How to clean silver at home?

Silver has an attractive and refreshing shine that gives elegance to cutlery and decorations. It is surrounded by a halo of mystery, attributing mystical properties to this metal. Very often, silver products are inherited, thereby emphasizing the special status of the family. However, with prolonged use, this metal begins to blacken, and products from it need to be cleaned. Most owners prefer to do this at home, without going to specialized workshops.

Silver products look very impressive and stylish, but this beautiful metal has such a drawback as a tendency to dark plaque. This coating is a gray or black film formed on the surface of a metal due to its oxidation.

This process is completely natural and cannot be indicative of the influence of any dark forces on the wearer of the jewelry, as was commonly believed in antiquity. Oxidation occurs as a result of the active influence of factors such as:

1. ultra-violet rays;
2. moisture and air having a high content of hydrogen sulfide;
3. sulfur, which is one of the components of human sweat.

Accordingly, silver jewelry begin to darken in the following situations:

1. When their owner is in the sun for a long time, especially at sea, because in this case all the negative impact factors merge together.
2. When a person is engaged in such activities that are accompanied by significant sweating; it can be hard physical work or regular exercise.
3. With regular intake of medications, in connection with which, the percentage of increase in sulfur in the composition of sweat increases.
4. When interacting with certain types of cosmetics containing sulfur or hydrogen sulfide.

The plaque formed on the surface of silver is a chemical element called sulfur sulfide, which is not very resistant and can be removed even at home. therefore you can clean almost any silver to shineranging from jewelry to cutlery.

Among silver products, the following varieties are found:

1. Items made of sterling silver. This metal has the highest 925 test; the ornaments made from it delight with a dazzling shining white color and have remarkable durability.
2. Blackened silver jewelry. These products can have any sample, and they are united by the presence of an exquisite “mobile” finish, which can be especially saturated in places of engraving.
3. Jewelry with oxidation, having a brownish tint and resembling antique products, darkened with time and this is especially attractive.
4. Colored silver jewelry, also called matte. They are coated with a special coloring compound called enamel, which makes them look very impressive and very popular.
5. Gold-plated silver products, which are covered with the thinnest film of natural gold.

In addition, there are some varieties of white metal that are mistakenly referred to as silver:

1. Drop “silver”, which is a chemical element of iron sulfide, or pyrite. Externally, this metal is very similar to sterling silver.
2. Marcasite or radiant pyrite.
3. Cupronickel.

For cleaning products from metal substitutes, which are jewelry, not all products recommended for silver may be suitable, so before performing this procedure, you need to make sure which metal is used in the jewelry.

One of the most common methods is the purification of silver products using an ammonia solution. A similar solution is also called ammonia or ammonia. It can be bought at any pharmacy and used at home in accordance with one of the following recipes:

Recipe number 1, which has the most powerful effect on pollution:

1. 1 teaspoon of ammonia is mixed with 100 ml of water and a small amount of any liquid soap or dishwashing detergent;
2. the decoration is placed in the prepared solution and is in it until the desired clarification effect is obtained;
3. then the decoration is washed under a stream of cold water and dried.

Recipe number 2, requiring the use of physical effort:

1. ammonia, water and white toothpaste (without inclusions) are mixed in equal volumes;
2. a product requiring cleaning is placed in this solution for 30 minutes;
3. the wet product is treated with a toothbrush (with soft bristles) and wiped with a flannel cloth.

Since the ammonia mixture has a very pungent and unpleasant odor, similar cleaning methods should not be used for people prone to allergies.But even a completely healthy person needs to carry out this procedure in a well-ventilated area. To reduce the smell, you can expose the container with the composition on the balcony or loggia for the duration of the exposure, opening the windows there.

In such ways, cutlery, glasses and jewelry made of silver of any sample without stones can be washed from plaque.

Black plaque on silver jewelry can be removed by applying a 9% solution of food vinegar, which is sold at grocery stores. It copes with its task perfectly due to the content of acid, which has a concentration sufficient to affect the sulfur sulfide film, but not capable of harming such a soft metal as silver.

If silver products are slightly contaminated, it is easiest to wipe them with a soft cloth dampened in a solution of vinegar. In this way, without any difficulty, literally in five minutes you can wipe tablespoons of silver that have lost their luster. Also, in a similar way, you can clean jewelry with precious stones without endangering them.

To cleanse more serious darkening, the following options are suitable:

Method number 1, designed to remove medium pollution:

1. the items to be cleaned are laid out in plastic dishes;
2. then a 9% solution of food vinegar is poured in an amount sufficient to completely cover the items to be cleaned;
3. for moderate browning, the exposure time is 20-30 minutes;
4. more serious contaminants require exposure for one to two hours.
5. then the product is washed under running water and polished with a soft cloth.

Method number 2, helping to cope with old black on silver products:

1. pour 200 ml of table vinegar into an enameled pan and heat until the first bubbles appear;
2. immerse jewelry or objects to be cleaned in the solution;
3. then remove the pan from the heat and leave to act for 5-10 minutes;
4. carefully, so as not to burn yourself, remove the cleaned products with tweezers, rinse them under running water and leave to dry on a soft cloth.

For blackened or oxidized silver, these methods should not be used, since vinegar will remove the decorative coating as well as dirt.

The use of such a tool as hydrogen peroxide for silver purification, it would seem, should not cause special doubts, because everyone knows how effectively this substance is able to dissolve any dirt. However, in the case when we are talking about silver, it is necessary to take into account its composition in order to evaluate what kind of chemical reaction will occur when exposed to this aggressive liquid and metal.

The use of hydrogen peroxide for silver purification will be successful only if the alloy contains no such constituent components, which can cause additional enhanced oxidation under the influence of peroxide.

On the Internet there are a lot of complaints reporting a similar effect of peroxide on silver jewelry. It is also mentioned that in order to “save” the injured product, the owner had to go to a jewelry workshop, as at home they could not cope with such a reaction.

Since it is impossible to say absolutely exactly what kind of impurities are included in the composition of a particular silver alloy, at least you should not risk using a substance such as hydrogen peroxide to clean it.

A very good means of cleaning soft surfaces, which include the surface of silver, is tooth powder. Our grandmothers were well aware of this, having successfully cleaned silver tea sets and vases with its help. The gentle effect of the smallest particles of tooth powder not only successfully cleans plaque formed on the surface of the metal, but also produces a polishing effect, giving it a radiant shine.

Nowadays, tooth powder is quite difficult to find on sale, but it can be replaced with toothpaste. For the purification of darkened silver, you need to purchase a white paste that does not have any additional inclusions or pigmented additives.

The toothpaste cleaning options are as follows.

Method number 1, which is well suited for cleaning kitchen utensils, watches or silver figurines, however, it will require physical effort:

1. a toothpaste is applied to the surface of a toothbrush having soft bristles, a cotton swab or a microfiber cloth;
2. careful circular movements carry out polishing of the product, starting from the most polluted places;
3. if necessary, add paste, achieving a complete removal of plaque;
4. the cleaned product is washed under running water, and then wiped dry.

Method number 2. This method is only suitable for products that have minor contamination:

1. dilute the tube of toothpaste with water to the state of liquid slurry;
2. soak jewelry in this composition and leave them for an hour and a half for maximum impact;
3. remove products and rub them with a soft cloth, conducting additional cleaning;
4. they wash off the rest of the paste with running water, and then dry the decorations, wiping them from time to time.

Method number 3, thanks to which with the simultaneous exposure to ammonia and toothpaste manages to clear a rather darkened silver:

1. toothpaste, water and ammonia are mixed in equal proportions;
2. in the resulting composition, silver products are soaked for half an hour;
3. remove products and polish them with a soft cloth;
4. rinse products in large quantities of water, dry, wiping and turning over.

Some consider the use of toothpaste the best way to clean silver from blackness, although this may not be acceptable. In any case, it is obvious that this method cannot lead to damage to the product, since it is soft and gentle.

Citric acid is also called the E330 food supplement, it is easy to purchase at any grocery store. This tool can also be used to clean silver products. Citric acid has good cleansing properties and is commonly used for descaling. Equally successfully, it acts on black plaque that appears on silver and is sulfur sulfide.

The process of its removal is a sample of a soft chemical reaction, for the full course of which is required carefully observe all mandatory conditions.

There are several ways to clean silver items with citric acid.

Method number 1, which will help to successfully cope with the most serious pollution:

1. we dilute 50 g of citric acid in 250 ml of water, pour the resulting composition into a container for a water bath;
2. products to be cleaned are placed in the prepared solution;
3. then in the same solution we put a small piece of copper wire;
4. heat the composition in a water bath to a boil, then boil for 30 minutes;
5. we carefully remove silver items from the hot solution;
6. we wash the silver under running water and let it dry, occasionally wiping it with a soft cloth (best if it is microfiber).

Method number 2, which is used for highly darkened silver:

1. dilute citric acid in water in a ratio of 100 g per 500 ml of water;
2. on the bottom of an enameled pan we put food foil;
3. we place silver objects on the stacked foil and cover them slightly with the edges of the foil sheet on top;
4. over low heat, bring the composition to a boil, reduce the heat, continuing to boil until silver is completely purified;
5. in the process of boiling in water, either small yellow or black flakes will appear, or the foil with which silver comes in contact will turn black. This means that the purification proceeds normally and sulfur sulfide passes from silver to liquid or to the surface of aluminum;
6. to extract products from a hot solution, it is better to use forceps. It is necessary to get out very carefully, avoiding sedimentation of silver flakes floating in the solution.

Method number 3, which is the simplest and only suitable for cleaning easily contaminated silver objects:

1. pour 1.5 liters of water into the pan;
2. add 100 g of citric acid powder;
3. bring the resulting solution to a boil, then turn it off;
4. immerse objects from silver in a hot solution and leave for half an hour;
5. remove, rinse with water and wipe dry.

Very quickly, efficiently and without special tricks, you can clean the darkened silver products with such a simple tool as table salt. The advantage of using this substance is the fact that salt can be found in the kitchen of every housewife. Among the cleaning methods there are both very simple ones that are suitable in order to remove a small plaque from jewelry, as well as more complex ones that can even be used to “bring back to life” fossil spoons and forks. When using salt you should definitely ask what kind of product quality.

Method number 1, which can be recommended for cleaning not too darkened jewelry:

1. spread soft tissue, it is better if it is a flannel or microfiber;
2. we spread on the surface of the fabric products that require cleaning, and abundantly fill them with sodium chloride;
3. then wrap the edges of the fabric and lay the resulting bundle on the bottom of the plastic container;
4. pour water into the tank, completely covering the bundle;
5. the exposure time of the product is from 1 to 2 hours;
6. we remove the products, rinse in running water and wipe.

Method number 2 is suitable for moderate pollution:

1. we put food foil in a plastic container, onto which we put silver jewelry;
2. abundantly fill decorations with salt mixed in equal proportions with soda;
3. then close the top with the edges of the foil;
4. pour hot water;
5. leave for 1 hour so that the composition works;
6. we remove the silver jewelry, rinse them under running water and polish with a soft cloth to shine.

Method No. 3 involves the use of heat treatment, this is one of the most effective ways to “resuscitate” blackened silver:

1. we lay out a piece of foil on the table, on which we lay out the decorations to be cleaned;
2. we fill the products with salt from above, trying to cover them “with a slide”, then close the foil;
3. pour a soap solution prepared from 1 teaspoon of any soap grated on a fine grater into the pan (it is best to take laundry soap) and 200 ml of water;
4. gently place the foil in a pot with a solution;
5. bring the contents of the pan to a boil, reduce the heat and leave to boil for 15 minutes;
6. carefully remove the product, put it on a saucer and leave until completely cooled;
7. wash the cooled jewelry under running water, then wipe it with a soft cloth, drying and polishing at the same time.

It is widely believed that silver jewelry can be quickly and easily cleaned with a drink such as Coca-Cola. It really is products placed in Coca-Cola solution really brighten.

Accordingly, miracles cannot be expected from such a cleaning method, but it can be suitable for removing a slight gray deposit from the surface of silver. This can be done in the following way:

1. in a plastic or metal container lay the decoration, which is poured with a Coca-Cola solution;
2. leave for 1 hour;
3. if during this time the Coca-Cola solution begins to change color and becomes lighter, this means that the cleaning process is successful;
4. in the case when the color of the solution does not change, it is worth replacing it and pour the product from another can;
5. after an hour, we remove the product from the solution, rinse it under running water and wipe it.

In some cases, silver does not just darken, but also acquires a greenish coating. This usually happens with products made of alloy 875 samples, which have a high copper content, which gives a green tint during oxidation. A similar plaque can also be cleaned at home, but you’ll have to use a special chemical called Trilon B.

You can buy it either in the numismatic department or in stores of companies specializing in servicing heating systems. It costs 100 g of Trilon B from 200 to 400 rubles. Work with this substance must be in gloves. Do not use iron dishes, since Trilon B enters into a chemical reaction with iron. To clean silver from green plaque, you need:

1. prepare a 10% solution of Trilon B. To obtain a similar concentration, you need to take 10 g of the substance per 100 ml of warm water;
2. soak the product for 15 minutes, it is advisable to clean each item separately in a fresh solution;
3. to extract the product, you need to use a non-metallic object, for example, plastic tongs;
4. then wipe the product with a soft toothbrush, removing greens from it, then rinse it with running water and dry it;
5. to give silver brightness and shine, it is advisable to wipe it with a cloth moistened with ammonia.

In addition to the above methods of removing plaque from silver, which can be called classic and time-tested, you can find quite a lot of very non-standard methods of cleaning this metal.

For instance:

1. using raw potatoes, for which it is necessary to grate 1 potato on a fine grater and soak the product in the resulting slurry for 5 minutes;
2. with the help of a potato broth left after cooking, into which the decoration is lowered and “boiled” for 15-20 minutes;
3. using the foil in which the decoration is placed, spread it on the bottom of the ceramic container and fill it with hot potato broth, leaving for 20 minutes;
4. with the help of milk, in which the jewelry is “boiled” for 5-7 minutes, then removed, washed and wiped dry;
5. with the help of an egg yolk, to which add 1 tablespoon of "White" (a product containing chlorine). This composition is applied to the decoration with a toothbrush and wiped, removing plaque.

Silver products can be cleaned using professional products, which can be purchased at every jewelry store or in the department stores of supermarkets. They are available in the form of pastes, aerosols and liquid products.

These are drugs such as:

1. Silver Care Solution Alladin, which successfully helps to clean jewelry within a minute (more than two minutes to keep the product in this tool is not recommended due to the very concentrated composition). The cost of 50 ml is 63 rubles.
2. Silver Cleaner "Font" also copes well with dark plaque, costs 57 rubles per 50 ml jar.
3. Sunlight Jewelry Cleaner, which the manufacturer calls safe and effective for all types of jewelry, customers rate it very average; the cost of a 100 ml bottle is from 250 rubles to 500 rubles.
4. "Universal stone", which is positioned as a tool for cleaning the entire house, including silver jewelry, is well rated by users; the cost of 800 g is 1800 rubles.
5. Leuchtturm, which, according to manufacturers, is designed to clean old pollution, including green plaque, costs 400 rubles per 250 ml. After removing contaminants, this drug creates a protective film on the surface of the product.

Cleaning jewelry is required when it comes to old silver. In the same situations when the owner purchases a new product in the store, it is easier to prevent the growth of pollution and to carry out preventive measures. This is especially true for products inlaid with precious stones or decorated with enamel or “black”.

For cleaning silver jewelry with “black”, enamel or from oxidized silver, which cannot be processed by any of the above methods, apply olive oil:

1. Apply 100% olive oil to a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth;
2. we carefully wipe the decoration, trying especially not to press in places containing blackening;
3. we wash the decoration with hot water without detergents and wipe it dry.

Quite often, silver is covered with a thin layer of gilding, which gives the metal additional charm, but does not save it from darkening. Moreover, gilded silver requires special attention when cleaning, since when processing with strong compounds, gilding can peel off or scratches will appear on it.

In order to prevent a significant darkening of the gilded silver, which can be removed without problems, it will be very difficult, Do not start this process. Care should be taken at the first "symptoms."

In the case when the soap solution does not cope, you can use ammonia or table 9% vinegar, but in a very small concentration:

1. we dilute in 200 ml of water 1 tablespoon of ammonia or food vinegar;
2. lower the gilt decoration into the solution and leave it for 30 minutes;
3. we remove the product and wipe it with a soft cloth, if necessary, treating it in darkened places with a cotton swab;
4. then rinse in running water and wipe dry.

You can also clean gilded silver using alcohol-containing liquids. It can be toilet water, vodka or cognac. The darkened decoration should be wiped with a soft cloth moistened with an alcohol solution, then rinsed with clean water and wiped dry with a flannel napkin or suede, which will give an additional glow to the gilding.

You can also clean the gilded silver in beer:

1. To improve the effect, it is necessary to degrease the surface with alcohol first, removing excess pollution;
2. pour the product with beer and leave for 1 hour;
3. we take out the decoration, rinse under running water and wipe dry with suede.

Precious stones give silver jewelry a special charm, sophistication and nobleness. In the case when the silver jewelry has inserts with precious stones, it requires special care. When cleaning such products, special gentle methods are required. Pearls, emeralds, rubies or corals should never be immersed in hot solutions or boiled water. Moreover, one cannot “cook” jewelry with stones, because when exposed to hot temperature they lose color.

When cleaning gems, it is important to understand that they have different densities, and therefore require different methods of exposure.

Aquamarines, emeralds and sapphires embedded in silver can be cleaned using the following method:

1. we make a soap solution from washing powder or shampoo, in which we place jewelry;
2. leave for 2 hours to soften the plaque;
3. wipe with a soft toothbrush;
4. rinse and dry.

For malachite, turquoise, moonstone, opal and other stones that are considered gems, brushing is contraindicated, washing powder should also be replaced with a milder baby soap:

1. rub the bar of baby soap on the grater;
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of soap chips until completely dissolved with 400 ml of water;
3. in a soapy solution we place silver jewelry with gems and leave for 2 hours;
4. we take out, wash and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

For those silver jewelry that have inserts of organic minerals, which include coral, pearl and amber, the best way to clean is to preventively remove only emerging plaque:

1. for this product you need to wash it with warm water with the addition of a small amount of laundry soap;
2. rinsing is carried out under running water;
3. rubbing and polishing of stones is strictly not allowed;
4. Contaminated pearls can be cleaned with potato starch.

As with gold, there are also rules for wearing and keeping silver. They are very simple, but if you follow them, products from this magical metal will delight owners for a long time with their radiance and purity.

These recommendations are simple:

• You should avoid wearing silver jewelry in places with high humidity: on the beach, in the pool, in the sauna.
• You should never sleep in silver jewelry.
• They should be worn already when makeup is applied and perfumes are sprayed to avoid contact with the chemical components of cosmetics.
• After removing the jewelry, wipe them with a soft microfiber cloth, getting rid of the remnants of sweat and sebum.
• Keep them separate from medications.

• Never throw jewelry made of silver, as this is a very soft metal, on which scratches from bumps quickly appear, which can only be removed in a jewelry workshop.
• Do not put all jewelry in one place. Store rings and earrings in separate caskets. Storage chains are best hung.
• In the case when some silver jewelry is rarely worn, it is better to wrap it in foil for storage, thereby eliminating the access of air.
• After carrying out the procedure for cleaning silver jewelry, it is undesirable to immediately start using them. For several days, a protective layer will form on the surface of the metal that is not in contact with the skin, which will help maintain the appearance for a longer time.
• It is advisable to place several pieces of chalk in a box for storing silver products, which will absorb excess moisture, preventing darkening of the metal.

See how to clean silver at home in the next video.