The optimal content for silverware is sealed, dark packaging that does not allow excess air and moisture to pass through. In addition, it must be intended exclusively for these products. And it is advisable to have a separate compartment for each item. It’s not for nothing that coin collectors store silver coins in airtight cases or special albums.
It won't get dark anymore!
To prevent prolonged exposure to moisture, silver tableware should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. When cleaning, do not use hard sponges, scrapers, or brushes. It is best to wash such utensils immediately after eating, using neutral cleaning agents.
Also, too cold or hot dishes should not be served in such dishes, as this will lead to the formation of dark stains that cannot be removed. The same effect will be from fish caviar.
Silver dishes combine the nobility of the metal and its beneficial properties, so you should not be afraid of the appearance of dark spots on it. After all, knowledge of storage conditions and methods of purifying silver allows you to preserve it for long-term use.
Source: https://posudaa.ru/poleznye-sovety/kak-pochistit-stolovoe-serebro-v-domashnih-usloviyah-ot-chernoty
Silver has turned black, how to clean it at home
Knowing how to clean tarnished silver from plaque and stains, you restore the product without scratching or damaging its surface. Use soda, salt, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide. Prepare special cleaning pastes or solutions following a specific pattern. Finally, be sure to rinse under running water and polish until shiny.
Silver is a noble metal that has disinfecting properties, so wearing silver items and using cutlery has a good effect on a person’s well-being (provided that they do not have a black coating). Knowing how to clean silver at home, you will restore the attractiveness of your favorite jewelry, spoons and improve their healing properties with a minimum of effort.
Choosing a cleaning method
The principle of cleaning silver bracelets, crosses, rings and cutlery from black deposits depends on several factors:
- product samples;
- are there any alloys in the composition?
- size of decoration;
- the presence of decorative elements, such as expensive stones, gilding;
- intensity of blackening.
Simple products that do not contain impurities, stones, or gilding do not require special care, so the use of aggressive agents is acceptable. As for expensive items with decorations, it is better to clean them with professional cleaners (pastes/aerosols) or contact a jewelry salon.
Basic Rules
You need to clean silver at home by following certain rules:
- Clean your jewelry regularly, even if there is only slight plaque. Otherwise, the dirt will become embedded in the ornament, and it will be more difficult to clean it out. This especially applies to white earrings or light gray chains.
- Do not use harsh abrasives such as a metal scraper. For simple jewelry, use a toothbrush with soft bristles; for expensive jewelry containing stones, use a brush with natural bristles.
- Treat high-quality products with professional cleaners.
- Silver-plated accessories cannot be damaged by chemicals, but they can easily be scratched by hard materials. If you don’t have the necessary brush at hand, clean your silver with soft cloths.
- Be sure to rinse the rings with purified water if metal utensils/foil were used during processing. Otherwise, the surface will oxidize and form an unattractive-colored layer of sodium sulfate.
- To make the decoration radiate shine, like in a shop window, sprinkle it with boiling water or lemon juice.
- After processing, dry the silver-plated jewelry with a hairdryer and polish with a suede cloth.
- Do not use cutlery or wear rings or chains for several days after treatment.
To wash jewelry with decorative stones at home, use traditional cleaning methods and these rules.
Cleaning silver using folk remedies
Folk remedies are substances regularly used in everyday life:
- lemon acid;
- vinegar;
- Colgate toothpaste;
- ammonia;
- vodka;
- baking soda or baking soda.
- hydrogen peroxide;
- glycerol;
- salt;
- Coca Cola.
These products have a gentle effect, therefore they are recommended by leading jewelers for cleaning initial and medium-level stains. Before scrubbing away the blackness, remove any remaining cosmetics, dust and grease. Prepare a solution by mixing dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent or soap with water. Scrub thoroughly inside/outside with a toothbrush. Rinse and dry with a soft paper towel.
We wash off the darkening with tooth powder/paste
Paste or whitening powder for teeth removes blackness from silver-plated accessories, but is a rough method that is not recommended for cleaning expensive jewelry with gold inclusions and precious stones (topaz, amber).
The method is well suited for cleaning coins. Dilute the powder with water to form a paste or apply the prepared product to a soft fabric. Rub the product in a straight line. Do not press, otherwise you will damage the ornament.
Did you know that toothpaste is used to remove grass stains from clothes and old strawberry stains?
Soda
An easily accessible and highly effective means of cleaning contaminated silver is soda. For regular utensils, prepare a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Lubricate the contaminated area with the mixture and after 10–15 minutes, rub with a soft cloth and wash.
If the jewelry contains impurities of precious metals or stones, use a different recipe:
- Boil 1 tbsp. water.
- Dissolve 20 g of soda in it.
- Place food foil on the bottom of the pan.
- Place the decoration for 15 minutes.
- Wipe with a cloth.
Note ! We place the processed silver in hot, not boiling water!
How to easily remove blackness from a silver chain and restore shine, watch the video:
Citric acid
Using acids, silver is washed from dirt, rust, yellowness, and brown deposits.
Upon completion of processing, the silver ring will shine:
- Combine the ingredients in the following proportions: 2 tbsp. water and 100 g of citric acid.
- Place the solution in a water bath and place a piece of wire (copper) inside.
- Simmer the decoration for about 15 minutes.
The small and easy-to-handle product can be easily cleaned with a vinegar solution. Apply a little product to the cloth and wipe. Also use pharmaceutical sulfuric or formic acid. Add a little product to boiling water, place the product there and boil for 1-2 minutes.
Learn how to clean carbon deposits from a stainless pan and properly care for enamel utensils.
Ammonia
To clean silver with ammonia at home until it shines, just soak a cloth in a pharmaceutical solution and wipe the product.
If this is not enough, pour ammonia over the decoration and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Clean heavily soiled items with ammonia mixed with hydrogen peroxide:
- Mix ingredients 1:1.
- Place a ring or chain in the liquid.
- Let sit for about 15 minutes.
- Rub with a brush or cloth.
- Dry and polish.
Real gemstones will not deteriorate when exposed to these components, but colored rhinestones may lighten or become discolored.
Salt
A salt bath will help add shine to the product and remove minor yellow deposits.
To enhance the effect, it is combined with cream of tartar:
- Dissolve in ½ l. 10 g stone and 25 g salt.
- Keep the decoration in the solution for no more than 20 minutes.
If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, pour half a liter of water into an aluminum pan, add dishwashing detergent and 10 g of baking soda/salt. Simmer over low heat for half an hour, dry and rub the restored product.
Olive oil
Regular olive oil will help remove minor plaque. Apply the product to the fabric, rub the ring and rinse with cold water. Regular treatment with olive oil does not harm, but will not allow the product to darken, so treat it 1-2 times a month.
By unusual methods
Unusual means include cigarette ash, powder, curdled milk, copper wire, foil, and raw potatoes.
Clean with foil and copper wire
These materials enhance the effectiveness of the main components and remove minor deposits:
- Wrap the decoration in foil along with 1 tsp. soda and salt.
- Pour water into a metal container.
- Place the foil pouch into the pan. If you are using wire, place it in water along with the silver item.
- Boil for 15 minutes.
Don't forget to learn how to clean an aluminum pan.
Potato peeling technique
Peel a few potatoes and fill them with water. Place the silver item there and leave for 2-3 hours. After this period, intense blackness will be less noticeable, and minor blackness will disappear completely.
Cigarette ash
Pour some water into the pan and add cigarette ash.
Boil the solution and place the decorations inside. Simmer over low heat for 5–15 minutes and polish the product. To enhance the effect, add a little citric acid along with the ash.
Curdled milk
Curdled milk contains acid, only in a lower concentration than lemon, so the method is suitable for cleaning products containing inserts of gold and precious stones. Pour the curdled milk into a glass, place the silver to be processed inside and complete the processing after 12 hours.
Using yogurt or sour milk, you can clean your clothes from traces of cherries and dripping handles.
Cosmetic powder
If you notice slight darkening, rub the silver with regular cosmetic powder. It does not harm products of any quality at all, since it is a gentle, polishing abrasive.
Features of cleaning products with stones and gold plated
Expensive jewelry set with stones requires special care, because if you move it carelessly, you risk tearing off and losing topaz, amber or malachite.
For minor contamination:
- Soak a cotton swab in cologne or alcohol-based product.
- Carefully wipe all recesses.
To remove stains and stubborn blackness:
- Dissolve laundry soap shavings in water and add a little ammonia, citric acid, and vinegar.
- Keep the jewelry in the resulting solution for 10–20 minutes, depending on the intensity of the contamination, and rinse under running water.
For jewelry with complex patterns and stones, it is better not to use a toothbrush. Finally, rub the product with a soft cloth.
How to clean blackened silver
Blackened jewelry itself has a dark tint, so attempts to bleach it will be unsuccessful.
A combination of the following ingredients is well suited for blackened products:
- 2 tbsp. water;
- soap shavings (10g);
- 1 tsp. soda
The solution does not need to be heated or boiled. Place the product inside and let it sit for 20 minutes, and finally polish it.
How to clean matte silver
Matte products are easy to clean using raw potatoes or a foil bag with baking soda. After the procedure, wipe the product dry with a dry cloth.
How to properly store silver
The frequency of washing silver jewelry and its service life depend on proper storage.
Therefore, follow these recommendations:
- Each piece of jewelry should have its own case - purchase it along with the product.
- Keep silver away from household chemicals, medicines, foods and medications (especially iodine).
- Remove jewelry before showering/bathing or applying makeup. The less the product comes into contact with cosmetics and water, the longer it retains its shine.
- Immediately rub wet rings and earrings with a soft cloth.
Putting silver items in order is not difficult, but it is necessary to follow the processing sequence and prepare cleaning solutions and ointments based on these recipes.
Larisa, June 30, 2018.
Source: https://uborkadoma.guru/chistka/serebro-pochernelo-kak-pochistit-v-domashnih-usloviyah.html
How to clean silver from blackness and restore its shine using improvised means
Products made from precious metals are distinguished not only by their visual appeal, but also by their durability. It happens that silver spoons, forks, pins, as well as various jewelry darken over time, losing their aesthetics and beauty. This doesn't mean it's time to say goodbye to your favorite accessories. Knowing how to clean silver from blackness at home, you can return your products to their original appearance, saving on going to a jewelry workshop.
Reasons for darkening of silver objects
The best way to deal with trouble is its prevention. And the darkening of silver is no exception. If you know the reasons why metal products become unattractively dark, you can prevent this. The main unfavorable factors leading to a change in the shade of silver include:
- Prolonged exposure of metal to high humidity conditions
- Frequent or constant contact with active chemicals (household chemicals, cosmetics)
- Interaction with human sweat
It turns out that silver accessories should be wetted as little as possible, try not to wash them often with dish soap, remove jewelry while using creams, or during active physical training, when you are going to sweat a lot. You should not wear rings, chains or earrings in the bathhouse, swimming pool or sauna; do not wear jewelry to the beach and take them off before going to the bathroom or shower.
Alas, over time, almost everything made from precious metal loses its attractiveness, becoming dark, grayish-bluish and not much like silver. This can be corrected by having accessible and inexpensive remedies on hand.
How to clean silver from blackness with your own hands
Before you start cleaning your jewelry or accessories, you need to prepare them. Remove grease from the metal surface by washing the product in a mild soap solution. It is advisable to use ordinary laundry soap without fragrances, dyes or fragrances. If the item is small and embossed (for example, earrings or a pendant), you should go over it with a soft toothbrush. Naturally, you cannot use the dental appliance for its intended purpose after washing the silver.
After washing, items made of precious metal will need to be rinsed with cool running water and wiped dry. Examine them carefully. If you still see any remaining grease or other debris, wash again. When the earrings, pendant, ring, pin or anything else is dry, you can proceed directly to cleaning.
Ammonia
When handling this substance, you must be extremely careful, since it is very caustic and has a specific and not particularly pleasant odor that can cause dizziness. To protect yourself, put a gauze mask (available at the pharmacy) on your face.
10 milliliters of liquid are diluted in 120 grams of cold water, then silver is placed there and left for half an hour. After this, remove the products and rub them well with a dry paper towel. If blackness is still visible, repeat the procedure.
In the case where precious metal accessories have never been cleaned at all, or they are very dark, you can place them in clean ammonia for 10 minutes, the main thing is to monitor the time and not leave the items in the liquid more than possible.
Alternatively, you can mix ammonia with hydrogen peroxide. True, this mixture affects different silver objects differently (depending on the method of grinding and processing the metal). It is worth making such a solution, and then moisten a cotton swab in it and rub the product on the back side. If it becomes lighter, then you can safely use the liquid to remove black deposits.
Dentifrice
Tooth powder whitens and cleans not only teeth, but also jewelry or household metal accessories. It is used in a similar way to cleaning the mouth. You need to apply a little product to the brush, then drop some water and rub the resulting mixture onto the object. After this, the item is rinsed and wiped dry with a cloth napkin.
Soda
Ordinary baking soda will help remove unsightly dark streaks and stains from a silver surface. The advantage of using it is that the powder is very soft and non-abrasive. The product should be diluted with water until a thick paste forms.
It is applied to the silver surface and rubbed with a damp cloth until the metal brightens and shines. After this, the item is rinsed in water and wiped dry.
Be prepared that it will take at least 7-8 minutes to process iron accessories, since soda does not act instantly.
Olive oil
When a silver object has darkened due to an adhering layer of dirt, it is worth wiping it with olive oil. The easiest way is to saturate the fabric with it and rub the product thoroughly, then wash it with soap and wipe dry.
Pomade
Women's lip cosmetics contain reflective particles that can gently cleanse the silver surface of blackness. The product is applied to the object and then wiped with a rag. But you can only apply lipstick to a smooth ring or pendant; if it has folds, nicks and other small roughnesses, you shouldn’t even try to lighten it this way. It will be almost impossible to wash cosmetics from the relief elements of the product.
It is quite easy to return jewelry and other accessories to an attractive, silvery shine. By choosing the appropriate method and acting carefully, you can actually cope with this task even at home.
Source: https://dolio.ru/kak-pochistit-serebro-ot-chernoty-i-vernut-emu-blesk-podruchnymi-sredstvami/
Cleaning Tarnished Silver Spoons at Home
Silver cutlery is distinguished by its beauty and sophistication. They are often given as a gift on an important date or passed down from generation to generation. But owners of such devices are wondering how to clean silver spoons. Fortunately, there are a huge number of ways to get rid of dark stains on metal at home.
Silver cutlery is distinguished by its beauty and sophistication.
Cleaning silver items at home
Regular cleaning of precious metal helps to get rid of dark deposits on the metal, give it shine and restore its even color. To clean silver jewelry and cutlery, it is not at all necessary to take them to a jewelry workshop; it is enough to use budget and familiar home remedies.
You need to know that at the initial stage of the appearance of dark spots, it is much more difficult to clean silver. If you notice the first signs of blackening of the metal, we recommend that you clean it immediately, because over time it will be much more difficult to remove the blackening. If you notice the first signs of blackening of the metal, we recommend that you clean it immediately.
Why does silver turn black?
Many factors influence the rate at which silver darkens. This is a sample of the metal itself and the percentage of third-party additives in it, environmental humidity and even the chemical composition of the air.
Silver products consist of the metal itself and a small percentage of various additives. Spoons cannot be made of pure silver, since this material is quite soft and fusible, and therefore can be subject to deformation.
Among the additives there is copper, which tends to oxidize when exposed to moisture and atmospheric oxygen for a long time. Silverware also turns black faster if it interacts with sulfur-containing substances (eggs, onions, garlic).
With a high sulfur content in the air, which can be observed in the area of industrial enterprises, silver also darkens faster.
Affects silver products and moisture content in the air. So, in a humid environment, the metal oxidizes faster and dark spots appear on it. Darkening of the metal is also caused by improper use, in particular, storage and care. Not the entire device may turn black, but only a separate part of it, which undergoes the oxidation process faster.
In a humid environment, the metal oxidizes faster and dark spots appear on it.
Preventing tarnishing of silver spoons
It is impossible to completely avoid silver tarnishing, but it is important to slow down the process and also know how to clean silver spoons at home. To prevent tarnishing of silverware, you should use the following measures:
- Avoid metal contact with sulfur-containing products;
- Clean silver forks and spoons as they become dirty;
- Do not expose the product to prolonged exposure to water;
- Properly store silver items.
Silver items must be stored correctly.
Rules for using silverware
Proper care and storage of cutlery will help extend their service life, as well as protect them from the appearance of dark plaque. It is not recommended to use silver cutlery every day; it is better to leave them for a special occasion. Spoons should not be subjected to strong mechanical stress, for example, when using them to remove sugar or dirt on dishes.
How to properly care for silver cutlery
Silver spoons and forks should be washed with running water at room temperature. For regular cleaning of the product, mild detergents are suitable. A soap solution made from finely chopped soap shavings and warm water is also suitable for washing spoons.
It is better to wash spoons by hand or with a soft sponge, without using hard metal mesh. It is also important to sometimes use special products that will help clean silver from blackness.
After washing silver spoons, they should always be wiped dry with a soft towel.
Silver spoons and forks should be washed with running water at room temperature.
How to properly store silverware
Silver items should be stored in a cool, dark place. Maintaining temperature conditions will help preserve the quality of the item for a long time. It is important that silver is stored separately from other metals.
Harder metals, such as stainless steel, may scratch the silver or leave abrasions on the surface. You can also wrap silver spoons in foil and then put them away for storage.
This way you will minimize the contact of silver with the external environment and protect the metal from darkening.
Ideally for storing silver spoons, special cases lined with velvet or other soft fabric are suitable. Silver items should be stored in a cool, dark place.
Features of cleaning silver
Both commercial detergents and homemade preparations are suitable for cleaning precious metal. Purchased products are most often produced in powder form and contain components such as soft abrasives, soda, citric acid, and ammonia-based substances.
Cleaning silver using such products requires very little time (from 30 seconds to several minutes). But you can’t always find the necessary silver cleaning products in household chemical stores. In addition, many people do not want to pay a small amount of money for a small amount of metal cleaner.
But you can clean metal easily and quickly at home.
What products can be used to clean silver?
It is important to know how to clean silver from blackness at home. Spoons made of noble metal can be perfectly cleaned of dark deposits using the following means:
- Table vinegar. A quick way to clean silver is to use vinegar. It is necessary to heat the vinegar to a temperature of 40–50 °C, then place cutlery in a container with vinegar and leave them for 10-15 minutes. After this, take out the spoons and wipe them dry with a soft towel or cloth;
A quick way to clean silver is to use vinegar.
- Toothpaste. The familiar toothpaste has fine particles that allow you to clean almost any surface without scratching it. Polish the silver spoon with toothpaste using gentle movements, and then rinse off;
The familiar toothpaste has small particles that allow you to clean almost any surface without scratching it.
- Soda. Mix baking soda and warm water to a thick porridge consistency. Rub the mixture onto your silverware using a soft sponge or toothbrush. It is advisable to use a brush with soft bristles that will not scratch the metal surface. Rinse the soda off the spoon;
Mix baking soda and warm water to a thick porridge consistency.
- Hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Dissolve in 1 l. water 30 ml of peroxide and the same amount of ammonia. Immerse cutlery in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then wipe them dry;
Dissolve in 1 l. water 30 ml of peroxide and the same amount of ammonia.
- Soda, salt and vinegar. Take 100 ml of boiling water, the same amount of table vinegar. Mix them and add 1 tbsp to the resulting mixture. soda and salt. Place foil on the bottom of the container, pour the prepared mixture on top and immerse the spoons in it so that they come into contact with the foil. Silver will become perfectly clean in just a few minutes;
Silver will become perfectly clean in just a few minutes.
- Egg yolk. The method has been used for several hundred years and allows not only to clean silver, but also to protect it from contamination for a long time. Soak a cotton pad in the yolk, apply to the surface of a spoon and leave for a few minutes. Rinse off with cool water. The yolk will create an invisible film on the metal surface, which will protect the product from further darkening;
The yolk will create an invisible film on the surface of the metal, which will protect the product from further darkening.
- Ammonia solution. You can quickly and effectively clean silver spoons using an ammonia solution (ammonia). To do this, pour ammonia into a closed container, put the blackened products there, close the container and shake. After just a few minutes, the spoons can be taken out;
You can quickly and effectively clean silver spoons using an ammonia solution (ammonia).
- Lemon acid. In a small enamel saucepan, boil half a liter of water, adding a packet of citric acid. Place the spoons in water with citric acid added, wait 10-15 minutes, and then rinse them with clean running water;
In a small enamel saucepan, boil half a liter of water, adding a packet of citric acid.
- Chalk. You can also clean silver spoons using chalk pulp. To do this, take a piece of white chalk, grind it into powder, add water until you get a thick mixture. Polish the product with the resulting mixture and then rinse it off with water;
You can clean silver spoons using chalk pulp.
- Coca Cola. An unusual way to clean your silverware is to use a popular carbonated drink. Due to the high content of phosphoric acid, the liquid perfectly removes traces of darkening of silver. It is enough to put the cutlery in a container of soda and take it out after a few minutes.
Due to the high content of phosphoric acid, the liquid perfectly removes traces of darkening of silver.
Whatever component you choose to clean your silver, a soft cloth or toothbrush will help polish it more effectively. Stains will disappear from the metal much faster, and its surface will become more shiny. After cleaning silver spoons, it is important to remove moisture to avoid further oxidation.
Can silver spoons be washed in the dishwasher?
Silverware should not be washed in the dishwasher. Features of automatic washing (long-term presence of metal in water, mechanical impact, air drying) significantly reduce the service life of cutlery made from noble material.
In addition, most dishwasher detergents have a harsh composition containing alkalis, chlorine and other components that will contribute to the rapid oxidation process of silver.
If you want to keep the products in their original form for a long time, then you need to wash them only by hand.
Silverware should not be washed in the dishwasher.
Remember that proper use, storage and cleaning of silver cutlery helps maintain the appearance of the items. You can clean metal not only with expensive means, but also with time-tested methods using vinegar, soda or toothpaste. After cleaning, it is important to use the devices correctly to avoid darkening again.
An easy way to clean silverware
Source: https://posudaguide.ru/chistka-i-uhod/ochistka-potemnevshih-serebryanyh-lozhek-v-domashnih-usloviyah
How to clean silver from blackness at home
Silver is one of the most popular precious metals used to create jewelry and various items. The peculiarity of this material is its characteristic shine and a more affordable price compared to jewelry made of gold, platinum, etc. Rings, pendants, chains, brooches, pendants and much more are made from silver.
However, every person who wears silver jewelry knows that silver is a material that tends to darken. Some give this process a magical connotation, explaining this as radiation of bad energy, illness, damage and much more. But at the same time, there are simpler versions for everyone that explain the reasons for the darkening of the metal from a scientific point of view.
It is important to understand that plaque can be removed from jewelry using improvised means at home.
Why does silver darken: reasons
In fact, there is no magic in the darkening of silver - it is simply the process of oxidation of the metal as a result of a chemical reaction. The reactive process occurs when silver and sulfur interact - as a result, the jewelry is covered with a dark, sometimes even black coating.
It is important to note that there are certain patterns, or rather conditions, that contribute to a change in the tone of the decoration. The first thing you should pay attention to is the percentage of silver content in the alloy.
Today, the optimal inclusion of precious metal in a product is considered to be 92.5 percent, however, there are also jewelry of a lower standard, for example, having 800 or even 700 standard. The lower the percentage of silver in the product, the sooner it will darken.
Typically, the condition for darkening a silver chain or ring is sweating. Few people think about it, but human sweat contains sulfur, and it, as noted earlier, is a key component for starting the oxidation reaction.
Many modern jewelry manufacturers coat silver with rhodium film, which serves to protect the jewelry from oxidation. However, this film is very fragile and sensitive to stress, and as a result of scratches and impacts, the protective layer is damaged and oxidation in such a situation is not far off.
But still, the rhodium plating procedure significantly protects the product from darkening.
Is it possible to clean silver using folk remedies?
On the shelves of most hardware stores you can find special products for cleaning silver - these can be various liquids, wipes, etc.
Using such products, you can restore precious items, you can also take them to a jewelry store, where the blackness will be removed from them, but you can easily clean a chain, cross or earrings at home.
As the long-term practice of half of the population of planet Earth shows, folk remedies can become different tools in the process of metal restoration.
Effective ways to clean silver from blackness at home
To date, a huge variety of various methods of cleaning silver from blackness have been tested using folk methods, and each of them has the right to life. There are a large number of products that help remove blackness from material without the risk of damaging it. Below is a list of the most common and effective approaches to precious metal recovery.
Cleaning with ammonia
This type of jewelry cleaning is very effective, but it is not suitable for those items that contain pearls, since they may be damaged as a result of aggressive action. As for all other products, they can be cleaned by immersing them in a container filled with ammonia for 15 minutes. You can also prepare a solution that includes:
- glass of water;
- ammonia – 1 teaspoon;
- liquid soap - a teaspoon;
- a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.
After combining all the products, the decoration must be placed in the solution for at least 15 minutes. The more dirty it is, the more time the precious item needs to be soaked.
Baking soda (salt) with foil for cleaning silverware
To clean cutlery in this way, you need to fold a piece of foil in half with the shiny side facing out and make an impromptu container from it. Now salt and soda are added to the foil plate in equal proportions, one tablespoon at a time. All these bulk ingredients are poured with a small amount of water. Silverware should be immersed at the bottom of the soda-salt abyss for 30 minutes - this time will be enough for the silver to shine.
Hydrogen peroxide is the best silver cleaner
Hydrogen peroxide is a very effective means of removing black, that is, a product of an oxidative reaction. To carry out the activity, you should pour peroxide into a container and place a decoration on the bottom of the container. After ten to fifteen minutes the product can be taken out. Upon completion of the process, the item must be rinsed under running water and wiped with a soft cloth, after which the silver will shine like new.
Cleaning with soapy water
A soap solution is considered the most gentle means for removing plaque from silver surfaces. To prepare it, you need to grate laundry soap on a fine grater and fill it with a small amount of warm water. When everything is ready, you can put silver on the bottom of the container, which is removed after 30 minutes.
An effective remedy for black plaque is alcohol.
Removing blackness from silver using alcohol is a classic. This type of restoration measures is considered the safest for products and allows you to achieve the desired effect. To carry out the procedure, you need to immerse the jewelry in alcohol purchased at the pharmacy and let the product lie in the alcohol bath for some time, half an hour will be enough. At the end of the allotted 30 minutes, the product must be taken out and mechanically rubbed with a woolen cloth until shiny.
How to clean tarnished silver with vinegar
Acetic acid copes well with the oxidation product, efficiently removing all traces of the reactive process from the metal surface. To carry out the procedure, you will have to heat a small amount of 9 percent vinegar, then blot a cloth in it and start rubbing the jewelry. The event takes some time, but at the same time guarantees an effective result.
Cleaning products with citric acid
A solution of citric acid will visually update any silver jewelry. To do this, mix 100 grams of citric acid in half a liter of water and put the container on the fire. Now you need to place a silver item and a small piece of copper wire into the solution.
The digestion process takes an average of 30 minutes, but the time largely depends on the degree of contamination.
Some argue that a drink like Coca Cola is considered an excellent substitute for a lemon solution, into which silver is similarly immersed and boiled for 30 minutes.
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Getting rid of plaque with toothpaste
Quite often, toothpaste or tooth powder is used to remove the tarnished film from silver items. To carry out the procedure, prepare a soft cloth, lightly moisten it with water and apply diluted powder or white paste.
Now, using the described product, you need to begin to thoroughly rub the jewelry, using a minimum of force.
This method, like most unconventional approaches, can damage the structure of the silver - this is more true for rhodium-plated jewelry, for this reason it is best not to use the paste on valuable items.
What and how should you not clean your silver chain?
When resorting to non-traditional, that is, folk methods of cleaning silver products, you need to be prepared that most activities can harm the product. It is best to avoid direct mechanical cleaning using bulk components.
Under no circumstances should you use hard brushes and sponges, as you can not only scratch the product, but also strip it of stones and other precious inclusions, if any.
In addition, mechanical action removes a small layer of metal, making the decoration lighter.
Special products will clean silver to shine
Today you can buy various products for professional cleaning of silver products, with which you can completely remove tarnish from the surface of jewelry and avoid damage. Popular products are offered by brands such as Aladdin, Silbo and others.
Each product comes with detailed instructions that describe the processing process for any type of silver product.
Thus, in order to restore the original appearance of the material, it is best to resort to the help of a professional product that will guarantee high quality and safety for a valuable item.
How to properly store silver items
In order for a silver product to look beautiful, it must be properly stored and cared for properly. It is best to store jewelry made from the described metal in wooden boxes in places with low humidity. At the same time, it is important to clean it from time to time, and also wipe the jewelry with special napkins and soak it in a soapy solution once a month.
Reviews
Karina: I have a set of cutlery from “Christofle” and using soda or some other solution to clean them is simply scary, in my opinion, it’s better to turn to a professional who won’t spoil the goodness.
Kira: I soak the chain in alcohol - it helps a lot.
Bogdan: To make your jewelry shine, you need to rub it once a month with a soft cloth - this will allow you to get rid of oxidation deposits in advance.
February 26, 2019 — life-sup
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Source: https://life-sup.ru/chem-pochistit-serebro-ot-chernoty-v-domashnih-usloviyah/
How to clean silver from blackness at home?
Fine silver is widely used for the production of jewelry, cutlery and interior items. Unfortunately, elegant and stylish silver products have one unpleasant feature - over time, their surface turns black and becomes covered with plaque. Knowing how to remove blackness from silver, you can easily return the metal to its original shine at home.
If you notice that your silver has turned black, the following may be to blame:
- high humidity;
- frequent contact with cosmetics;
- reaction to human sweat;
- contact with rubber, certain products and detergents.
The easiest way to clean silver from the blackness that has appeared is to take the product to a jewelry store for processing or buy a special cleaning agent for this metal. If for certain reasons you do not want to use this method, you can clean the products yourself at home using simple improvised means.
Preparatory stage
Cleaning silverware or jewelry made from this metal is quite simple. First, you need to thoroughly wash the product in warm soapy water to clean its surface from adhering dirt and grease. If you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, you will have a much easier time cleaning the grooves and grooves.
Along with soap, you can clean blackened silver with dishwashing detergent or shampoo, and then rinse the product thoroughly in clean water. This treatment will prepare the metal for upcoming procedures and make the result more noticeable.
Brushing with tooth powder
Our grandmothers knew well how to clean silver from blackness. To do this at home, they used ordinary tooth powder.
To clean your jewelry using this method, you will also need a thick, fluffy cloth.
Wet the material, dip it in the powder and carefully rub the product, trying to clean it of blackness from all sides.
Silver is a rather soft metal, so you should act very carefully during the procedure. If you overdo it, you may end up with scratches on the surface of the precious metal.
Using ammonia
Silver jewelry with stones looks very stylish, but requires special care from its owners. At home, it is best to clean such products from blackness using ammonia. For the procedure, you will need to prepare an aqueous solution of ammonia. Liquids should be taken in the proportion of 10 ml of alcohol to half a glass of water.
If your silver is only slightly tarnished, you can simply clean it with a cloth or sponge soaked in ammonia.
To clean moderately soiled items, it is better to place them directly in the solution for 15-30 minutes. Carefully monitor the process of black dissolution. After removing the jewelry, treat it with a dry, clean cloth.
Very dirty items will have to be cleaned by soaking them in pure ammonia without adding water. In this case, the maximum time of exposure to ammonia should not exceed 10 minutes.
Procedure with citric acid
You can clean darkened metal and restore it to its former shine at home using citric acid.
For this method you will need:
- 100 g citric acid;
- 500 ml water;
- a piece of copper wire.
Dilute the acid in water and place the container with the solution in a water bath, placing a copper wire in it. When the liquid boils, place your jewelry in it and wait 15 minutes. After the procedure, the silver should be rinsed well with water and cleaned of any remaining deposits by polishing with a cloth.
Application of soda
At home, you can effectively clean silver by using simple baking soda. To do this, you can choose any of two methods:
- Dilute baking soda with water to make a thick paste. Continue cleaning your jewelry with this mixture until you achieve the desired result.
- Dissolve 20 g in 250 ml of water. soda and put on fire. To clean your jewelry, wait for the liquid to boil, then dip a piece of foil and the jewelry into it. After 15 minutes, the silver will look like new.
Universal method
This wonderful recipe will tell you how to clear blackness from silver when all other means have failed. You will need an aluminum saucepan and the following ingredients:
- 10 g salt;
- 10 ml dishwashing liquid;
- 10 g soda;
- 500 ml water.
Mix all the ingredients, pour into a saucepan, putting silver in there, and put on fire. This solution and boiling for half an hour can completely clean your products of dirt and plaque without any mechanical effort.
Recipe for blackened silver
Blackened silver requires very special care. Of course, it should also be periodically cleaned from dust, dirt and plaque, but this procedure will have to be carried out very carefully so as not to damage the unique top layer of the product.
Typically, blackened metal is carefully cleaned with a soap solution and a small amount of soda, placing the product there for 20 minutes.
You can also clean such decorations using potato starch. Peel a few potatoes, soak them in a bowl and place your decorations in it. After 3 hours, remove the silver and rinse thoroughly in clean water. If dirty stains remain in some areas, try cleaning these places with a regular rubber eraser - the dirt should go away instantly.
Preventive measures
To prevent silver items from darkening, they require proper care:
- Do not leave jewelry on your hands while doing housework or applying cosmetic cream.
- If the items get wet, wipe them dry with a flannel cloth.
- For storage, put silver in a dry place, after placing it in a box.
- If you rarely wear your jewelry, wrap it in foil to protect it from oxidation.
Don’t forget these simple recommendations, and the noble metal will bring you joy with its pristine shine for a long time.
Continuation of the topic: how to clean silver with stones at home
Source: https://placeclean.ru/kak-pochistit-serebro-ot-chernoty-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html
How to clean silver at home
Sooner or later, your favorite silver items will darken, but it doesn’t matter: we will tell you how to easily clean silver at home using the most common means.
Why does silver darken and tarnish?
It seems like just yesterday that the silver bracelet was shiny and bright, and the earrings sparkled, favorably attracting the eye to the beautiful ears. And today there are black spots and even mold in the bends of the silver pattern. But why?
Tarnished silver brooch
Silver tarnishes and darkens for various reasons.
- Moisture. High indoor humidity, damp skin, and humid storage conditions negatively affect silver.
- Cosmetics. Some cosmetics, when in contact with silver, cause the latter to turn black.
- Silverware becomes dark from tea, coffee, honey, vegetables and juices.
- Sulfur and sweat. People sweat differently, which is why silver “behaves” differently in people. The more sulfur in sweat, the faster it will darken. The same thing will happen if you often walk near enterprises that emit hydrogen sulfide into the atmosphere.
- Health status. Experts say that a person whose jewelry darkens very quickly should undergo a medical examination.
- Onions, rubber, salt, and some detergents, when in contact with silver, also lead to unpleasant results.
When doing housework, remove silver jewelry
To make silver items darken less often, you should listen to the following advice:
- for long-term storage, it is better to keep silver items separately from each other, wrapped in foil;
- put only completely dry devices in a box or drawer;
- When taking a shower or applying cosmetics, it is better to remove the chain and earrings;
- store silver in a dry place;
- Remove jewelry when playing sports, on hot summer days and when you are very nervous.
Blackened silver jewelry
There is a separate question about gilded silver. As a rule, gilding protects jewelry from darkening as long as it lasts. But after just six months of intensive wear, the gold plating may become thinner, and the “exposed” silver will begin to darken. Gold-plated items should be rubbed as little as possible; it is advisable to remove them before showering and going to the gym.
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Jewelry should not be worn to the gym, bathhouse, sauna or when going to the spa.
Best ways to clean silver at home
Wearing darkened jewelry is a real bad manners, and, of course, setting the table with dull cutlery is the same. Therefore, it is worth spending a little time, but getting your products in sparkling order.
You can mechanically clean silver at home like this:
- Lipstick. Take some unused lipstick and apply it to your silver item. Rub thoroughly with a cotton pad. This method only works with products with a smooth surface.
- Toothpaste. It’s very easy: take an old toothbrush, apply toothpaste, and off you go! After the process, wash the silver well.
- Mix water with ammonia (2:1) and add tooth powder to make a paste. This is how you clean your products.
The most convenient way to clean jewelry with toothpaste is to use a medium-hard toothbrush.
After washing the product from toothpaste, polish it with a soft cloth
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We clean silver at home using the most common means:
- ammonia;
- lemon acid;
- soda and salt;
- decoction of potatoes or eggs;
- vinegar;
- Coca Cola.
To clean products with complex shapes, it is worth purchasing a toothbrush with fine bristles.
Let's tell you more about each method. Do not forget that after each “experiment” the product must be rinsed with plain water and wiped gently.
Jewelers polish silver items with a special paste and at the final stage of production
Ammonia (ammonia solution)
- Soak. Soak your silver in ammonia for 10-15 minutes.
- Rub. Soak a cloth or cotton sponge in ammonia and rub the silver jewelry.
- Mix: glass of water + 1 tsp. alcohol + a little liquid soap + a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide. Stir everything and soak the product. Follow the process. A slightly darkened product does not need to be kept for long.
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Potato broth or water after boiling eggs
Take the water in which the potatoes or eggs were boiled and place the foil and the product in it for about five minutes. This method is good for silver that is not very darkened.
Ring polished at home
Vinegar
You can also clean silver from blackness at home with table vinegar. Take 9% vinegar, heat it up a little and add decorations. Fifteen minutes is enough for your product to shine like new. If the result is so-so, wait a little longer.
There are special disposable wipes available for cleaning silver.
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Coca Cola
Modern life hack: boil silver in cola for about five minutes. The result is just as sparkling.
So, we looked at a bunch of ways to quickly and effectively clean silver at home. See which of the listed products you have at home and start cleaning so that your favorite jewelry and silver cutlery shine with their former shine.
Following fashion is useful not only for the relevance of images. Designers take into account the diversity of female body types and offer stylistic solutions for any appearance. Take the best from fashion news and don’t forget to emphasize your individuality!
The material was prepared by the editors of the site moddam.ru
Source: https://moddam.ru/kak-pochistit-serebro-samostoyatelno
How to clean silverware: TOP 23 best remedies for blackness at home
In many homes you can still find precious sets that are passed down from generation to generation or simply serve as an exquisite decorative element during a festive feast. However, devices made of noble metal tend to darken over time for various reasons. To maintain the presentable appearance of your items, you should know how to clean silverware at home.
Why do silver items darken?
Silver darkens for many reasons, which are often associated with improper storage.
Oxidation
Oxidation is a long-term process that occurs due to the fact that silver products begin to react with surrounding substances (air, moisture). Storing silverware near salt also speeds up the oxidation process.
High humidity
If silver devices are stored in a room or place with high humidity, they will quickly become covered with a dark coating.
Contact with wet skin
The skin is capable of releasing some hydrogen sulfide, and when interacting with the liquid and silver, a thin film of sulfide is formed. For this reason, blackening of service accessories is observed.
Improper storage
It is necessary to completely avoid long-term storage and contact with products that contain sulfur: egg yolks, salt, onions and garlic. Also, silver does not mix well with rubber.
Poor product quality
The appearance of devices largely depends on the substances that are present in their composition. Silver with various impurities is most susceptible to the formation of a dark coating.
Reaction with cosmetics or detergents
Silver products do not mix well with substances that contain sulfur, chlorine and various salts. Patina may develop upon contact with cosmetics and detergents, so they should not be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Rules of care
To prevent silver from darkening, you need to follow important care rules. The use of hard brushes, abrasive powders and metal brushes is not allowed. It is also recommended to keep the devices in a special case that will prevent moisture and constant contact with air.
How to store it correctly
It is recommended to store silver instruments in a special oil, but in this case some difficulties may arise with its use. For storage, you must choose the right place, which should be dry, cool and protected from sunlight. It is also necessary that the devices do not come into contact with other metal objects. This is the only way they will not darken and become covered with blackness.
Cleaning methods
Natural cleaning products can easily remove any dirt or tarnish from your silverware.
Starch
Corn paste cleans silver no worse than a soda solution. To do this, you need to mix starch with water, apply a small amount of the resulting mixture to the darkened areas of the devices and leave for one hour. Afterwards, wipe dry with gauze.
Washing powder
This method requires aluminum foil. The sequence for cleaning silver is as follows: place foil on the bottom of a deep pan, pour boiling water, add washing powder and soak silver utensils in the resulting mixture. After a couple of minutes, all that's left is rinse and dry.
Chalk
First, grind a couple of pieces of chalk into powder, then add a small amount of water. The resulting mixture is applied to the products and rubbed with a sponge. Afterwards, all that remains is to rinse the silver and wipe it dry.
Window cleaning liquid
A regular glass cleaning solution will also help deal with dark spots. It is enough to apply a small amount of the product onto a soft cloth or sponge and thoroughly wipe the silver items. For additional shine and brightness, you can soak the products for a couple of minutes. Then just rinse and dry.
Lemon juice
To make the devices shine, they need to be soaked overnight in the following solution: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, half a glass of milk powder and 1 glass of water. In the morning, just rinse and wipe.
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer will help not only clean cutlery from dark deposits and stains, but also disinfect them. A soft cloth or sponge should be thoroughly moistened with the concentrate and the spoons should be thoroughly cleaned. Then they need to be washed with water and dried.
Eraser
You can quickly and efficiently clean silverware using a regular washing eraser. It will be enough to go over the surface of the cutlery with an eraser and carefully erase the dark spots. The result will be noticeable after washing and drying.
Ammonia alcohol
Caution should be exercised because ammonia alcohol is a fairly aggressive chemical compound. First, prepare a liter of soap solution, to which one tablespoon of ammonia is then added. Cutlery is placed in the resulting mixture and soaked for half an hour. When finished, they need to be rinsed and wiped.
Ashes and ash
This method has been known for a very long time. Instructions: dilute the ashes in a small amount of water, dip a sponge or rag into this mixture. All that remains is to wipe the silver items and rinse with plain water.
Ketchup
To remove dark deposits, apply a small amount of ketchup or tomato paste to cutlery and then clean it with a soft brush or sponge. Afterwards, be sure to wash and dry the products.
Napkins for silver
For gentle cleaning, it is recommended to use special wipes for silver. With their help, you can quickly add shine to products and return them to their previous condition.
Sodium thiosulfate
This medicine can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. Cleaning instructions are as follows: wash the items in a soapy solution, rinse, dilute the substance in liquid (one ampoule per three volumes of water is enough) and apply to cutlery using a sponge. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly with running water.
Ultrasound
As a rule, specialists resort to ultrasonic cleaning of silver. This method allows you to safely remove plaque and any dirt, and therefore is highly effective. The devices are cleaned in an ultrasonic bath with a special solution. Mechanical vibrations and vibrations contribute to high-quality cleaning of devices.
Steam generator
Another method that is used by specialists. The steam generator removes not only dark deposits, but also greasy marks and residues of various cleaning agents. This device gives a better result than that observed after ultrasound.
Boiling
Boiling is a universal way to clean silver cutlery. It will require half a liter of water, a spoonful of salt, soda and dishwashing detergent. All components are mixed in a deep saucepan, which is placed on the fire and wait until it boils. After placing the devices, they need to be boiled for five minutes.
How to polish correctly at home
To polish products, you must use only mild products, and you will also need a soft cloth or microfiber.
Hard brushes, scratching powders and aggressive chemicals are completely eliminated. It is important to be careful when polishing items that have decorative elements.
It is better to polish large cutlery with a spray, and smaller ones with gel. It is recommended to use a special polish.
Source: https://hozzi.ru/chistka/stolovoe-serebro