While preventative measures, like storing silver jewelry in anti-tarnish bags and keeping it away from extra moisture, can slow tarnish, it will still need to be cleaned regularly. Several products are available on the market that do this, but a number of common household items also work to clean silver.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste has long been touted as a DIY silver cleaner because the mild abrasives help to remove grime from jewelry and silverware. Simply apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth and scrub the item to clean it. Rinse thoroughly with water to prevent any damage.
This method isn’t recommended for silver-plated items, as it may cause the metal to flake. Before using any DIY methods, test the piece in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t be damaged. These treatments won’t keep tarnish from returning, so they are best used for emergency spruce-ups.
In addition to abrasives, toothpaste contains humectants and detergents. Humectants help to maintain the consistency of the paste, while detergents help to create the cleaning foam. Some toothpaste varieties also include extracts of echinacea, gotu kola and green tea for added benefits. These ingredients are typically sourced from natural sources, making them a more environmentally friendly alternative to commercial silver polish.
Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola is the world’s most popular soft drink. Its distinctive red-and-white bottle has become a symbol of globalization. The company has a variety of initiatives in place to address water quality, climate change, and corporate diversity.
The Coca-Cola Company manufactures and sells syrup to authorized bottlers, who add water and carbonation to produce finished products. This division is called the concentrate business. In addition, the company produces and markets a range of other beverages, including caffeine-free versions and a line of flavored iced teas.
Although the exact ingredients of Coca-Cola are a secret, speculation has arisen that it may contain cocaine, an alkaloid extracted from coca leaves. The company has denied any such claim and insists that it contains no cocaine or its derivatives. However, the secret formula has engendered a great deal of mystique and generated many imitators. The company has also used its image to promote its products, for example by inserting its bottles in Hollywood films.
Baking Soda
Silver cleaners can contain chemicals that are toxic to the planet. These toxins can also damage your hands, which may make you want to look for an alternative method to keep your silver sparkling. The good news is that baking soda, which you probably already have in your home, works as an effective silver cleaner.
To use baking soda, line a pot of the appropriate size with aluminum foil and fill it with boiling water. Add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda to the solution and stir to dissolve. Place your silver items inside and soak. Heavily tarnished pieces can benefit from a second soaking.
Baking soda’s cleaning power is based on a chemical reaction that produces no harmful fumes. It is the most eco-conscious and user-friendly method to remove tarnish from silver. It can also be used on other household objects that are prone to tarnishing, including jewelry and decorative pieces. Baking soda also has odour-neutralizing powers, making it an excellent substitute for expensive shoe deodorizers.
Lemon Juice
The natural acidity of lemons makes them an effective silver cleaner. You can use lemon juice alone or combine it with olive oil and salt for a more efficient cleaning solution. Soak your silver jewelry in the homemade cleaning solution overnight, then rinse and dry it with a microfiber cloth or cotton flannel. This cleaning method works well on most silver items, but be careful not to clean any opaque gemstone jewelry that could disintegrate in contact with the acid.
Ketchup also works wonders for removing the dark coating that makes silver jewelry or serving utensils look dirty. Just put your pieces in a bowl of ketchup and leave them there for up to 15 minutes before rubbing them with a dry cloth. You can also try soaking your silver in laundry detergent. Just fill a pot with enough water to submerge your silver, add some powdered laundry detergent and let your jewelry soak. This is an especially good alternative to abrasive silver cleaners that can scratch or dull the surface of your jewelry.
