The term sterling silver refers to an alloy that contains about 10 percent of other metal, such as copper.It is possible to make silver stronger and more functional by combining it with other metals.There are many uses for sterling silver, such as serving utensils, jewelry, accessories, and even business tools.The silver that is in sterling silver can tarnish when it comes into contact with certain environmental pollutants and the alloy metals are often reactive with oxygen.It is possible to clean and polish sterling silver objects, even if you need to do it for a big dinner party.
Step 1: Make sure you have your supplies.
Baking soda, salt, water, and aluminum foil are used to clean and polish sterling silver.This method isn't suitable for silver pieces that have porous stones or gems, such as pearls, shells, or turquoise, and for antiques (such as candlesticks) or jewelry that are affixed with glue.You will need salt, baking soda, liquid dish soap, boiling water, and a large bowl to clean aluminum foil.
Step 2: The dish needs to be prepared.
Attach the foil to the dish.The shiny side of the foil should be facing up.Place your silverware in the dish.
Step 3: Add the cleaning agents.
Put the salt, baking soda, and dish soap over top of the silver pieces and then pour the boiling water on top.Salt and baking soda can be dissolved with the solution.The tarnish from the silver will transfer to the foil if the pieces are not touching.
Step 4: Wait to see the reaction.
The silverware should sit in the solution for a while.The sulfur on the silver is not rotten eggs.To help the process along, use your fingers to rub silver around in the solution.
Step 5: The silverware should be washed and buff.
Remove the silver from the solution.To polish the silver, buff the pieces with a soft cloth.Silver is soft and can scratch easily.To polish microfiber or lint-free flannel, use a soft and non-abrasive cloth.Never buff or polish silver in a circular motion.
Step 6: Use water and soap.
For jewelry decorated with porous gems, watches, antiques that have pieces held with glue, or other delicate silver pieces that can't be immersed in water, there are still several options for cleaning.One cup of warm water and fifteen grams of dishwashing soap are enough to make a stir.You can mix up some suds with a hand blender.wring out the excess by dipping a soft cloth into the soapy water.To clean the silver, use the damp cloth.Put the cloth in the water and wipe it off.To buff and dry the silver, use a fresh cloth.
Step 7: You can make a baking soda paste.
You can mix baking soda and water to make a paste.Make sure to get into the nooks and crannies of the silver with a soft-bristled toothbrush or cloth.If the silver is dirty, rinse it under warm water or remove the paste with a damp cloth.It should be washed with a clean cloth.
Step 8: Lemon juice and olive oil are good.
In a small bowl, add lemon juice and olive oil.To polish your silver, dip a cloth into the mixture, wring out the excess, and use this.For small pieces that can be immersed, soak them in the oil and lemon solution and place the bowl into a small saucepan.To remove the bowl from the bottom of the saucepan, fill it with enough water.The water should be hot but not boiling for 15 to 20 minutes.The silver should be removed from the oil and lemon juice solution.Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the silver.For either the hot bath or the polishing method, rinse the silver with hot water and then dry it with a soft cloth.
Step 9: It's a good idea to give glass cleaner a try.
Windex is a glass cleaner that can be used to clean silver.It's a good idea to spray a glass cleaner onto a toothbrush.Use the cloth to clean the silver, then rinse it under warm water or wipe it off with a damp cloth.You can buff the silver with a soft cloth.
Step 10: Substances that will cause tarnish should be avoided.
Silver will tarnish if it contains sulfur.If you want to prevent this from happening, keep your silver away from things like Sweat Rubber and latex.
Step 11: Take the jewelry off of you.
Since there are so many things that can tarnish silver, it is a good idea to remove your jewelry when you go swimming or do household chores.If you plan on spending time in the sun, take your jewelry off.
Step 12: It's best to keep your silver in a dark place.
It is advisable to store your silver somewhere that is not too hot or damp.If you want to remove some of the humidity, you can keep activated charcoal, chalk, and other items in the storage area.Store silver away from the sun to prevent it from tarnishing.
Step 13: Wrap it.
Store silver in sealable plastic bags.Before closing the seal, push out as much air as you can.The other metals in sterling silver will not oxidize.