How to Clean Silver: Some Useful Tips

I think that almost every person in the house has at least one piece of silver. For example, not so long ago, there were cutlery and dishes made of this metal. The question of how to clean silver, bothers also collectors of rare coins. And most often in the purge need jewelry made of this metal. Clean silver is not so difficult - for this purpose a variety of means.

Why is silver getting dark?

Before deciding how to clean silver, it is worth considering the reasons for its darkening. Most often contamination of such products is the result of improper storage and care. Remember that silver can not be kept in conditions of high humidity. Another reason for darkening is the effect of sulfur.

Another issue is the contamination of jewelry. After all, some people wear silver for years and do not need to clean it. But in others, on the contrary, the silver ring on the finger darkens after a week. The reason lies in the individual characteristics of the human body. Most often jewelry is amenable to sweat. If together with it one or another quantity of sulfur compounds is allocated, then silver darkens much faster. And those people, whose sweat contains nitrogenous substances, decorations need cleaning much less often. Besides, silver ornaments regularly contact with cosmetic and washing-up liquids, and it can affect their condition.

How to clean silver?

Of course, it is best to give preference to a professional cleaning method. In jewelry stores they sell special napkins and solutions, which are designed specifically for cleaning jewelry from this metal. Such tools are easy to use, and the effect from them appears almost instantly and does not require any effort.

How to clean silver at home?

And what if you do not have a special cleaner at your fingertips or you can not buy it? How can I clean silver? In fact, there are a lot of ways to get rid of the darkening and bring the silver product into an almost perfect state.

Of course, the most famous method is cleaning with ammonia. 10% solution can be purchased at any pharmacy. Soak the product in it and leave it for fifteen minutes. Then, cleaned silver, rinse with water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. By the way, this method is perfect even for high-grade silver.

There are more simple and affordable ways. For example, a rather effective tool is ... toothpaste. Apply to the product a sufficient amount of this mass and soak in water for twenty minutes. For cleaning, an old toothbrush or a stiff sponge will work fine. Thoroughly clean the silver from the dark spots - after the impact of the toothpaste it will be quite easy. Then rinse the product with water and wipe it with a dry cloth. But remember that mechanical cleaning can leave small scratches, so be careful.

Another popular remedy is baking soda. In order to clean the silver product, you need to pour a half-liter of water into the container, add two tablespoons of soda, put on a fire and bring to a boil. As soon as the water begins to boil, throw a small piece of foil and a silver product into the water. Keep it on low heat for about 15 seconds. Now you can get shiny silver, rinse it with water and wipe it dry.

How to store products from this metal?

Now you know how to clean silver. But you will agree, it is best to observe precautions. Remember that any silverware needs the right care. First, they need to be stored in a dry place, but in no case near medicines, cosmetics or food.

If it is a question of ornaments, then try always to remove rings and bracelets during cooking, to wash dishes, washing, etc. After all, food products, as well as household chemicals and some cosmetics, can cause the formation of a dark film on the surface of silver.