Silver Utensils Cleaning: Silver utensils kept in the house look very beautiful because of their shine. In many homes, silver bowls, glasses, spoons and utensils used in worship are kept safely for years. But due to prolonged storage or continuous use, the shine of silver gradually starts reducing. Many times the utensils become so black that looking at them one feels that it will be difficult to bring back the old shine. However, there is no need to take them out every time to get them cleaned. The blackness deposited on silver can be removed with the help of some things present in the house and the right method.
Blackening of silver is not just due to accumulation of dirt. When it comes in contact with sulfur compounds present in the air, tarnish starts forming on the surface of silver. For this reason, its color starts appearing black or faded with time. It is not right to rub too much while cleaning it, as it may scratch the surface.
Soap and warm water for light stains
If the silver utensils are not too blackened and only have fingerprints, dust or light grease accumulated on them, then the method of mild soap and water can be adopted first. Take lukewarm water in a vessel and add a few drops of mild dishwash liquid in it. Now clean the silver utensil slowly with the help of a soft sponge or cloth. After cleaning, wash the utensil thoroughly with clean water and dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Especially do not allow water to stagnate in silver utensils with designs or grooves. If moisture remains for a long time, the shine of the vessel may be affected. Regular light cleaning can also reduce the chances of a thick black layer forming on silver.
Remove blackness with aluminum foil
For heavily blackened silver utensils, the aluminum foil method can be used. For this, spread aluminum foil inside a container and pour hot water in it. Dissolve washing soda in it. After this, keep the silver utensil in such a way that it remains in contact with the aluminum foil. Leave it like this for a few minutes. During this process, the tarnish deposited on the silver starts getting removed. After this, take out the vessel and wash it thoroughly with clean water and dry it immediately. If the utensil appears a little dull, you can polish it gently with a soft cloth. Keep in mind that washing soda and baking soda are different things. Washing soda is used in this method.
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Calcium Carbonate for heavy dark marks
If the blackness of silver is not coming out even after normal cleaning, then very fine precipitated calcium carbonate i.e. pure fine chalk powder can be used. Prepare a thick and smooth paste by adding some water to it. Now apply this paste slowly on the silver surface with a soft cloth. Instead of rubbing it in a circular motion, it is better to clean it gently in a straight direction. After cleaning, wash the utensils thoroughly and dry them immediately. Do not consider regular chalk powder as a substitute, as the coarse particles present in it can leave fine scratches on the surface of the silver.
Keep these things in mind while cleaning
While cleaning silver utensils, the way you hold them also matters. The natural oils and sweat present on hands can leave marks on the surface of silver. Therefore, clean cotton gloves can be used while cleaning very precious silver items. It is better to avoid using rubber or latex gloves. If the silver vessel has a handle made of wood, bone or any other material, do not immerse it completely in water. Similarly, it is not advisable to soak utensils having hollow parts or designs joined together in water for a long time. Moisture can get trapped inside them, which becomes difficult to dry completely later.
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