Cleaning silver with soda or dreft, do or don't?
In this article we would like to tell you more about us and what we do exactly. Because besides the fact that you can come to us for memorial jewelry, we can do a lot more for you. Memorie Jewelry is part of Jeweler Jos. Feel free to visit the store, or read on first.
Dirt on your silver jewelry
Silver turns black because it undergoes a chemical reaction with hydrogen sulfide. This is a very normal process and it is also called 'oxidation'. The rate at which your jewelry turns black depends on two things. Namely the humidity of the place where you are and the acidity of your skin. In addition to oxidizing silver, your jewelry also gets dirty from the grease that comes from your skin.
To maintain the quality of your jewelry and maintain the shine, it is wise to clean your jewelry every now and then. Both cleaning with soda and dreft are quick ways to clean your jewelry again. However, keep in mind that this is only a way to patch up your jewelry. It does not remove scratches and not all jewelry can withstand it, especially jewelry with stones. If you really want to keep your jewelry in good condition, it is wise to have your jewelry maintained by the jeweler at least once a year. You can also keep your silver jewelry beautiful for longer by cleaning it regularly with a silver polishing cloth.
Cleaning silver with Soda
If you only want to remove the black layer from your silver jewelry, you can clean it with soda. Make a bath with hot water and place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom with the matte side up. Sprinkle some soda on it and stir gently so you don't have any lumps. Place your silver jewelry on the sheet of aluminum foil, make sure they are in contact with the foil, otherwise the process will not work. Turn your jewelry after fifteen minutes. Leave them for a while and rinse very well with water. Dry them with a clean cloth. Be careful not to brush too hard. Then you will damage the silver. Do not be alarmed by the sulfur smell that is released. That's very normal.
Please note that not all jewelry is suitable for cleaning with soda. Especially jewelry with precious stones or jewelry with dark parts are not suitable for a bath with soda. The dark parts can light up and the gemstone can be severely affected by the salt water.
Tip: Before you put your jewelry in a bath with soda, it is wise to clean your jewelry. Use a polishing cloth or clean your jewelry with dreft. This way your jewelry is properly degreased.
Cleaning silver with Dreft
If you want to degrease your silver jewelry, you can clean it with Dreft. Make a bath with lukewarm water containing a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and a teaspoon of baking soda. Leave the silver jewelry in the bath for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then clean the jewelry with a soft, old toothbrush. This way you can also brush narrow edges clean. Rinse your jewelry well and dry with a clean cloth.
The preference of dishwashing liquid is mainly for the green Dreft because it degreases very well. This is important because most of the dirt on your jewelry comes from oil from your skin. However, also pay attention here if your jewelry has Swarovski zirconias, precious stones or diamonds. Some stones and diamonds may break, or they may become dull or discolored when they come into contact with water and/or dishwashing liquid.
Other home-garden-and-kitchen resources
You can find all kinds of other home-garden-and-kitchen remedies on the internet that can polish your silver. Toothpaste, chalk, sour milk, ammonia, cigarette ash, baby ointment and ketchup are all reviewed. Due to the acidity or the abrasive effect, they all have their function. If you want to keep your jewelry good, do not use these products too often. Prevention through proper maintenance is better than cure. So use the silver polishing cloth that comes with your jewellery.
It is also important that you have your jewelry checked annually at our store. It is then checked whether the settings are still good, stones are still in place and your jewelry is cleaned and polished. This falls under service and you do not have to pay for this. In this way you will enjoy your jewelry the longest and it can be passed on from generation to generation.
Tip: you can also use silver polish that is specially made for the maintenance of your silver jewelry. Hagerty 's resources are very good and not expensive either. In addition to silver polish, there are also means to maintain your gold jewelry.
Maintaining silver jewelry
In addition to cleaning your jewelry and the annual maintenance at Jeweler Jos, there are a number of ways you can maintain your silver jewelry.
- Take off your silver jewelry before exercising. Sweat causes your jewelry to oxidize faster. Even if you go swimming in a pool or in the sea, it is a good idea to take off your jewelry.
- Also take off your jewelry before going to sleep. At night you perspire and that is not good for your jewelry. Don't put them on until the next day after you've done your makeup and hair. Make-up, perfume, hairspray and other beauty products contain sulphurous substances that affect your jewelry.
- Take care of your jewelry by not wearing it when cleaning your house. It is also not wise to wear your jewelry when you wash your hands with soap. Although the latter can't hurt every now and then.
- Finally, avoid contact with sulphur-containing products, such as elastic, wool, rubber or eggs. Are you sick? Even then it is better to take off your jewelry because you often perspire.
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