How to clean a silver bracelet?

Silver bracelets are not only beautiful, but also hypoallergenic. The latter often becomes the reason for choosing an accessory made of this metal. But it has one unpleasant property - it darkens over time. Since this flaw looks scary, people have come up with a mystical explanation for it: they say that tarnished silver means the evil eye. In fact, the reason is an admixture of copper, which gives a reaction to the sulfur contained in human sweat.

Rules for cleaning silver at home

Before you start cleaning yourself you should find out what standard the silver is. The smaller it is, the more gentle the product should be. In order not to spoil your favorite silver bracelet, you need to know a few important rules:

• silver is a soft metal, so cleaning with rough materials such as rough cloth, hard bristle brushes or steel wool is not recommended;
• after cleaning with the solution, the product is rinsed with water and polished with a soft cloth such as fleece, flannel or felt;
• The bracelet is cleaned systematically so that a lot of plaque does not form;
• You should not take on the task of cleaning expensive jewelry; it is better to leave it to specialists;
• When removing plaque at home, you should not use harsh chemicals.

Features of cleaning a silver bracelet

To clean a silver bracelet it is better to use special solutions that are sold in jewelry stores. They are intended for various products, including jewelry with precious stones. If all the instructions were followed and the solution was selected correctly, the metal will retain its shine for a long time. After all, their advantage is that they form a thin protective film that lasts for several months.

But there are also traditional methods. The ingredients for at least one recipe are sure to be found in every kitchen.

Soda

A quick and reliable method for removing blackness from silver. You need to prepare:

• glass bowl;
• baking soda;
• baking foil;
• boiling water.

Procedure:

1. Cover the bowl with foil and press it down a little (not to the bottom);
2. put a silver bracelet there;
3. sprinkle soda on top, about 2-3 tbsp. l. (depending on size);
4. pour a small amount of boiling water, the reaction will begin;
5. wait 4 minutes;
6. remove the bracelet and rinse under running water.

Ammonia

A proven and gentle method, suitable for cleaning a bracelet with precious stones. For this process you will need:

• soapy water;
• glass container;
• ammonia solution.

Process:

1. Pour warm soapy water into the container;
2. add 5-8 drops of ammonia;
3. Dip the chain into this solution and leave for 10-15 minutes;
4. then rinse the bracelet under cold running water.

Important! If you add chalk powder to the mixture with ammonia and rub it on the silver, the darkening will go away after 5 minutes.

Tooth powder

This option suitable for smooth products, since chains and bracelets with intricate patterns have many hard-to-reach places that cannot be cleaned. To do this you will need a piece of soft cloth and tooth powder. Moisten the cloth with warm water, sprinkle with powder and gently wipe on all sides.

Important! Do not press hard when rubbing, soft silver is easy to scratch.

Vinegar

There are two ways to clean a silver bracelet with this product. Pour vinegar into a bowl and place the decoration in there, hold for a while. Then rinse and wipe dry. Or moisten a cloth with vinegar and wipe it on all sides, then rinse and dry.

Citric acid

This option will also help restore the metal’s former shine; for it you need to prepare:

• 100 gr. citric acid;
• 500 ml water;
• a piece of copper wire.

Mix lemon juice with water, put wire in a bowl and place in a water bath. When the solution boils, place silver jewelry in it for 10 minutes. Then rinse under the tap and wipe with a cloth, removing any remaining plaque.

Prevention of darkening of metal

To avoid having to clean your silver bracelet often, you should know the recommendations used for prevention:

• the decoration is removed during water procedures and applying cosmetics;
• You should not do cleaning or wash dishes with a chain on your hand;
• after getting wet, wipe it dry with a soft cloth;
• store the bracelet in a separate box covered with fabric;
• when used rarely, silver is wrapped in foil to protect it from oxidation.