SILVER CLEANING
Although silver jewelry tends to darken over time, it can last decades like new if given proper care.
But it is important to use the appropriate cleaning method for each type of jewelry. In ethnic designs, for example, it is important not to brighten the dark areas of the low relief that give it contrast.
Pieces with an antique finish or “burnt” silver should never be immersed in cleaning solutions, as they will lose their characteristic shades.
You also have to be especially careful with silver and stone jewelry.
To restore the original shine to your rings, earrings or other smooth silver objects, you can do it at home with everyday products. We present a couple of home methods on how to clean silver jewelry at home.
HOMEMADE PRODUCTS YOU CAN USE TO CLEAN YOUR SILVER JEWELRY:
If you are not sure whether the product you have contains agents that could damage your jewelry, remember to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Even so, any silver object that you consider very valuable should be cleaned by a professional.
WITH VINEGAR AND BAKING CARBONATE:
1-Creating a paste to rub with a cloth.
Vinegar and baking soda create a perfect mixture for removing dirt from silver objects.
-Pour a tablespoon of baking soda into a bowl.
-Add the vinegar very little by little until creating a paste. Place the paste on a clean cotton cloth and rub it over the silver objects you want to clean.
-Perform this polishing for a couple of minutes and remove the paste with a clean cloth.
Baking soda and vinegar kill stains, drag away dirt and eliminate germs and bacteria thanks to their cleaning and antibacterial properties.
2- Creating a solution to immerse the jewelry.
Pour ½ cup of vinegar into a container and add two tablespoons of baking soda. Place the jewelry in the mixture and let it sit for 2 to 3 hours. Finally, rinse them under the sink and dry them with a clean cloth.
If you do not have either of the two ingredients, you can clean your jewelry using just baking soda and water, or just vinegar.
How to clean silver with detergent
-Cover the bottom of a container with aluminum foil and add hot water.
-Add a tablespoon of chlorine-free powder detergent and stir the mixture.
-Place your silver jewelry on the bottom of the container for a minute, then rinse it and let it air dry.
For a deeper clean, place your jewelry in a bowl with a little liquid dish detergent overnight. The next morning, you can use a toothbrush to remove dirt from the crevices. Rinse well and dry with a soft towel.
How to clean silver with toothpaste
White pastas are the most suitable, especially those that contain baking soda. Avoid those that contain teeth whitening, as well as gel pastes and those that contain tartar control substances, since their ingredients could damage jewelry.
-Make sure by doing an initial test before cleaning.
-Moisten a soft cloth with water and clean the jewelry with it. Then, add a little toothpaste and cover the jewelry with a thin layer.
-Rub and polish lightly with the damp cloth. You will notice that the paste darkens and the cloth turns black.
-If there are areas that still resist, rub lightly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
-Rinse with water and dry immediately with a soft towel.
How to clean silver with aluminum foil
– Place the aluminum foil at the base of a plastic or glass container.
– Add a tablespoon of salt, a tablespoon of baking soda, and enough hot water to cover the jewelry. Mingle.
-Place the jewel in the container, in contact with the aluminum.
-Wait a few minutes until the surface disappears.
-Take out the jewelry, rinse with warm water and dry.
-Take out the jewelry, rinse with warm water and dry.
Shiny silver can turn into black silver over time. This is a natural process that occurs when silver is exposed to hydrogen sulfide in the air.
The reaction that occurs between silver and hydrogen sulfide forms a very thin layer around the metal. Beneath the surface, the silver remains in perfect condition.
Silver, in addition to air, also reacts with perfumes, creams, makeup, hair sprays and pool chlorine. Even natural oils present in the skin can darken silver.
Put on your jewelry after getting ready
In order for jewelry to maintain its shine after cleaning, it is advisable to put on makeup, do your hair, and put on perfume before touching the jewelry. This will prevent the silver from coming into contact with chemicals that make it darken.
