How to clean silver to make it shine

How to clean gold: effective ways

It never hurts to know how to quickly clean gold at home. For example, in case there are literally a few minutes before the release, and the only pair of earrings or pendant that matches the look looks, to put it mildly, unmarketable. There are always suitable products for cleaning gold at home - do not waste time and bring back the appeal of your jewelry.

Ammonia

Cleaning gold at home with ammonia or ammonia is the easiest way to get rid of the clouding of precious metal and stains on jewelry. To effectively remove blackness from gold, you need to make a solution of water and ammonia with the addition of shampoo. Recommended proportions for a small container of warm water: 0.5 tsp.

Gold rings in ammonia solution

Thus, you can soak gold with some stones: the ammonia solution perfectly removes dirt and oxides from hard-to-reach places. To dry, just lay out the jewelry on a paper napkin or towel.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is also an effective and affordable liquid for cleaning gold. For light dirt, it is enough to wipe the jewelry with a cloth soaked in peroxide. In other cases, a more aggressive method is recommended:

1. Make a solution: 1 cup warm water, 30 mg hydrogen peroxide (3%), 1 tsp. ammonia, a small amount of liquid soap (by eye).
2. Stir the ingredients thoroughly.
3. Immerse gold products in a container with a solution and leave for 3-5 hours.
4. Rinse the jewelry with plain water, dry on a napkin.

You can use a toothbrush to brush gold

In some cases, it is enough just to soak the products in vinegar for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water, in others, you will need to walk over the surface with a toothbrush.

Baking soda will help clear dirt off the gold, but tough stains may not always work. Most often, boiling with soda is used for cleaning:

1. Put the foil on the bottom of a small container with water, put the gold on it.
2. Heat water and add soda - 1 tbsp. water 1 tbsp. soda.
3. Simmer for a few minutes.
4. Brush.
5. Rinse with plain water and dry.

Soda is not used to clean jewelry with inserts: it can cause tarnishing of stones, and soda solution can remain whitish in hard-to-reach places of attachments.

Salt is usually used as an addition to vinegar or baking soda cleaning solutions. Due to the fact that salt is a strong abrasive, we do not recommend mechanical cleaning of soft gold items.

Lemon acid

To dissolve plaque, you can clean the gold in citric acid:

• dilute citric acid in boiling water;
• dip the products in the solution for 5-6 minutes;
• rinse and dry the jewelry.

Toothpaste

Even the most common toothpaste can be used to clean darkened gold at home. Using a soft brush, spread the paste evenly over the surface of the decoration and gently remove any dirt.

You can brush gold with toothpaste.

Paste GOI

Paste GOI

This is a special composition for cleaning gold from dirt and giving it shine, developed by the State Optical Institute. There are 4 types of pasta, you should choose a specific option based on the expected result:

• No. 1, No. 2 - polishing to a mirror effect;
• No. 3 - cleaning of medium complexity to an even matte sheen;
• No. 4 - rough cleaning with surface grinding and removal of scratches.

We clean silver without stones

Surely you have rings, bracelets at home that are not decorated with stones. Let's deal with them first.

Be sure to get rid of the usual dirt and grease on the product you are going to clean. This will make it easier to deal with more serious pollution, from which your silver has darkened, and in some places even blackened. So, wash it in warm water with shampoo, liquid soap, dish gel. You can walk along the grooves, ornate patterns with a soft toothbrush. If you don't want to waste time, fill it with soapy water for a couple of hours.

So, the first stage has passed and your earrings, the ringlet are ready to clean them thoroughly at home. Choose a way, get rid of blackness!

Mechanical cleaning

If you happen to be the lucky owner of tooth powder, try brushing with it. How to clean silver if there is no such rarity in the bins of your house? Replace it with crushed chalk, soda. Soak the jewelry in water, dip it in dry powder, rub it with a fluffy cloth until it shines. If you chose soda, drip water into it, apply on silver, thoroughly walk over its entire surface with a soft cloth, a toothbrush. For a chain, it will be better if you take it in the palm of your hand and rub it with a brush.

If you doubt the power of tooth powder (and you have a lot of such goodness), its ability to clean products at home can still be enhanced with ammonia. Mix these ingredients to make a kind of gruel, spread on the surface. Wait until the mixture is completely dry on the silver before cleaning. Then use a cloth to wipe off any remaining cleaning agent.

Soak

You can clean the ring, chain at home from serious blackness by soaking in ammonia. Experienced housewives know many methods of how to clean silver with ammonia, but we will focus on simple and effective ones.

Most often, silver is cleaned at home from darkening of moderate severity like this. You need to add only 1 part of ammonia to 10 parts of water. Can be diluted with hydrogen peroxide (same proportions). Lower the jewelry: 15-20 minutes for the chain; keep rings, bracelets in the solution for up to an hour. The main thing is to observe the process and do not overdo it in the solution. So you can clean houses and silverware from blackness.

To make your product (earrings, pendant with an ornate pattern) shine even in hard-to-clean places, fill it with ammonia only for 15 minutes. There is medical alcohol at home - use it instead of ammonia. Only clean blackened silver without fanaticism, because it is blackness that fills it with charm.

Another recipe with ammonia, how to clean silver from blackness. Take advantage of the experience of the author of this video.

How to clean silver at home, for example, using such familiar hydrogen peroxide? Mix ethyl alcohol with hydrogen peroxide. Dip the darkened silver in the solution, and after 20 minutes wipe dry with flannel or wool.

The easiest and most harmless way. Cover the bottom of the container with foil, fill it with hot water. Dip the blackened silver overnight. You won't recognize him in the morning!

Do not rush to pour out the water where the potatoes were prepared, especially if you are going to clean your favorite silver ring at home. But first, dip a foil petal in the water, then put the product on for a few minutes. The result will be amazing!

Boiling

Silver, including table silver, at home can be cleaned from blackness and by boiling. Just don't think of boiling jewelry with stones!

Boil water and baking soda. Along with the foil, lower your jewelry and keep in the solution until the metal brightens.

Boil a liter of water with dishwashing gel, baking soda, salt (throw in a tablespoon in total). Boil the chain and ring for half an hour along with a foil petal.Just take an aluminum pan.

Jewelry care rules

To preserve the brilliant appearance of silver jewelry as long as possible, follow some simple rules.

• If you apply a nourishing cream to your hands, allow it to fully absorb before putting on jewelry.
• Don't do housework with rings on your fingers.
• Store jewelry in a dry, out of the sun place.
• Occasionally wrap jewelry in foil to keep it from air and oxidation.
• As soon as you notice a slight darkening, immediately clean the jewelry, do not wait until it completely turns black.
• Jewelry with natural stones: do not clean amber, pearls or corals yourself, give them to a jeweler so as not to accidentally spoil the stones.
• After cleaning, be sure to contact a jeweler to apply a protective varnish to the product.

Why silver items darken

Silver darkens for a variety of reasons, which are often associated with improper storage.

Oxidation

Oxidation is a long-term process that occurs due to the fact that silver items begin to react with surrounding substances (air, moisture). Storing silverware next to salt also speeds up the oxidation process.

Contact with wet skin

The skin is capable of releasing a certain amount of hydrogen sulfide, and when interacting with 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 exclude long-term storage and contact with products that contain sulfur: egg yolks, salt, onions and garlic. Also, silver does not sit 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.

Reactions with cosmetics or detergents

Silver products do not coexist well with substances that contain sulfur, chlorine and various salts. Patina can occur on contact with cosmetics and detergents and must therefore not be cleaned in the dishwasher.

How and what can you clean silver with stones

In order to restore the appearance of silver jewelry with stones, you need to use more gentle means. When choosing a suitable method, you need to focus on the density of the stone.

For cleaning, solutions based on washing powder or regular shampoo are suitable. Soak the jewelry in soapy water for 20-30 minutes. During this time, the dirt will get wet and it will be easier to remove it. After half an hour, wipe the jewelry with a soft napkin or toothbrush, the villi of which cleanse hard-to-reach corners.

Silver jewelry with stones such as opal, turquoise, malachite must not be mechanically cleaned with chalk, soda, toothpaste. Small particles of these products can damage the delicate structure of minerals. Products with rubies, topaz or pomegranate do not tolerate high temperatures, therefore they need to be cleaned only in solutions at room temperature.

If you are the owner of silverware with amber, ivory or coral, do not clean it yourself. These stones are very sensitive to alkali and acids. Entrust this delicate process to professionals. I suggest watching a detailed video "How to clean silver with stones."

General points on how to clean silver at home

How to cleanse silver from blackness - this question is asked by many conscientious housewives. Everything is quite simple - for this you should contact a specialist. They will do all the work quickly, efficiently, at a reasonable price.

If this method does not suit you, then it is recommended that you figure out how to clean silver from blackness yourself.You can get a special remedy that can easily deal with the problem without streaking or unnecessary effort.

If you decide to use improvised means to clean silver from blackness at home, then follow these tips:

• do not use rough pieces of cloth and brushes for cleaning, as they can leave small scratches on the product, which will significantly spoil its appearance, it will stop sparkling as it was at the beginning;
• before using the cleaning agent, soak the product in water for a while, rinse and dry thoroughly;
• if the jewelry has built-in stones, avoid sudden temperature changes - they can cause their destruction and damage;
• if there are small traces of cosmetics, soap or other detergents on the jewelry, soak it in soapy water, and then brush it with a soft brush and dry it;
• after you have worked with water, it is recommended to wipe the silver thoroughly, otherwise it will darken;
• we clean and polish the accessory with a piece of suede cloth.

How to clean gemstone earrings

Over time, jewelry loses its appearance and unique play of shades.

With topaz

If the stones become dull and pale, you will need an ammonia solution:

1. Add 4 drops of ammonia to cold water.
2. Dip earrings with topaz in liquid for 30 minutes.
3. Take it out, wipe it with a flannel cloth.
4. Repeat the procedure, but reduce the time to 8 minutes.

Topaz does not allow the use of abrasive products that can damage fragile stone.

With turquoise

Dry in a place inaccessible to sunlight. It is not recommended to soak products with turquoise for a long time, as it can lose color.

With amber

The stone of organic origin has amazing properties, it keeps you warm to the touch.

Crystals are very soft, wear off quickly, so you need to clean your jewelry correctly.

If the contamination is weak, amber and silver are washed with soap. This removes dust from the curls. Then the decoration is placed in a container, where 2-3 pieces of ice are added (after that, the amber becomes brighter).

The item can be left in the solution for several hours, then wiped off with a paper or felt napkin. This way you can smooth out irregularities.

With cubic zirkonia

A synthetic, semiprecious mineral that resembles a diamond and loses its luster over time. When it becomes less transparent, loses its luster, it is necessary to return its attractiveness.

For minimal contamination, a soap solution can be used. When darkening, cubic zirconia put in a bowl with a bottom covered with foil, sprinkle with baking soda, then cover with a second layer of foil and pour hot water over for 10 minutes. After rinsing, wipe dry.

With pearls

There are several ways to make silver shine and preserve the stone.

Such products are effectively cleaned by ammonia:

1. For 1 liter. add 10 drops of warm water.
2. Soak a cotton pad in the product, wipe the products without touching the pearls.

The second method involves the use of fine salt, a piece of thin natural fabric:

1. Pour water on the material, add salt until dissolved.
2. Let the pearl earrings soak in the solution for 5 minutes, then wipe the surface with the same cloth.

With amethyst

A variety of quartz mesmerizes with its radiance. The stone combines well with silver, but fades over time. For easy cleaning, a solution of soap or shampoo is used, in which the item is soaked for half an hour.

A soft bristle brush is used to remove dirt and grease to avoid scratching the surface.

How to clean gold plated silver at home

Products covered with gilding need careful handling. Such silver can only be wiped with a suede napkin, cotton swab. For cleaning from plaque and stains, do not use highly abrasive products.

You can use solutions based on soda or ammonia, in which you need to lower the products for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with water. I suggest you familiarize yourself with other interesting ways to purify gilded silver.

Beer

Pour any kind of beer into a deep container, and soak the browned products in it. After half an hour, rinse them with running cold water and polish with a suede cloth.

School eraser

The eraser is able not only to correct mistakes of students in notebooks, but also to clean quickly and simply gilded silver. When choosing this method, use a white school elastic band. Using this tool, you clean the product from plaque and polish it at the same time.

Egg yolk

Combine one tablespoon of Domestos whitening agent and egg yolk, whipped into a froth. The choice of a disinfectant is recommended for a reason. This household remedy is similar in composition to jelly water - a solution of hypochlorous and hydrochloric acid potassium salts.

It is necessary to moisten a sponge in the mixture and apply it to a silver piece with gilding. After that, start cleaning the jewelry with a suede cloth until the initial shine appears.

Coca-Cola carbonated drink

According to many housewives, the sweet carbonated drink of the Coca-Cola company helps to clean the oldest stains on gilded silver items. To do this, pour a drink into an enamel bowl, place decorations and boil for 3-5 minutes. After that, it remains only to rinse the silver and wipe it dry with a soft cloth.

Formic acid

Silver coins and other simple objects can be easily cleaned with formic acid.

To achieve the desired result, it is enough to boil them for 2-3 minutes in a 5% solution of the selected substance, rinse and polish. Sulfuric acid can also be used.

Table vinegar

You can refresh silverware with 9% vinegar.

Pour the product into a container and lower the items that need cleaning for a couple of hours. During this time, the blackness will go away, all that remains is to rinse and dry with a paper towel.

Dentifrice

If you are looking for ways to properly clean silver with improvised means, resort to using regular tooth powder.

This method is not considered delicate, so it is more suitable for household items.

Prepare a pasty substance with water and powder, apply gently to the object to be cleaned.

Wipe in one direction with a soft cloth. Rinse, dry and polish with flannel.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste has excellent cleansing properties. It should be white, free from abrasive components and additives.

The product is applied to a small piece of soft rags and the object is cleaned in one direction without strong pressure. Then washed, dried and polished.

Olive oil

Cleaning silver with olive oil is considered delicate.

Saturate a piece of fabric with oil and gently wipe the garment. Wash, let dry and polish.

In this way, light dirt and fresh bloom can be dealt with.

Potato

An affordable and effective way to clean silver is to use potatoes.

Peel a couple of root vegetables, cover them with water. Put silver jewelry in the same container.

After half an hour, dry with a paper towel and buff. This gentle cleansing is perfect for blackened silver.

Liquid for cleaning darkened silver is also suitable.
washing windows. The product is gently sprayed over the entire surface of the object, then
wipe with flannel without undue zeal.

Yogurt

Dip the blackened silver in sour milk for 15 minutes.

The lactic acid contained in the product will cleanse it of impurities and give it its original shine.

After completing this simple manipulation, rinse the jewelry with warm water and polish with soft flannel.

How
clean silver with stones

Jewelry silver with minerals of organic origin should not be treated with products containing alkaline and abrasive components.

Such precious gems as pomegranate or topaz do not tolerate high temperatures well, losing their natural shade.

Plaque on amber or pearls can be easily removed mechanically clean using a soapy solution and a soft brush.

Silver jewelry created with hard minerals such as diamond or beryl can be washed off with any liquid detergent or regular shampoo.

Products with glass inserts and colored enamel are recommended to be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in ammonia.

You should not clean highly artistic samples on your own; it is better to resort to the services of a professional.

Peculiarities
processing of products with gilding and stones

Silver accessories and jewelry, inlaid
precious gems, require respect for themselves. To clean them, it is recommended
use solutions prepared according to the following recipes:

• petty
  Dissolve the soap shavings in the liquid until a lush foam is formed, add 3-5
  drops of ammonia;
• prepare
  mixture with 1 glass of water and 1 tbsp. l. a bite or ammonia;
• v
  Dissolve 0.5 l of warm water with 1 tsp. baking soda and 10 g of liquid soap.

These delicate cleaning methods are suitable for jewelry with both stones and gilding.

After completing the soaking process, the products must be washed, dried naturally and polished with a piece of suede.

Other
original methods of cleaning silver

Lipstick. For processing such samples without inserts, lipstick is used containing microparticles, which perfectly cope with dirt without scratching the soft metal.

Apply a generous amount of lipstick to a piece of rag, slowly wipe the product, rinse and polish with flannel.

This gentle care is suitable even for fragile items. Local contamination is removed with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol-containing substance.

Vinegar. Wipe old discoloration and stains with cotton pads moistened with the product. Change them as needed.

Hydrogen peroxide. Place jewelry in a container with a product. After 15 minutes, rinse and buff with a piece of flannel.

Dishwasher. If the manufacturer's passport has permission, then this method is quite suitable for cleaning coins, household items and small jewelry made of this noble metal.

In this case, the selection of the detergent must be carried out with particular care. To avoid the formation of dark spots when washing such samples, do not allow the presence of steel dishes.

After such processing, all products must be thoroughly wiped with a soft cloth.

It is not recommended to use hard sponges and powders for refined items.

It is better to soak them in a soapy solution with the addition of a small amount of ammonia, dry them naturally and wipe them with soft suede.

Industrial compositions designed specifically for cleaning such products do an excellent job with the task. It can be products of brands: Silbo, Ultra Soft, Town Talk.

Rules for the use of silverware

Proper care and storage of cutlery will help prolong their life and also protect against dark deposits. Silver devices are not recommended to be used every day; it is better to leave them for the celebration. Spoons should not be subjected to strong mechanical stress, for example, using them to remove sugar or dirt on the dishes.

How to properly care for silver cutlery

Silver spoons and forks should be washed with running water at room temperature. For regular cleaning, use mild detergents. A soap solution made from finely chopped soap 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 nets

It is also important to sometimes use special products that will help clean the blackness of the silver. After washing the 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 store silverware properly

Store silver items in a cool, dark place. Compliance with the temperature regime will help maintain the quality of things for a long time.

It is important that silver is kept separate from other metals. Harder metals such as stainless steel can scratch or scuff silver

Also, silver spoons can be wrapped in foil, and only then put away in storage. This will minimize the contact of silver with the external environment and protect the metal from darkening.

Special cases upholstered with velvet or other soft cloth are ideal for storing silver spoons.
Store silver items in a cool, dark place.