Silver chains are considered very popular today. And it is not strange, because silver is a precious metal, but in terms of value it is much cheaper than gold. However, at all times there was a problem with the chains of this alloy: they get dirty very quickly, and they need to be cleaned from time to time.
Today we will tell you some simple methods on how to quickly and effectively clean a silver chain at home, which leads to chain contamination, how to properly care for silver neck jewelry, and how to store chains in the best way.
The main reasons for the darkening of silver
Previously, it was believed that if the silver has darkened, then the person who wears the chain is ill. Maybe 50 or 100 years ago, the precious metal only changed color due to health problems of the owner, but today the situation is completely different.
Many of us live in big cities, which are maximally contaminated with chemicals, products released during the combustion of transport fuel, various "infection" that is added to drinking and sewer water.
All this Chemicalization has a very bad effect not only on humansbut also on silver neck ornaments. The darkening of silver is the result of a chemical reaction of the metal with the environment, namely with sulfur-containing compounds found in water, air, household chemicals and many cosmetics.
The rate of darkening of the product on the neck depends on metal samples (the higher the sample, the lower the copper content, due to this, the oxidation process is slower). Please note that jewelry made of 925 sterling silver, that is, the share of precious metal in the alloy is 92,5%, darkens less and takes longer.
silver tarnish problem scientists have begun to investigate long ago 1864. But, unfortunately, so far it has not been possible to find any solutions to completely eliminate the blackening of silver. But this process can be delayed.
The darkening of the chains affects only the upper thin layer of metal, so restoring the original appearance of the product is not so difficult.
Now you know for surethat if your product has darkened, then you should not immediately fly and check yourself for all sorts of sores. Here you need to consider all the reasons:
- dirty tap water in which you bathe;
- the use of cosmetics that contain sulfur;
- poor ventilation of the room;
- high humidity in the place where jewelry is stored;
- contact of silver with household products of the chemical industry.
So, let's get down to the question of how to clean a silver chain at home from blackness so that the product shines like new again.
Cleaning a silver chain at home with hydrogen peroxide
Using peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, you can perfectly clean high quality silver chains and crosses containing a minimum of standard impurities. For example, a 925 metal sample means that the alloy contains only 7,5% impurities, or ligatures. Alloying silver increases its strength and removes some of the shortcomings of pure metal. The classic addition to 925 sterling silver is copper..
Caution! If the jewelry or product is made from an alloy of low standard or in violation of technology, that is, with the addition of any other metals, then peroxide, entering into a chemical reaction with them, can, on the contrary, cause darkening of silver.
Therefore, before you start a “full-scale” cleaning of silver items with this product at home, test its effect on small areas from their back.
By reacting with metals, hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen atomsthat oxidize iron. Thus, the plaque film is destroyed, causing a visible darkening of the silver.
pure peroxide
Advantages this cleaning method:
- availability and low cost of all components;
- simplicity of the process;
- excellent result in compliance with the rules of execution.
The cons are not so numerous, but on them is note:
- the appearance of low-grade silver jewelry can be easily spoiled;
- products with precious stones and other inserts must not be cleaned with peroxide;
- blackened silver cannot be cleaned.
Don't take chances with homemade cleaning of antiques. Their cost is usually high, and the composition of the alloy is unknown.
What need to prepare:
- shampoo or liquid soap;
- several clean containers;
- lint-free cloth, it is best to use wipes for wiping glasses;
- you can use a soft bristled brush, if you have one;
- latex gloves;
- water.
about water there is advice. Do not use tap water for cleaning. It may contain exactly the ingredient that affects the darkening of your jewelry. It is better to buy mineral ordinary water in a bottle. If you do not trust her, then in the store for motorists you can find distilled water for sale, which will fit for our purposes.
Method work:
- Before cleaning silver chain with hydrogen peroxide, degrease it by soaking it in a solution of shampoo or dish detergent for 15-20 minutes.
- Then rinse the chain with clean water.
- Dry with a soft cloth and proceed with the cleaning procedure, use only soft-bristled brushes or cloths for it.
Peroxide formulations do not burn your hands, but if you have sensitive skin, use rubber gloves.
- To prepare the solution, add 50 ml of peroxide to a liter of water.
- After degreasing, place silver items in this solution for 2-3 hours.
- Remove, wash in clean water, wipe the chain from moisture and dry.
Pure peroxide without dilution with water or without the addition of some other means that enhance the effect is not used.
Method for cleaning silver chains with peroxide and ammonia
This is another efficient and fast way, which removes not only the tarnish of the chains, but also the impenetrable blackness from the metal, along with dust, old dirt and even hair remnants.
What you need to have with you:
- liter of drinking or distilled water;
- peroxide;
- ammonia;
- gloves;
- cloth;
- clean dishes.
Order Action:
- In a liter of water, dilute 2 tbsp. spoons of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.
- Soak a silver chain without stones and blackening in this solution.
- Leave the product in it for 15 ... 20 minutes.
- Rinse with water, wipe and dry.
If you are sure of the high quality of the silver in your chain, then you can use a more saturated solution without water: take one part of ammonia for two parts of 3% peroxide.
When using a more powerful solution the blackness will go away after a few minutes of soaking. Ammonia vapors are unpleasant for the sense of smell, so work in a well-ventilated area, and if possible in the fresh air.
If the silver chain has turned black, then we use hydrogen peroxide with soda
This way considered the best for cleaning chains complex profiled surface.
Would need:
- a piece of cotton napkin, but it is better to take a small brush for cleaning interdental spaces or a toothbrush with soft bristles;
- tablespoon;
- baking soda;
- peroxide;
- clean dishes;
- water;
- gloves.
Technology work:
- To a tablespoon of baking soda, add enough hydrogen peroxide to make a porridge-like mixture.
- Using a soft cloth, gently apply the paste to the silver chain.
- Gently wipe all links, especially the most soiled areas.
- Leave the chain in this state for fifteen minutes.
- Rinse off the dried mass and dry the chain thoroughly.
This method of cleaning was tested by our great-grandmothers. Even heavily soiled chains sparkle like new after it. As our grandmothers used to say, do it in such a way that it shines.
To wash a silver chain from blackness, the described methods are quite enough for you, but many are afraid or simply do not want to use peroxide, since there is a high risk of getting dark spots on low-quality 925 samples. For such comrades, we have several more options.
How to bleach a silver chain with foil and baking soda
This recipe uses just 3 ingredients:
- baking soda;
- baking foil (aluminum);
- water.
Here soda plays the role of a cleansing and whitening component. In addition, it enters into a chemical reaction with aluminum and water, during which atomic hydrogen is released. It is he who restores the metal from oxides. As a result, the oxide film from silver lags behind and is cleaned. Sometimes it immediately dissolves in water, but more often after processing, the product must be wiped with a soft cloth to remove residual plaque.
The procedure will not take long. Everything about everything will take at most 15 minutes. At the same time, no special knowledge and skills are needed - the method is absolutely safe for use at home.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Tear the foil into a deep dish (for example, a mug), pour baking soda and mix.
- For 200 ml of water, you need 2 teaspoons of soda and a piece of foil about 15 cm by 10 cm.
- At the next stage, you need to place a silver chain in the container and pour boiling water on top.
- Next, be careful. Now a reaction will occur and foam will form, which can spill onto the table.
- Without waiting for the water to cool, after 5-10 minutes the silver must be removed from the chain and wiped with a soft cloth.
- During the cleaning process, an unpleasant smell of hydrogen sulfide will be felt. Do not be alarmed, it indicates that the reaction has taken place and the silver is being actively purified.
Exist multiple uses for this recipe, so do not be alarmed if on the Internet you stumble upon something radically different. Cleaning occurs even in cold water when soaking. However, in this case, you will have to wait from 1 to 2 days. Many, on the contrary, seek to intensify the reaction, so as not to wait, but immediately, for sure, to get a clean sparkling product from the solution.
How to clean a blackened silver chain at home with foil, soda, soap and salt
To enhance the effect, laundry soap and salt are usually included in the classic recipe.
To do this, make a solution:
- 500 ml water (2 cups)
- 2 tbsp. soda spoons,
- 1 st. a spoonful of table salt,
- 2 tbsp. tablespoons of grated soap or the same amount of dish detergent.
Heating always speeds up a chemical reaction.. Therefore, in order to clean the silver as quickly as possible, the solution with the products can be boiled over low heat. But no more than half an hour. Instead of regular baking soda, you can take soda ash for washing. It is more caustic, so the concentration should be halved (1 teaspoon per 200 ml of boiling water).
How to wash neck jewelry with chalk and tooth powder, paste
Usually, if there is no time for fun with tricky ammonia, then simple cleaning with ordinary chalk, paste or tooth powder helps.
The cleaning steps listed above are as follows:
- White chalk is ground to a homogeneous state. In science, they say that it becomes finely dispersed, i.e. divided into very small particles.
- The powder is placed in a small clean saucer and then a little clean water is added to it.
- The resulting paste should be taken in the palm of your hand and put a chain on top. After that, hold it with the second palm and rub. If everything was done correctly, then the product will again begin to shine like new.
- Removal of powder residues is best done under the pressure of water. Do not worry, small particles of chalk or powder will not get stuck in the chain links. They are completely soluble in water.
- Dry the item.
- At the end of the procedure, it is desirable to polish the chain.
As a cleaning agent, it is best to use an old Soviet-made tooth powder.
In the absence of chalk or tooth powder, toothpaste can come to the rescue.
toothpaste method
Another easy and easy to implement method.
What have to take:
- soft tissue;
- green toothpaste (usually it is the green shade that contains all the most suitable substances for cleaning);
- clean water.
What do:
- rinse the product in clean water;
- apply some white paste to the fabric;
- polish the silver chain to a shine;
- if it doesn’t help, then leave the decoration in the paste for 20 ... 30 minutes;
- rinse the chain in clean water;
- dry dry.
How to shine a silver chain
So that after cleaning polish cleaned silver items to a mirror finishAfter removing possible traces of streaks, use any of the following tools:
- gel toothpaste without dye additives;
- hygienic lipstick also without coloring ingredients;
- GOI paste (a polishing substance based on chromium oxide, which is used to polish a product made of various metals);
- Soviet tooth powder;
- pomade;
- special wipes or sprays for silver.
Some toothpaste, lipsticks or GOI pastes, apply on a soft cloth (flannel or velvet works best) and rub the silver chain on all sides. Now you need to sit down in front of the TV or laptops, turn on your favorite series and be patient. Slowly polish all chain links to a white sheen.
If you use purchased special tools, follow the instructions:
- rub silver with cleaning wipes, do not wash them, but use them until they are completely dirty;
- spray the products on all sides and after a few minutes polish them to a shine.
Polishing the chains after cleaning helps to fix the result for a long time.
Interesting facts about the safety of silver
Using foil, you can not only clean silver, but also store chains properly. Aluminum film protects the metal from darkening (oxidation). To do this, each product is wrapped in a dense layer of foil and stored in a dark place, for example, in a box.
On the Internet in various forums and not only you can find user tips for maintaining shine silver chains for a long time. One of them concerns the use of colorless varnish. For example, the one that girls and women use to apply to the nail plates. Under no circumstances should you do this. Yes, the varnish excludes contact of the product with oxygen, but at the same time it negatively affects the aesthetics of the chain. In addition, the varnish begins to crumble over time, as the links move a short distance when worn, destroying the fragile structure of the coating.
Remember that none of these methods can be used if stones are inserted into the jewelry. It is not known how this or that mineral will react to cleaning. Immediately read what the gem loves, what it cannot stand, and then experiment.
In order not to risk dubious ways to deal with a dark coating on silver, do not reach the black state. After each wear (if it is not a daily decoration), it is worth wipe chains with flannel. Neck silver should be stored only in fabric boxes or bags.
In no case do not leave the chain on an open surface, for example, on the refrigerator, as in this case the links will darken very quickly due to moisture, dust and grease. In addition, you risk losing the jewelry.
Good advice for owners of precious metal will be regular washing of neck jewelry (once every couple of months) in jewelry workshops, where you can clean your silver chain quickly and efficiently.
Prohibited cleaning products
There are several methods here that are used by those comrades who absolutely do not want to bother. But the consequences are not always positive. Prohibited methods:
- dry cleaning with laundry detergent;
- soda cleaning;
- cleaning with wooden sticks.
Many use the powder in dry form, which can't do anything case. After all, it can scratch the surface of the product. The powder must be poured into a small container and filled with water. Stir the resulting solution to a homogeneous consistency. After put on the palm, and on top of the chain. Close with the other hand and lightly rub the product. As always, it is necessary to rinse in water at the end of the procedure to remove particles of cleaning agent. Usually, after the first cleaning with powder, blackness is completely removed. If not, repeat the simple procedure.
Dry cleaning method with soda. Sprinkle baking soda on a paper towel. A chain is placed on top, wrapped in a napkin and lightly rubbed with your hands. Holding the napkin with your fingers, pull the chain through it. Pollution (oxides) will remain on the paper in the form of dark marks. So this method can also scratch the product.
Can't be soaked in water, jewelry with inserts fixed with glue.
Separately worth noting cleaning silver with pearls. Due to its organic origin, the stone is particularly sensitive to high humidity, heat and dust. To clean the entire product, it is necessary to use products specially designed for this purpose, and wipe the stone itself with a soft cloth. Cleaning with soap suds or potato starch is allowed. For shine, pearls are rubbed with olive oil. Also, the mineral fades if it is not worn for a long time.
One of the most effective ways is ammonia cleaning. But if you overexpose the jewelry in solution, you can damage its appearance. Aggressive liquid cannot be used for products with pearls, amber and corals. Ammonia has a rather pungent smell, and this chemistry cannot be used without gloves. Therefore, for home conditions, cleaning with ammonia is an unsafe method.
Some sites offer to experiment and bring back the radiance of the product with sweet sparkling water. This method does not work very well and raises a lot of doubts.
Professional cleaning involves ultrasonic treatment or the use of special tools. The first method is not used for all jewelry. But only a professional will help in such nuances. He will check the reliability of fastening each link and tell you if the product needs repair, and if necessary, update the worn rhodium plating or gilding.
In conclusion, only one thing can be said, as you have already seen, a blackened silver chain is not a problem. Methods with foil, soda or ammonia are all effective methods that allow you to quickly and efficiently clean your silver chain at home. However, it is better not to clean expensive products, for example, with inserts, using artisanal methods. It would be more correct to entrust this task to a professional jeweler or purchase a special tool.
To clean silver chains, a lot of various things are produced: napkins, polishing, washing, cleaning solutions. Cleaning a silver chain at home from blackness is a good thing, but not always reliable.
