How to clean silver at home: useful tips
Silver jewelry and cutlery tend to darken over time. This noble metal reacts with sulfur contained in the air and becomes coated with a dark coating of silver sulfide. The thing is not damaged, it just needs cleaning.
Of course, you can take your treasures to a jeweler. But in most cases, darkening can be handled on your own, using what is available in almost every kitchen. It's fast, cheap, and even a little exciting, like a chemistry lesson.
Soda, salt and foil: classics of the genre
This is perhaps the most popular and effective "folk" method. It is based on a simple chemical reaction, during which silver sulfide is converted back into pure silver, and sulfur "passes" to aluminum foil.
The process looks like this:
1. At the bottom of a small container (not metal!) a sheet of aluminum foil is placed.
2. Silver products are laid out on the foil.
3. Top it all with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda and a spoonful of salt.
4. Pour boiling water so that the water completely covers the objects.
The reaction will begin with a hiss and a characteristic smell of hydrogen sulfide. After 10-15 minutes, the products can be removed, rinsed with clean water and rubbed with a soft cloth. Shine is guaranteed.
Toothpaste or powder: mechanical cleaning
If the plaque is not very strong, you can do without "chemistry". Regular toothpaste (without large abrasive particles and bleaching agents) or tooth powder is suitable. This method works on the principle of soft polishing.
You need to apply a little paste on a soft cloth (flannel or microfiber) or an old toothbrush with soft bristles and gently, without strong pressure, clean the product. Special attention should be paid to patterns and depressions. After cleaning, the silver should be thoroughly rinsed and wiped dry. This method is great for cleaning jewelry with a smooth surface.
What is absolutely impossible to do
In an attempt to restore the luster of silver, you can also do harm. There are several things to avoid so as not to ruin your favorite jewelry or spoons.
Here is a list of taboos:
- Harsh abrasives — cleaning powders for dishes, sand, etc. They will leave scratches on the soft metal.
- Aggressive chemicals — cleaning products for plumbing, bleach. They can react unpredictably with metal.
- Hard brushes and sponges — they can also scratch the surface.
You should be especially careful with products that have blackening (oxidation) or stone inserts. For them, it is better to use more gentle methods or entrust cleaning to professionals.
Prevention is the best treatment
In order for silver to darken as slowly as possible, it needs to be stored properly. It is best to keep the products in a closed box, away from moisture and heat sources.
After each wear, it is advisable to wipe the jewelry with a soft cloth to remove particles of sweat and cosmetics. These simple rules will help you keep your silver items shiny for a long time and clean them less often. Some promotions focus on casino gameplay, offering a 1xbet promo code free spins. This type of bonus might grant you 50 or 100 free spins on popular slot games like Book of Dead or Fire Joker, in addition to or instead of the sports welcome bonus. These spins allow you to explore the casino section and win real money without using your deposited funds.