How to clean silver at home

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

These methods will remove the blackness from the products and return them to their former shine.

How to clean silver with baking soda

What do you need

• Soda;
• water;
• a bowl;
• soft toothbrush or sponge;
• soft fabric.

How to do

Combine baking soda and water in a bowl. You should get a thick gruel. Rub the resulting mixture on silver items with a toothbrush or sponge. Then rinse with water and wipe dry.

How to clean silver with toothpaste

What do you need

• Toothpaste;
• soft toothbrush or sponge;
• soft fabric.

How to do

Apply the toothpaste to a brush or sponge, or directly onto products. Polish for a few minutes. You can add some water. Then rinse off the paste and rub off the silver.

How to clean silver with salt

What do you need

• Aluminum pan (required);
• water;
• 1-2 tablespoons of salt;
• soft fabric.

How to do

Fill a small aluminum pot about a third or more with water. Boil the liquid and dissolve the salt in it. If the dirt is heavy, you can take more salt.

Dip the product into the solution for a few seconds. Increase the time slightly if necessary, but do not boil the silver for more than 2 minutes. Rinse cleaned items and dry with a cloth.

How to clean silver with baking soda and foil

What do you need

• A saucepan (or another container for the second method);
• 2-3 liters of water;
• aluminium foil;
• 1 glass of baking soda;
• soft fabric.

How to do

There are two options.

1st method

Fill a pot with water. Put on high heat and toss in the crumpled foil. When the liquid boils, add soda in parts.

Place the silver in the pan so that it touches the foil. Cleaning may take from a few seconds to 2-3 minutes, depending on the dirt. Wipe off renewed items with a cloth.

2nd way

Line a heat-resistant container with foil. Pour in boiling water and dissolve the baking soda.

Put the silver in and keep inside until the dirt is gone. Turn the items over, if necessary, so that they touch the foil on different sides. Then wipe them off with a cloth.

How to clean silver with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide

What do you need

• A bowl;
• 1 glass of water;
• 2 tablespoons of ammonia;
• 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide;
• soft fabric.

How to do

Dissolve the ammonia and peroxide in a bowl of water. Dip the silver in the resulting composition for 15 minutes. Then rinse the items and wipe dry.

How to clean silver jewelery with stones

• Sapphire, emerald and aquamarine are high density gemstones. They will not be hurt by cleaning, whichever method you choose.
• Opal, malachite, turquoise and moonstone are not as dense: abrasive substances can scratch their surface. Therefore, choose mild detergents or baths.
• Ruby, topaz and pomegranate cannot be cleaned in hot water: they can change color from high temperatures.
• Products with amber, pearls, coral or ivory should be cleaned by a specialist. These materials are very sensitive to acids, alkalis and any solvents.

How to clean blackened silver

When cleaning these items, be careful and gentle to avoid damaging the unique top layer. A soap-soda solution will help you: soak the silver in it for 20-30 minutes.

And here's another effective way. Peel a few potatoes, place them in a bowl of water, and add your decorations to it. After 3-4 hours, remove the silver and rinse with water. If the plaque is not completely removed, wipe it off with a rubber eraser.

What to do to prevent silver from darkening

To make your silver shine brighter, follow these simple yet powerful guidelines:

• Store products in a dry, dark place. Moreover, it is better that they do not touch each other.
• Remove rings and bracelets before wet cleaning, bathing or showering, and applying cosmetics.
• Wipe wet silver as quickly as possible.