So that silver objects are not too opaque and so that it costs less to restore their original shine, it is convenient to clean them at least once a month.
At present, there are decorative elements in silver that almost do not blacken because they are made in the process of galvanizing with rhodium. However, antique silver items darken over time due to exposure to dust and other agents in the environment. Do you want to learn how to clean silver?
Contrary to what many believe, this material does not rust but rather has a reaction with hydrogen sulfide, causing it to become more opaque. Luckily, in addition to having the possibility of polishing them with the metal glitters that they sell in the market, you can also improve their appearance with some homemade tricks.
How to clean silver at home: 7 tricks that help you
Before putting into practice any trick to clean silver at home, we want to highlight some basic care to avoid deterioration. Thus, first of all, you should be careful not to pile up your jewelry or silver objects, as this can cause scratches or imperfections.
Also, try to clean and dry them well after each use (especially if they are dishes or cutlery). Use mild soaps and cotton cloth. Completely avoid any abrasive sponge.
Keep jewelry, containers, and tableware away from possible concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. For example, you should not leave stale fruits on silver trays or dishes since their decomposition generates that deteriorated appearance in the element.
Was it impossible for you to avoid the dull appearance of your silver objects? Then try some of the tricks we share below. Keep in mind that they come from popular culture, and, therefore, there is no evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness. However, being safe methods to apply, it is not a problem to try them.
1.Saltwater
A simple saltwater solution is helpful to restore the shine of small items, such as jewelry and chains.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of salt (10 g)
- 1 cup of water (250 ml)
What should you do?
- Pour the tablespoon of salt into a cup of boiling water and soak the silverware overnight.
- The next morning throw away the liquid and polish the silver with a dry cloth.
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2.Baking soda with vinegar
Combining baking soda with white vinegar is one of the most practical tricks for cleaning and polishing many household items. Both undo the opaque layer that covers silver objects to leave them clean and shiny.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda (10 g)
- ¼ cup of white vinegar (62 ml)
What should you do?
- Add the baking soda little by little to the white vinegar (you will notice that it fizzes).
- When you have dissolved everything, submerge the silver objects or rub the product with the help of a clean cloth.
- Finish by polishing with a dry cloth and, if necessary, repeat the process.
3.Toothpaste to clean silver
One of the alternatives uses for toothpaste is as a polish for silver and other metal objects.
Ingredients
- Toothpaste (as necessary)
- Hot water
- Neutral soap
What should you do?
- Wash the objects well with hot water and mild soap and rub them with a good amount of toothpaste.
- After polishing for 5 minutes, rinse again and dry thoroughly with an absorbent cloth.
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4.Cream of tartar
One of the lesser-known products for this purpose is the cream of tartar. This ingredient removes dust, removes dull film, and provides incredible shine.
Ingredients
- Cream of tartar (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (5 g)
- 1 liter of water
What should you do?
- Add the cream of tartar, water, and salt to a saucepan.
- Mix everything well and put it over medium-low heat.
- Add the silver elements and let them boil for 5 minutes.
- After the indicated time, remove them, wait for them to cool down, and polish them with a cloth.
5.Aluminum foil
The foil trick is one of the most popular and easy. Help leave silver items looking brighter and cleaner.
Ingredients
- Aluminum foil (as needed)
- Hot water
- 1 tablespoon of salt (10 g)
What should you do?
- Take a large piece of aluminum foil and use it to wrap a large container.
- Fill the bowl with hot water and then add the salt.
- Put the silver objects in and leave them for about 10 minutes.
- Dry them and wipe them with a soft cloth to polish them.
6.Banana peel
In this case, we will use the inner part of the banana peel, which is what helps us remove dirt from metal objects.
You just have to take a fresh banana peel, use it to polish the silver element of your choice. If necessary, repeat the process several times, changing the shell.
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7.Lemon
This citrus fruit also has multiple uses in cleaning the home and is a good ally to clean and preserve silver.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of salt (5 g)
What should you do?
- Cut a lemon in half, sprinkle it with salt, and use it to polish the silver.
- Let it act for a few minutes, rinse and rub with a soft cloth.
Finally, we advise you to use gloves when cleaning these types of objects. Also, try to repeat the cleaning 1 or 2 times a month so that your silverware shines all the time.