Almost every woman has a silver chain in her jewelry box, and some fashionistas have an impressive arsenal of dozens of similar jewelry. These can be traditional neck chains, bracelets, anklets, threaded earrings, and so on. This is not surprising: such jewelry is inexpensive, undemanding in terms of outfit, and is always in trend.
Even when properly stored and worn infrequently, silver is prone to darkening and accumulation of contaminants. It is not difficult to clean silver from blackness at home. Stores sell a lot of special products designed to care for jewelry: from the long-known GOI paste to patented innovative compositions.
Cleaning a silver chain at home can be done without the use of special products. Surely there is something in your kitchen, bathroom or medicine cabinet that will return the decoration to its original appearance.
Why did the silver chain turn dark?
If the silver chain turns black, this may be preceded by the following factors:
- Wet air. If you wear silver jewelry in the rain or in a sauna, it will certainly darken over time. Humid air slows down sweating, resulting in an increased concentration of salts on the surface of the human body. They lead to oxidation and darkening of the metal.
- Poor quality alloy. Often, in addition to silver, impurities of other metals (for example, copper) are added to jewelry. It oxidizes faster than silver, so the product gradually begins to darken.
- Environmental impact. In addition to humidity and rain, the enemies of silver chains are exhaust fumes, tobacco smoke, dust, etc.
- Contacts with an aggressive environment. For example, cosmetics (creams, perfumes, shower gel, etc.).
- Changes in the state of the human body. If the silver chain suddenly begins to darken, it is useful for its owner to pay attention to his health. With some diseases (for example, the endocrine system), the level of fat production by the sebaceous glands changes, and various toxins are introduced onto the surface of the skin. They influence the color change of a silver product.
Chemists explain the darkening of a silver chain quite simply. The noble metal oxidizes upon contact with compounds containing sulfur. As a result, a patina forms on the surface of the chain - a film that gives the metal a dark color.
Causes of darkening of silver
The main problem that owners of silver jewelry face is their tarnishing. The appearance of patina on silver is a natural process of metal aging, sometimes this process is enhanced by a chemical reaction to human sweat or drops of perfume.
However, in addition to the scientific explanation, there are a number of pseudo-scientific theories that explain the change in the color of silver, tarnishing, and the appearance of a dark or green coating:
- The darkening of silver is associated with the presence of serious diseases in its owner. Part of this theory may be true, since the rate at which silver jewelry develops tarnish is affected by exposure to sweat, the more frequent and intense the exposure, the faster the jewelry will darken. And excessive sweating is often a sign of endocrine imbalance.
- The darkening of the chain is associated with the presence of cancer in its owner, but practice shows that there is no relationship between the change in the color of silver and the presence of tumors.
Whatever the beliefs of the owner of the jewelry, any darkening of silver lends itself perfectly to gentle cleaning at home with commonly available means.
Features when cleaning silver chains
It is somewhat more difficult to clear darkening from a chain than, for example, a ring or pendant. And all because the product, which is worn around the neck, consists of many links and is distinguished by a complex weave. Therefore, there are many more hard-to-reach places in the chain than in other silver jewelry. In addition, unlike a pendant and a ring, the chain does not have a rigid shape, which does not make care any easier.
To properly clean a silver chain, it is convenient to use a special brush with thin bristles. If you don’t have one, you can replace it with a regular toothbrush, but always with soft bristles. Using this tool, it is convenient to clean dirt from the links after the chain has been treated in the solution.
Milk
The acid contained in this product effectively removes plaque from the coating and returns the jewelry to its original shine. For the best effect, boil the chain in milk, and kefir or regular homemade yogurt are also suitable for rubbing.
Titanium dioxide can be found in some store-bought drinks. This is a harmless white dye, which, when combined with lactic acid, helps fight stains even better.
Photo: olliewake.ru
How to clean a silver chain with special compounds
If it was not possible to bleach a darkened silver chain using improvised means, you can use professional products.
Paste GOI
The consistency of the paste is more like plasticine than actual paste. This jewelry cleaner comes in three types:
- Rude. Helps remove the toughest stains. After applying coarse GOI paste, the surface of the decoration remains matte.
- Average. Effectively removes light blackness. After using this paste, the surface of the decoration takes on its usual appearance.
- Thin. By itself, it practically does not clean jewelry. Its purpose is to polish jewelry to a mirror shine.
Preparing for cleaning:
- Prepare a soft natural fabric (flannel or wool).
- Dampen a cloth with a small amount of gasoline.
- Apply some paste to a rag and wipe the cloth on a piece of scrap metal.
The last step is necessary to ensure that the paste is evenly distributed throughout the fabric. GOI paste should not be applied directly to the jewelry, otherwise the silver surface may be scratched.
Stages of work:
- To clean heavily soiled items, wipe them with a cloth treated with a coarse paste.
- Next, treat the chain with medium paste.
- Complete the process by treating the pieces with a fine polishing paste.
- After cleaning, rinse the silver item with running water.
The average cost of GOI paste fluctuates around 200–240 rubles.
GOI paste can generate dust. Therefore, when cleaning silver jewelry, you should wear glasses and a mask (available at the pharmacy).
Composition for cleaning silver products “Talisman”
The product of the Russian brand helps to quickly restore the noble metal to its former beauty and shine.
Stages of working with Talisman spray:
- Pour a small amount of liquid into a glass or plastic (non-food) container.
- Next, place the chain there.
- After 2 minutes, remove the jewelry, after protecting your hands with gloves.
- Rinse the product well with clean running water.
- Repeat the procedure if necessary.
The estimated cost of the Talisman spray is 150–200 rubles.
If the contamination is severe, you can additionally use an old toothbrush to clean the chain links after “bathing” in the “Talisman”.
Silver cleaning foam SILBO
SILBO foam is specially designed to protect, restore and clean silver items and give them a noble shine.
Features of the product:
- foam cleans the surface of the chain from dirt;
- returns the original shine to the jewelry;
- acts carefully and quickly;
- penetrates even into the tiniest gaps between the links of thin chains;
- Suitable for frequent use.
Mode of application:
- Remove the protective cap.
- Using the spray bottle at the top of the bottle, apply a small amount of foam to the chain.
- Place the decoration in a cap or a special small container.
- Leave the chain to work for 35 minutes.
- After the required time has passed, rinse the product thoroughly with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
- Repeat the cleaning procedure if necessary.
The estimated cost of the SILBO silver product cleaner is 300–350 rubles.
SILBO foam should not be used on chains that are already blackened. This product is also not suitable for cleaning jewelry with enamel or colored stones.
Home Remedies
Cleaning silver at home is not that difficult - you will need substances that are sold in any supermarket or pharmacy.
Since in most cases cleaning involves physical - that is, force - impact on the jewelry, you need to be careful not to break the chain or deform its links.
Lemon juice
To clean one chain, depending on its length and thickness, you will need the juice of 2 or 3 lemons. It is poured into a glass glass, the decoration is placed there and left for a while. Typically, it takes 10-30 minutes to whiten silver. If the oxide film (which is what causes the metal to turn black) has formed a long time ago, it may take about an hour to dissolve it.
In the absence of citrus fruits, it is not forbidden to use citric acid from a bag. You need to dissolve 3 teaspoons of crystals in 100 ml of warm water and put a chain there.
In both cases, after completing the procedure, the jewelry is rinsed with clean water and blotted with a paper towel.
Ammonia
This product from the pharmacy allows you to effectively clean silver from blackness and dirt. Due to the strong unpleasant odor, you should only use it outdoors, and if you can’t go outside or onto a balcony, you should definitely open the window.
Prolonged inhalation of ammonia vapor poses a danger to the body.
For cleaning you will need a glass vessel with a lid - a small clean jar will do. Ammonia is poured into it, the chain is placed so that it is completely immersed in the liquid, and then closed with a lid and left for 20 minutes. Then the silver is taken out, washed under the tap and dried.
By the way, ammonia can be reused to clean silver, so you don’t have to throw it away.
Toothpaste
Since toothpaste is found in every home, it is worth using it if you need to quickly clean your chain. It is desirable that the paste be white and have a regular, not gel-like consistency. A paste with a whitening effect is best - tiny abrasive particles are added to it. You will also need a toothbrush. You can take the old one, or you can take your own - nothing bad will happen to it.
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Before you start cleaning, moisten the brush with water, squeeze the paste onto it (the larger the decoration, the more paste is needed) and foam it on the palm. If this is not done, the paste will get stuck between the links and it will take a lot of time to wash it out. Next, place the chain on the palm and clean it with longitudinal movements of the brush, continuing the procedure until the silver acquires its natural color and shine. After this, remove the remaining paste under running cold water and wipe the decoration.
Chalk
Not the most reliable method, which, moreover, is only suitable for thick and strong chains. However, in some cases it can help remove blackness if the silver has become darkened by sweat.
You can use chalk in different ways:
- Crush it into powder - then cleaning will take less time and the result will be of better quality, since the smallest pieces of the mineral will be able to penetrate into all places. In this case, chalk is poured onto the hand, the chain is placed there and thoroughly rubbed between the palms, and then either washed in water or polished with velvet until shiny.
- Use a whole piece - then the chain is placed on a soft surface and “drawn” on it with chalk. During the cleaning process, the chain is turned over several times and finally rinsed with water.
Since chalk is very dusty, it is best not to use it in the house.
Foil
This method is suitable for jewelry without stones or enamel. If there is a simple pendant on the chain - a cross or an icon - you don’t have to take it off.
To clean, you need to prepare a small enamel container (saucepan or saucepan), 2 tablespoons of soda, some foil and 500 ml of clean water.
The cleaning process should go like this:
- Several layers of foil are placed at the bottom of the container.
- Soda is poured there and decorations are placed.
- Pour water over it all and bring to a boil.
- Wait 5 minutes, turn off the heat and remove the chain from the water with a fork.
Thanks to a chemical reaction in which aluminum, soda and silver enter under the influence of high temperature, the blackness dissolves - and the jewelry becomes as good as new.
How to save the result
Preventing the appearance of dark deposits on silver is much easier than cleaning it from the surface of the jewelry. To make the chain shine longer and please the eye, it is useful to pay attention to a number of recommendations:
- Before taking a shower or bath, swimming in a pool or river, or applying masks or creams to the neck area, remove the silver chain.
- It is better to cook, wash, wash windows and do other housework by removing your jewelry.
- Remove silver items from your neck at night. Wipe the chain with a clean cloth. This procedure will eliminate the grease and dirt accumulated during the day.
- Store silver in a dry place away from the bathroom and medicine cabinet.
- Once a week, wash the chain with laundry or tar soap, going over it with a toothbrush.
- Periodically polish the silver item with a flannel or cloth moistened with alcohol.
- Line the bottom of the box in which the chain is stored with foil. Place a packet of silica gel there.
Cleaning silver chains is a painstaking job that requires precision and concentration. The treatment can be carried out using both home and professional means. From available materials, ammonia, soda, hydrogen peroxide, and salt will cope well with the cleaning task. If you are planning to use a professional product, you need to carefully study the instructions.
Chalk and ammonia
Pour 250 milliliters of water, add half a teaspoon of alcohol. Then pour crushed chalk into the resulting liquid to make a thick ointment. Gently brush the silver chain with it. After completing the procedure, wash off the remaining pulp from the jewelry with warm water.
If the plaque is not very strong, a dry type of cleaning will do. Take a small, lint-free piece of cloth, place the chain on it and sprinkle chalk on top. After wrapping the flap, rub the silver with gentle movements for 5-7 minutes, and then blow off or brush away the remaining powder. You can also use laundry soap instead of chalk.
Photo: po-chistim.ru
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Egg yolk
Apply the yolk to the silver chain and let it dry. Then rinse the accessory under running water. If the dirt is very ingrained, add Javel water to the yolk. This method is also good because it protects the coating for a long time from harmful oxides. As a result, the silver remains shiny and light for longer.
Photo: bronity.ru
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Dentifrice
Take an old or new, but soft toothbrush and wet it. Take a small amount of tooth powder without abrasives (as a rule, the scratching particles differ in color from the main mass). Thoroughly rub the links of the silver chain, and then remove any remaining ointment using a cloth or napkin. If this does not help, add a couple of drops of ammonia, or replace the powder with soda or whitening toothpaste.
Photo: mirhitrostey.com
Olive oil
You will need a small piece of fabric (preferably microfiber). Soak the tip in oil and then rub it over the links of the silver chain until it shines. To get rid of grease later, rinse the jewelry in soapy water and let it dry.
An alternative is lemon juice. Take half a glass of citrus drink and add a teaspoon of olive oil to it. Polish your jewelry using this concentrate and a thick cloth, and then rinse it in plain water.
Photo: sosed-domosed.ru
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Ash
If the dirt is minor, just pour ash onto the fabric, put a chain on top and wrap the flap. Leave the product like this overnight, and in the morning, wipe the links with a cloth soaked in soapy water to get rid of the smell.
For a more ingrained plaque, prepare a thick ointment from ash and water. It is important that the ash is free from impurities, is well dissolved and does not include abrasive lumps that can scratch the silver coating. Gently rub the surface using the resulting mixture.
Photo: wvape.ru
Stationery eraser
This cleaning method is suitable for chains with large links without fine or openwork weaving. The smoother the surface of the pendant, the more convenient it will be to wipe it with an eraser.
An eraser is ideal for when you need to clean or lighten small areas of jewelry or get rid of pinpoint stains. It is important to use the soft side of the office assistant, as the rough side can damage the lining, leaving scratches.
Photo: aliexpress.ru
Soda
Coca-Cola, Sprite or Pepsi are best. For a more gentle cleaning method, leave the silver chain in a glass of drink all day. It will whiten dirty areas and even get rid of stubborn plaque.
If you don’t have much time and you need to clean the jewelry quickly, boil the silver in soda for 7-10 minutes, and then rinse with tap water. Important: do not leave the metal in a boiling sweet drink for longer than the specified time, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the coating.
Photo: drive2.ru
