Difference between revisions of "Clean Silver"
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| − | + | Silver is a beautiful, versatile metal, and its soft luster adds a touch of elegance dishes, flatware, and jewelry. Unfortunately, silver is also pretty fragile compared to many more commonly-used metals and it can quickly develop tarnish, stains or scratches. It can also be a bit scary to try to clean silver pieces, because they are often special to us and we don't want to damage them. You don't have to be a silversmith to clean silver though. Here are some tips to help you keep your silver shining. | |
[[Category:Cleaning Metals]] | [[Category:Cleaning Metals]] | ||
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#*It's a good idea to wash silver separately from your other [[Remove Deep Stains from Dishes|dishes]] because [[Buy a Metal Detector|metal]] sinks and [[Clean and Disinfect Wooden Cooking Utensils|utensils]] can scratch silver, and stainless steel can damage the finish if it comes into contact with your silver. | #*It's a good idea to wash silver separately from your other [[Remove Deep Stains from Dishes|dishes]] because [[Buy a Metal Detector|metal]] sinks and [[Clean and Disinfect Wooden Cooking Utensils|utensils]] can scratch silver, and stainless steel can damage the finish if it comes into contact with your silver. | ||
#*Avoid using rubber gloves when washing silver, as rubber corrodes silver. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the silver clean and dry promptly with a soft towel. Gently buff the shine into dull silver with a soft cotton cloth. | #*Avoid using rubber gloves when washing silver, as rubber corrodes silver. Use a soft cloth to gently rub the silver clean and dry promptly with a soft towel. Gently buff the shine into dull silver with a soft cotton cloth. | ||
| − | #*Use nitrile gloves – they contain no sulfur that will promote the formation of tarnish. Cotton gloves are also acceptable.<ref>http://www.bladestuff.com/conserva/silver1.html</ref> | + | #*Use nitrile gloves – they contain no sulfur that will promote the formation of tarnish. Cotton gloves are also acceptable.<ref name="rf6922">http://www.bladestuff.com/conserva/silver1.html</ref> |
#Don't use the dishwasher to clean silver. The high temperatures and rough washing can change the color of silver and cause damage, especially to pieces that are porous. Do all of your silver cleaning by hand. | #Don't use the dishwasher to clean silver. The high temperatures and rough washing can change the color of silver and cause damage, especially to pieces that are porous. Do all of your silver cleaning by hand. | ||
#Polish your silver when light tarnish develops. Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that naturally develops on the outermost layer of silver and other metals. When you see the dark tinge of tarnish on your silver, simple hand washing may not suffice to remove it. Specially formulated silver polishes are your safest option for polishing silver, especially if you are dealing with an antique or a piece that has intricate designs etched into it. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. | #Polish your silver when light tarnish develops. Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that naturally develops on the outermost layer of silver and other metals. When you see the dark tinge of tarnish on your silver, simple hand washing may not suffice to remove it. Specially formulated silver polishes are your safest option for polishing silver, especially if you are dealing with an antique or a piece that has intricate designs etched into it. Follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. | ||
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#*Never store silver where it can contact rubber, stainless steel, or paint. | #*Never store silver where it can contact rubber, stainless steel, or paint. | ||
#*For sterling flatware, the best way to keep it beautiful is use it on a regular basis and gently wash/dry it with gentle dish soap and water. If it's not in storage for a long time, it doesn't have a chance to tarnish deeply. | #*For sterling flatware, the best way to keep it beautiful is use it on a regular basis and gently wash/dry it with gentle dish soap and water. If it's not in storage for a long time, it doesn't have a chance to tarnish deeply. | ||
| − | #*Many stores and catalogs that sell silver will also sell anti-tarnish silver chests lined with treated felt, or just the anti-tarnish cloth itself. These cloths lengthen the amount of time needed between polishings, but you still need to do it. They are also great for storage, as they keep the pieces from being banged around too much. If your silver chest doesn't have a drawer for serving pieces, you can just wrap them in a piece of anti-tarnish cloth or strips<ref>http://www.marthastewart.com/267161/anti-tarnish-strips</ref> and put that in a regular box. | + | #*Many stores and catalogs that sell silver will also sell anti-tarnish silver chests lined with treated felt, or just the anti-tarnish cloth itself. These cloths lengthen the amount of time needed between polishings, but you still need to do it. They are also great for storage, as they keep the pieces from being banged around too much. If your silver chest doesn't have a drawer for serving pieces, you can just wrap them in a piece of anti-tarnish cloth or strips<ref name="rf6923">http://www.marthastewart.com/267161/anti-tarnish-strips</ref> and put that in a regular box. |
===Alternate Tarnish Removal Methods=== | ===Alternate Tarnish Removal Methods=== | ||
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#* Be sure that the silver touches the aluminum, or else it won't work. The silver and aluminum, with the salt water between them form a battery, and when you touch the silver to the aluminum, it shorts the battery and a small current flows, allowing the chemical reaction to happen. This method is quick and better than a corrosive dip, but probably not as gentle as silver cleaning paste. | #* Be sure that the silver touches the aluminum, or else it won't work. The silver and aluminum, with the salt water between them form a battery, and when you touch the silver to the aluminum, it shorts the battery and a small current flows, allowing the chemical reaction to happen. This method is quick and better than a corrosive dip, but probably not as gentle as silver cleaning paste. | ||
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| − | + | This video shows you how to clean silver with the toothpaste method. | |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
