Who does not have objects of this material at home? Either crockery or jewelry from ancestors, or their own decorations. The truth is that this metal can sometimes appear old and damaged. But don’t worry! In the following article we how to clean silver with baking soda and household products without damaging it.
This type of metal is used to make innumerable elements such as ornaments, cutlery, jewelry, frames, doorknobs, light bulbs, some porters, plates and all kinds of tableware. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean silver at home.
Many of them can bring with them an important affective load since sometimes they are heirlooms or family heirlooms that have been passed from generation to generation. Or even, they are relevant for the simple fact of the economic value that this type of metal carries.
That is why many people are distressed when they see these black spotsalthough this is something natural that occurs over time, which can be reversed with some techniques to clean silver at home.
When these stains appear, many make the mistake of thinking that perhaps these items are not entirely made of silver or that they are plated, but this is not the case. that’s why we will give ideas on how to clean silver with baking soda from your home.
Before detailing how to clean tarnished silver It is worth mentioning that this process occurs since the action of hydrogen that is present in the atmosphere when coming into contact with silver produces a chemical reaction that generates silver sulfide and, when adhering to the elements of this metal, produces that color opaque and black
That is why many people are interested in knowing how to remove these stains and among the most performed searches are how to clean silver with baking soda but also how to clean silver with vinegar.
So below we offer some ideas to make with products from the comfort of home and without spending a lot of money or having to take the objects in question to a specific house.
Take care of silver: how to do it
Before talking about how to clean silver with baking soda sodium or how to clean silver with vinegar it is necessary to highlight some tips to protect this metal and that they do not turn black quickly, or at least not have to clean them successively.
-When you do not use the jewelry or the dishes, for example, it will be good if they store these items in plastic bags airtight, to avoid contact with air.
– Avoid let these articles of silver come into contact with make-up, perfumes or creams as this can cause the metal to dull.
– Do not expose silver objects to the sun or artificial light.
– In the case of jewelry, when doing some sport or activity that causes the person to sweat, as this harms silver.
– When it comes to cutleryplates or containers will be necessary clean them properly and dry them well before storing.
– Another detail to take into account is that if the silver element is a tray, plate or dish, for example, Old fruits should not be left as their decomposition generates an opaque and dirty appearance in the container.
Nevertheless, no matter how much care is taken, silver often gets dirty in the same way. Therefore, below how to clean silver with baking soda and other homemade products.
How to clean tarnished silver
Although currently items made of silver are made with another galvanizing process with rhodium, which often prevents it from turning black, it can occur in old items when exposed to dust and various agents.
As we mentioned before, this is a process that occurs with this type of metal, but the fact that silver turns black does not imply that it has deteriorated or that it is no longer useful, but rather that it requires specific cleaning.
For this, there are many simple processes that can be applied by each person interested in the different objects in question in a simple way.
Let’s see then how to clean silver with baking soda or how to clean silver with vinegar and other homemade products.
– Baking soda. For this you will need a piece of aluminum foil, a deep bowl, a tablespoon of salt, a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of detergent and a cup of hot water.
In this way, the container should be covered with aluminum foil, with the shiny part facing up.
Place the baking soda, salt and detergent on it. Add the hot water and mix all the ingredients until they are fully incorporated and a homogeneous mixture is formed.
Place the silver objects on top and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Once that time has passed, remove the items and rinse them with water.
You can pass a cloth and rub the metal well to remove all the dirt. And ready! now you know how to clean silver with baking soda
– Toothpaste. Who has not used this option? This product eliminates the sulfur produced in the chemical reaction that causes the blackening of the silver.
For this reason, it will be necessary to wash the element with water and white soap, cover the silver with the toothpaste and leave it to act for about 10 minutes. Rinse and wash again.
– Clean silver with vinegar. Many point to this option. For this you will need a cup with warm water, a tablespoon of lemon, a tablespoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of coarse salt.
You can also add a tablespoon of detergent. Mix everything and rub on the metal. This cleaning is recommended for jewelry or small items.
– Water with salt. In a cup with boiling water place 1 tablespoon of salt. Soak the items to be cleaned overnight.
The next day scrub the silver with a dry cloth. The shine of the item will be enhanced.
– Banana peel. Silver objects can be polished with the inner part of the shell of this fruit. As simple as that. Repeat the procedure as many times as necessary.
This is a good trick for those who are afraid of damaging their silver items, since they will be able to do the cleaning with complete confidence because it is a fruit.
– Lemon. This fruit has uses that are not just edible. It is used in cosmetics and also in household cleaning. That is why it is not illogical to think that it also serves to polish silver elements.
To achieve this, the lemon must be cut in half, cover the entire surface with salt and use it to polish the metal. Once finished, rinse with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
– Detergent and water. If you have to clean a pendant or earring, for example, you can use this procedure.
In approximately 1 liter of boiling water place two to three tablespoons of detergent and boil the elements for at least 10 minutes. Let cool, rinse and polish with a clean, dry cloth.
– turpentine. Although this product can be a bit invasive, it is very useful when it comes to cleaning silver.
With a cloth with a few drops of this product, it can be rubbed on the item in question and it will look like new, as well as shiny. Once ready, clean with water to remove excess white spirit.
– Ammonia. In addition to clean silver with vinegar this product can be used. For that, you will have to mix it in equal parts with hot water. Rub the piece with the mixture and rinse quickly so that it does not damage the silver
In any case, it is recommended to try other options, such as cleaning silver with baking soda, since it is an aggressive product, extreme care must be taken.
silver with precious stones
In the event that what if you want to clean it has to do with fine jewelry, with stones and diamonds, it is logical that it is scary to rub them since these crystals could be damaged or even come off, since not all of them are made with the metal itself, but in some cases they are only adhered.
Therefore, in these instances, it is recommended that, using the products detailed above, when rubbing it is done with a soft bristle toothbrush or even with a cotton swab.
If water is required for cleaning, use cold water instead of lukewarm since the heat and steam of the liquid can loosen the stones.
It is recommended avoid ammonia in these situations since, as said, it is quite a corrosive product, Therefore, in addition to damaging the silver, it may cause the detachment of crystals and diamonds.
Now you know how to clean silver with baking soda. And you, what technique do you use?
Source: The Spanish
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