7 Tricks To Purify Silver At Home

There are some types of silver that almost do not lose their luster at all, because they are made by a galvanic process that gives them a thin layer of rhodium on the surface of the metal. However, many people own antique silver, which darkens over time from exposure to dust and other environmental agents. Contrary to many people’s beliefs, silver does not oxidize. Instead, it reacts with hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere,  causing discoloration. Read these 7 tricks to purify silver at home!

Fortunately, you do not have to go out and buy expensive polishes to restore the shine of your silverware. Keep these following tricks in mind to purify silver and restore the luster of the valuable things.

Tips for cleaning silver at home

1. Salt water

A simple saline solution can be used to purify silver, such as necklaces and other jewelry.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 cup of water

Here’s how to do it

• Combine the salt with a cup of boiling water and leave the silverware in it overnight.
• The next morning, drain the liquid and polish the silver with a dry cloth.

2. Baking soda and vinegar

The combination of baking soda and vinegar is one of the most practical cleaning tips for different uses in the home. Its properties remove the discoloration that covers silverware to leave them clean and shiny, as if they were new.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp baking soda
• ¼ cup white vinegar

Here’s how to do it

• Slowly pour the baking soda into the vinegar (it will start to effervesce).
• When the baking soda is completely dissolved, immerse the silver thing in the mixture and scrub with a clean cloth.
• Finish by polishing with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat the process if necessary.

3. Toothpaste

This is one of the many alternative uses for toothpaste. Toothpaste is great for cleansing silver and other metal objects.

Ingredients

• Toothpaste
• Hot water
• Mild soap

Here’s how to do it

• Wash the silt that is to be cleaned in warm water with a mild soap.

• Rub the silver in with a liberal amount of toothpaste.
• After polishing for 5 minutes, rinse and dry well with an absorbent cloth.

4. Cremartartari

Crematorium tartar is also excellent for cleaning silver, but it is not very well known. This ingredient will remove discoloration  and leave metal with an incredible shine.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp cremortartari
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 liter of water

Here’s how to do it

• Combine cream of tartar, salt and water in a saucepan.
• Mix everything well and set it over medium-low heat.
• Put the silver to be cleaned in the mixture and let it boil for 5 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, remove the metal and allow it to cool before polishing it with a dry cloth.

5. Aluminum foil

The trick with aluminum foil is one of the most popular methods for removing discoloration and leaving the silver so that it looks completely new.

Ingredients

• Aluminum foil
• Hot water
• 1 tbsp salt

Here’s how to do it

• Take a large sheet of aluminum foil and place it inside a large bowl.
• Fill the bowl with warm water and add salt.
• Lower the silverware into the bowl and let them soak for 10 minutes.
• Wipe and polish them with a soft cloth to leave them shiny.

6. Banana peel

The inside of banana peel contains substances that help to clean metal objects.

Ingredients

• 1 banana peel

Here’s how to do it

• Take a fresh banana peel and use it to polish silver.
• You may need to repeat the process several times with a few different banana peels.

7. Lemon

This citrus fruit has many uses in the home. It is great for cleaning and restoring silver.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 1 tsp salt

Here’s how to do it

• Cut a lemon in half, dip it in the salt and use it to polish the surface of the metal.
• Let this work for a few minutes, before rinsing with water and wiping with a soft cloth.

Some more tips…

When cleaning silver, it is very important that you protect your hands with gloves and that you work in a well-ventilated area. Certain gases can be released, and these can be harmful to your health.

To keep silver from becoming really dull, you should try to give your silver things a light cleaning at least once a month.