If, like us, you don’t like your chains to lose their shine, from TOUS’ experience in jewelry, below we are going to explain how to clean a silver chain or other elements made of this metal so they shine again. Keep reading the information below and become an expert in cleaning silver!
Why do silver chains turn black?
Silver turns black due to oxidation. This phenomenon occurs when this noble metal comes into contact with the air and reacts with the sulfur it contains in the form of hydrogen sulfide. Hence, it forms an opaque and grey-ish layer on the surface of the piece, which makes it look darker and without much shine.
Other natural factors that affect silver jewelry are humidity, sunlight or lack of ventilation. For that reason, to preserve our silver jewelry properly, we recommend storing them in fabric bags and jewelry boxes. In addition, you should avoid allowing them to come into contact with perfumes or creams.
Equally, the presence of chemical substances like chlorine, salt, or cleaning products are not good for keeping silver shiny, so we should keep silver jewelry away from them. For example, we can remove our silver necklaces, earrings or bracelets before swimming in the pool or sea.
How to clean a silver chain that has turned black
In addition to the tips for keeping silver in the best possible condition, we also want to tell you how to clean it, so your pieces will last longer and be in better condition.
Specifically, you are bound to have wondered many times how to clean that silver chain that has turned black. The problem is that, being in contact with perfumes, creams or makeup, chains and chokers, necklaces and pendants darken more easily.
The utensils you will need to hand at home for cleaning silver pieces that have turned black are: aluminum foil, bicarbonate of soda, neutral soap or washing up liquid, hot water and a soft, lint-free cloth.
Cleaning silver chains with bicarbonate of soda
- The first way of cleaning silver is using aluminum foil and bicarbonate of soda: Place the aluminum foil in a bowl, add boiling water and two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Insert the pieces of jewelry you want to clean and leave it to activate for a few minutes. Then rinse them in luke warm water and dry with a clean dry cloth.
Aluminum foil helps to clean the dirt from the silver thanks to a chemical reaction known as reduction. This chemical reaction that takes place between the silver and aluminum removes the layer of sulfur present the surface of the silver which makes it look dark and dirty.
Rather than bicarbonate of soda, using the same way of cleaning silver that we have mentioned above, you can also use salt, which speeds up this chemical reaction.
- Secondly, white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are also two good elements for cleaning silver that has turned black: Mix a quarter of white vinegar with a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda and leave your silver for the dirt to disappear. Then, rinse and dry it.
- Non-abrasive neutral soap or washing up liquid will also be a good ally to help you to clean silver chains or other pieces. The process of rinsing and drying them works in the same way as the previous cases. Indeed, it is important that you avoid using aggressive chemical products.
- In addition, if your jewelry is still dirty after trying these recommendations, try using a specialist solution for cleaning silver, like wipes or gloves. Before using them, read the instructions carefully and make sure they are suitable for cleaning silver.
If you use a brush to clean silver, it is important that this isn’t hard and that it has soft bristles so the jewelry doesn’t get scratched.
Cleaning silver chains at TOUS
At TOUS, we offer a service to clean your silver chains, those that tend to darken more. But it isn’t just for chains, it is for any jewelry you have bought at TOUS.
TOUS offers the TOUS Care aftersales service which includes the free maintenance and cleaning of our products.
To discover a whole world of silver jewelry, don’t hesitate to visit the TOUS online store and be inspired by its collections!