Silver - Proper Care Can Bring Years Of Enjoyment

 

That shiny, reflective surface of your silver objects soon looses its luster when oxidization causes that familiar black tarnish. A chemical reaction from exposure to outside elements and atmosphere causes the tarnish to appear on silver. The more humid the climate, the faster it accelerates.

Don't worry though. With the proper care your silver can last more than a lifetime. Plus it's easy to do. Clean your silver with a product made for silver cleaning. You easily find a silver polish cleaner in your local grocery or pharmacy store. Silver scratches easily. Less abrasive the silver cleaner the better. Look for a silver polish that washes off instead one the dries and buffs off. You can non abrasive cleaners with anti-tarnish protection.

Polish and clean your silver with 100% cotton lint-free cloth or balls. Other fabric are made with abrasive compounds that can produce in scratches. Only use a horse hair brush to remove grime from intricate designs. Handle your silver wearing cotton gloves to keep fingerprints off you new shiny surface.

Other types of silver cleaning methods exist but aren't recommend. Chemical dips and Electrochemical cleaning can damage your silver with scratches and pitting. The chemical dip is only recommended for severely tarnished silver that won't clean with a polish.

A few simple tricks can reduce silver from tarnishing. Store your silver individually inside polyethylene bags. You can wrap your silver item with sulfur free archival quality tissue. Guard your silver against moisture by placing a small bag or container of desiccated silica gel and activated charcoal in the bag. Anti Tarnish strips are another alternative to silica gel and charcoal and they guard against corrosion and absorb airborne pollutants that cause tarnish.

A big No No is cleaning your silver in the dishwasher. The hard detergent and extreme hot water will damage your silver with scratches and pitting. Hand wash your silver and dry with a 100% cotton dish towel.

Remember... give your silver regular care and you'll have those heirloom treasure for future generations to enjoy.

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Jill Montwaur is a silver consultant for FAX Silver Co. A great internet site with many tips and facts about silver. For more information and articles, visit
http://www.faxsilver.com

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ARTICLE POSTED AUGUST 30, 2005

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