There are a variety of methods that can used to clean silver jewelry, tableware, and flatware. Some methods should be avoided because they can actually damage the silver. This guide explores why silver becomes tarnished in the first place, and what techniques a polisher can use to bring back a lustrous shine to silver. The guide also offers tips on how to prevent silver from becoming tarnished by organizing and storing it properly. The guide also includes a section how to find silver on eBay. The most common types of silver are silverplate and solid sterling silver. Silverplate is actually another metal that has silver electroplated onto it. Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent of another metal, most likely copper. It is the copper in the sterling silver, or silverplate, that causes it to become tarnished. It is important to know if the item to be cleaned is sterling silver or has silver plating as this determines the type of cleaning method to be used.

Silver needs cleaning because it tends to tarnish. At first, the tarnish is yellowish, but then it turns to brown, then black and, as it gets darker, the tarnish becomes more difficult to remove. Thus, it is important to clean silver regularly in order to prevent this kind of buildup. Silver tarnishes because of hydrogen sulfide in items and materials that come into contact with the silver. What happens is that the copper and silver oxidize, and it is this chemical reaction that gives silver a tarnished appearance. Sometimes, this oxidation is appreciated and referred to as patina. The patina is the aged look that some antique silver will develop in time. Some collectors appreciate this look and so they will avoid cleaning techniques that may remove the patina entirely. There are a variety of methods used to clean silver, including electrolytic cleaning and silver polish. The method depends on the type of silver that is being cleaned as well as what kind of item it is. Some cleaners may be too abrasive for silverplated items, for example.

Some silver items may contain materials in addition to silver, and these other materials can adversely react to some cleaning agents. These interactions could permanently damage the appearance of some silver items. Some experts do not recommend using this method because there is the possibility that it could damage the silver. That is because the baking soda that is used in electrolytic cleaning can be very abrasive to certain metal surfaces. ducted vacuum cleaner reviewsIf the item is especially valuable, consider having it professionally cleaned. electrolux vacuum cleaner price checkElectrolytic cleaning should only be used with sterling silver. toy cylinder vacuum cleanerAdditionally, never put porous materials, such as turquoise, pearls, or shells, into the solution.

This method should also not be used with antique silver knives or candlesticks because this solution can corrode the glue that holds the items together. The same goes for any jewelry where the gemstones have been affixed with glue. In order to create this type of solution, line a pot with aluminum foil and then mix together baking soda, water, salt, and liquid dish soap. Once the solution is mixed together, place all of the silver items into it, and then boil the solution for a couple of minutes. Remove and rinse the pieces, dry thoroughly and buff with a soft cloth. One of the advantages of this cleaning method is that it’s very good for cleaning in the decorative recesses and crevices of jewelry. There are also a number of polishes that are specifically formulated to clean silver items. These silver polishes are wiped onto the silver item with a cloth. When considering polishing, look for a brand that is less abrasive to protect the silver. The items should not be submerged in this type of substance because leaving it too long can damage the item.

Prior to polishing an item, use a damp cloth to wash in a mild detergent and dry carefully. When silver is stored properly, it should only be necessary to perform polishes once or twice a year to maintain the silver luster. The polisher should wear plastic gloves and use a soft cotton cloth to apply the cleaning polish. Wipe the polish onto the surface with a towel or sponge using a gentle circular motion. It is important that the polish is completely removed when finished. There are a number of silver cleaning products and methods that should be avoided because they can actually damage the silver. These include using toothpaste and putting silver flatware in the dishwasher. Even though they are convenient methods, they tend to be very abrasive, especially for items that have been silverplated. Many people incorrectly use toothpaste as a way to clean tarnished silver. While toothpaste as a cleaning product is easy to come by, experts say to never use it to clean silver. This is because it contains ingredients that are very abrasive.

This is especially true of plated items, because the toothpaste can damage the silverplating and expose the other metal underneath to corrosion. It is also important to keep sterling silver and silverplated items out of the dishwasher. The abrasiveness of the detergent and the heat will turn the metal a dull gray or white. Many of the older hollow-handled knives, as well as some of the repaired ones, are filled with pitch, which means that the pitch may expand and damage the knife handle. If silver touches any stainless steel in the dishwasher, it can cause black spots on the stainless steel items. Antique silver flatware should never be put in a dishwasher as the cleaning process could remove the patina. Because salt is corrosive to silver, silver salt shakers should be emptied when not in use. Do not cut food on a silver platter as it can leave lines and other marks. Foods should never be allowed to cake on the silver because it causes staining and corrosion. When cleaning silver items, such as teapots, it is important to handle the items carefully to avoid breaking any fragile parts, including the handle.

Proper storage of silver will help prolong its appearance. This also means it tarnishes at a slower rate, so there won’t be a need to polish the silver as often. There are also a number of materials that can speed up the tarnishing of silver, including wool, rubber bands, and certain kinds of paint, due to their containing sulfides. The oily salts from someone’s fingers can also cause corrosion, so try to limit the handling of silver. High humidity also causes silver objects to tarnish faster. The ideal level of humidity to store silver at is between 40 and 50 percent, but it is not always possible to maintain that level. Camphor can be added to the cabinet where silver is being stored, but it should not actually touch the silver. Special anti-tarnish papers and cloths can also be added to the container that the silver is being stored in. Whether you are looking for a wedding present, a decorative item for your home, or you are an avid collector of silver, you can find a wide selection of silver items on eBay.

Once you have determined what kind of silver you want to buy, start your search on any eBay page. Listings for silver can fall under several categories: silver jewelry, silver tableware, flatware, and antique silver. Start by entering a few descriptive keywords into the search bar at the top of the home page. For example, enter "silver serving spoons," and the result is a page with all the listings for this item. You can sort through the listings using categories and keywords. There are links located on the left side of the page that help you hone your search. For example, there are categories for Jewelry & Watches or Collectibles. You can filter the listing by selecting and deselecting criteria like Composition (Sterling Silver or Silverplate), Age, and Type (Flatware or Platters). If you cannot find what you are looking for in an initial search, it is also possible to check eBay Stores or you can tell sellers what you are looking for by posting a description on the Community page.