How to clean silver with baking soda: effective ways and methods

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Author of the article

Svetlana Pavlikhina

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You can clean silver and restore its shine using a product that is found in every home - soda. There are many reasons for the darkening of metal, but they are all related to the oxidation process. At home, silver jewelry can be cleaned with baking soda and other effective household products.

Features of cleaning with soda

Silver changes color over time and becomes darker. It is affected by water, air and other external factors.

Jewelry made from this metal must be worn correctly and cleaned approximately 2 times a year.

What affects the color change of silver:

• exposure to water;
• Sun rays;
• household chemicals;
• sweat;
• cosmetic products.

You can restore the color of a product and give it shine at home using soda-based products.

Why does silver turn black?

Metal in its pure form is practically not used for the manufacture of silver jewelry, household items or tableware. It is very plastic, easily deformed and bends.

Jewelers have learned to “tame” this material: they use silver alloys in their works. To obtain them, additional components are used - non-ferrous or precious metals (most often copper).

The alloy acquires new properties - it becomes harder and more wear-resistant, and receives a certain shade.

Reference. The fineness of the silver alloy depends on the amount of the added auxiliary component and indicates the percentage of its content. High- and medium-grade silver is processed in jewelry production, low-grade metal is used for making kitchen utensils and other beautiful things.

Over time, a dark coating appears on the surface of the metal, it loses its shine and becomes dull. Depending on the components added to the alloy, the surface may change color, for example, turn black or green.

The main reason for such metamorphoses is increased humidity in the room where the item is stored.

Other factors may affect the condition of jewelry:

• prolonged contact with the skin, then the owner of jewelry;
• exposure to components of cosmetic or hygiene products;
• aggressive influence of detergents and cleaning products used to clean the house;
• friction on rubber;
• contact with food (onions, egg yolks), household gas and components released during its combustion.

To restore the attractive appearance of silver, you need to clean it. This service is provided in jewelry workshops and stores.

There are situations when you need to add shine to your favorite accessory urgently; there is no time to visit a specialist.

You can clean a silver item at home by using popular recipes with available ingredients: soda, ammonia, citric acid, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

Pros and cons of the method

Advantages of use:

1. Baking soda effectively removes dirt and grease and returns bright color and shine.
2. Unlike polish, the product does not remove the top layer of metal.
3. It's very cheap.
4. Can be purchased at any grocery store.
5. Easy to use.

The disadvantage of using it is that the decoration may become cloudy. This happens if there are many impurities in the composition. The method is effective for samples above 800 on the stamp.

You cannot clean gold-plated and blackened silver with soda solutions. It is also prohibited to use them to wash natural stones.

Which samples can withstand this treatment?

Expert opinion

Vsevolod Kozlovsky

6 years in jewelry making. Knows everything about samples and can identify a fake in 12 seconds

The lower the silver standard, the more susceptible it is to blackening. Pure silver is not prone to oxidation, which means it does not need cleaning with soda and foil at all. Therefore, the method will be effective for 800, 830, 875 stamps. In rare cases required for 925 and 960.

You should never clean gold-plated or blackened silver using this method, since along with unwanted contaminants you can remove the decorative coating and oxide layer.

Cleaning methods

There are several ways to clean jewelry and cutlery using baking soda.

Each method allows you to return the color, shine and original appearance to an object:

• soda solution.
• with hydrogen peroxide;
• with ammonia;
• soda and foil;
• with toothpaste;
• with vinegar;
• With salt.

Each method has its own application features.

General recommendations

Tips for cleaning silver with baking soda:

1. Use regular baking soda.
2. Clean products only by hand, without using polishers.
3. Use vinegar very carefully.
4. To remove heavy stains, use a soft toothbrush or dish sponge.

Recommendations will help preserve the appearance of an item made of precious metal. If you are not sure of the result, it is better to contact a jeweler .

Using baking soda and water

Cleaning silver with soda is usually carried out using an additional component - water.

This method is popular due to its ease of use and accessibility.

A small amount of soda (determined by eye depending on the size of the item that needs cleaning) is diluted with water to a paste. The design of the decoration and the presence of decorative elements on it determine the choice of item for applying the cleaning composition. This can be a soft cloth or brush, or a cosmetic cotton pad. With their help, silver is mechanically cleaned with soda.

The procedure requires that hand movements be light and gentle; there is no need to use force - excessive zeal can cause damage to your favorite things.

How to clean the grille of a hood.

Soda solution

The easiest way to clean jewelry is to prepare a soda solution. The method allows you to restore shine, brightness and beauty.

To prepare the product you will need:

• baking soda – 1 tsp;
• water – 1.5 tbsp. l.

Process:

1. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
2. Apply to the product with a brush or sponge and leave for 15 minutes for the reaction to begin. Foam and bubbles may appear.
3. Using gentle movements, clean the entire surface of the object.
4. Rinse the jewelry with clean water and dry.
5. The product is rubbed until shiny with a woolen cloth.

It is important to rinse the solution well from hard-to-reach places. If, after drying, white spots appear on the silver, you should rinse it again with warm water.

With hydrogen peroxide

This method perfectly removes blackness from metal:

1. Pour hydrogen peroxide (50 ml) into a glass bowl and add 2 tbsp. l. soda The result is a liquid white mass.
2. Dip the product into the product for 10-15 minutes, then brush and rinse with running water.
3. The item is polished with a soft cloth to a bright shine.

With ammonia

This method helps to rinse hard-to-reach places:

• 5 ml of ammonia are mixed with 50 ml of clean water;
• add 1 tsp. soda;
• mix the product until smooth;
• The object is dipped into it and left for 20 minutes;
• the product is washed and dried.

Soda and foil

The most effective way to remove tarnish from silver items is to use baking soda and foil. The procedure restores shine and color brightness.

Cleaning process:

1. 2 tbsp. l. Soda is mixed with 500 ml of water, placed on the stove and brought to a boil over maximum heat.
2. Silver jewelry is carefully wrapped in foil (there should be no gaps).
3. Dip the resulting package into a boiling solution and leave for 15 minutes.
4. Take out the jewelry and wash it with warm water.
5. Dry on a towel and rub until shiny.

If the metal object is not too dirty, you can not boil it, but simply keep it in the solution, packing it in foil.

With toothpaste

A simple, inexpensive and affordable way is to use toothpaste. The disadvantage of this method is that the cleaning mass does not penetrate well into hard-to-reach places.

Squeeze a small amount of paste from the tube into a bowl, add soda and stir. Rub the product with the resulting product using a napkin or sponge. Rinse well in water and dry.

With vinegar

A solution of soda and vinegar can ruin the product. Before use, you should test it on an inconspicuous area, for example, on the inside of the ring.

How to prepare the solution:

• For 5 g of baking soda, take 10 ml of vinegar 9%;
• mix the ingredients until smooth.

You only need to work with gloves so as not to damage the skin of your hands. The product is placed in the solution for 2 hours, then removed and washed. This method does not leave scratches or damage.

With salt

Soda and salt quickly remove black deposits on silver.

The components are taken in equal proportions and mixed with water to a paste, carefully apply the mixture to the entire product in a thick layer and leave for 10 minutes. The item is treated with a brush, then washed off under running water .

Composition with added salt

You can clean silver from blackness with soda using an additional substance - salt.

The recipe for preparing the mixture contains the following proportions: two glasses of water, one tablespoon each of soda and salt, a little liquid detergent. It should be prepared in a metal container, then brought to a boil (stirring), place the item that needs to be cleaned into the solution. After boiling for half an hour over low heat, the metal will acquire a shiny, well-groomed appearance.

It is important that no additional effort is required to obtain results; the active components will do all the work.

Boiling silver with soda

For the procedure you will need an aluminum pan, baking soda, dishwashing liquid and a piece of foil. The method allows you to clean blackened silver in a short time.

Pour soda into the pan, add a few drops of detergent and water. Bring everything to a boil.

The decorations are wrapped in foil so that there are no gaps, the package is immersed in liquid and boiled for half an hour.

The product is carefully removed from the water, removed from the foil and washed under running water. You can wipe the silver with a brush or cloth to remove any remaining tarnish or dirt.

The decoration is dried on cotton fabric. At the end of the procedure, the object is rubbed to a shine.

How often can you clean with baking soda?

Can I clean jewelry and cutlery frequently with baking soda? To prevent the product from losing its appearance and shine, it should not be washed constantly. Cleaning is carried out as soon as it gets dirty, but not more than once every 6 months.

To maintain the light shade of a piece of jewelry, it must be handled correctly.

You should wipe it with a soft cloth after wearing it, remove jewelry when taking a bath or swimming in the sea, and store it in a place protected from direct sunlight.

How to clean silver

Excessive exposure to cleaning compounds can be just as damaging to your silver as lack of care. Rinse items thoroughly in warm water to remove any remaining cleaning product.

After processing and rinsing, wipe the silver dry. To dry, use soft cloths that do not leave lint on the product:

• flannel;
• velvet;
• microfiber or similar. (Figure 2)

Figure 2 - Microfiber cloth.

When cleaning silver, do not try to polish the metal quickly, applying more physical force to the processing. You may scratch the item and will have to contact a jeweler to re-polish it. For the same reason, you should not clean metal with compounds containing small, dense particles. Such cleaning products will act like a scrub on the product: instead of a shiny surface, you will get decoration with streaks of small scratches. It is especially important to follow this recommendation when cleaning matte silver.

Light stains can be removed without additional chemicals. Simply leave your silver items in warm soapy water for a couple of hours and then wipe with a soft cloth. Clean difficult places in joints or with engravings with a brush with natural bristles. Finally, rinse and dry the product.

Algorithm for cleaning from blackness

Procedure:

1. Sodium bicarbonate is mixed with water in the required proportions.
2. Place the decoration in a bowl.
3. Leave the item in the solution for 10 to 40 minutes.
4. Take out the product and rub it with a toothbrush or soft sponge.
5. Rinse with clean tap water.
6. Polish with a cloth or jewelry napkin.

Before cleaning, precious metal items should be prepared for the procedure so that the baking soda works effectively.

Preparation

What should be done:

1. Mix soap shavings with warm water.
2. Lower the item for 1 hour.
3. Rinse.

After this simple preparatory procedure, you can begin the main cleaning.

Using Vinegar

Heavily soiled, old silver jewelry without stones can be effectively cleaned by applying a procedure with the addition of table vinegar.

Foil is placed at the bottom of a glass container (you can take a small jar), baking soda and salt are poured onto it, their quantity is the same - one tablespoon. Then half a glass of boiling water and the same amount of 9% table vinegar are poured into the container. The solution is thoroughly mixed and the object is placed in it. The cleansing effect occurs quickly - five minutes of exposure is enough to obtain a high-quality result.

The accessory is washed with water and dried with a napkin.

Cleaning items with stones

It is not recommended to clean silver items with stones at home. It is worth using a jewelry napkin or entrusting the procedure to specialists.

Which stones cannot be treated with soda:

• pearl;
• amber;
• corals.

When washing, you should avoid getting the product on the precious stones. It is better to use a soap solution and a soft cloth.

You can clean and boil emerald, aquamarine, and sapphire.

Ruby, garnet and topaz should not be boiled or placed in a hot solution. After the procedure, you need to thoroughly rinse the item with water.

How to add more shine

Silver that has just been cleaned with soda will still shine. For best results, polish it. You can use special products or napkins sold in jewelry stores, or whatever you have on hand.

Polishing products with soft cloths gives a good effect. Velvet or velor with short pile, made from 100% wool, thin felt or felt are best suited.

As an aid, you can use GOI paste, created in the early 30s of the last century by Soviet scientists. Just be sure to look at the packaging - it should indicate that the product is intended for polishing jewelry, or be numbered 1 or 2. Pastes No. 3 and 4 have abrasive particles that are too large, are intended for rough grinding and can scratch the product.

Matte silver is made using special emulsions and does not require polishing. It is easily recognized by its rough surface.

You can clean silver items with baking soda without scratching and without much effort. It makes it easier to care for jewelry or cutlery, removing dirt and restoring its original shine.

Additional recommendations

To preserve the appearance and shine of silver products for a long time, you should properly care for them.

Recommendations:

• put cutlery made of precious metals in a dark and dry place after use;
• remove jewelry before taking a bath or going to the solarium;
• use cosmetics and toilet water carefully so that the products do not come into contact with the metal;
• Silverware cannot be washed in the dishwasher;
• Wipe items with a dry cloth.

You can save the item from darkening using a special napkin. You can clean silver with a soda solution if it is heavily soiled and a black tint appears.

Types and causes of silver contamination

The following factors can lead to oxidation:

• storage in a room with high humidity;
• direct contact with household chemicals;
• contact of cosmetics with metal;
• frequent contact with water (for example, if you take a bath without removing jewelry);
• dirt settling on a fatty base (sweat).

Copper, which is part of the alloy, reacts with sulfur contained in human sweat and air. It is because of this reaction that silver is coated with a dark, thin layer of Ag25 (silver sulfide). The more impurities in the jewelry, the more actively it darkens. Especially cutlery.