Why does silver darken: what absolutely should not be used to clean it

Silver can be called one of the most popular materials.

However, over time, silver may begin to darken, and various contaminants will appear on its surface.

Therefore, it is worth understanding why silver can darken and what exactly should not be used to clean it, as this can provoke a deterioration in its condition.

Why does silver darken?

Silver darkens due to reaction with the environment, mainly with hydrogen sulfide and sulfur gases that may be present in the air.

This results in the formation of silver sulphur on the surface of the metal, giving it its characteristic dark colour.

This process, known as sulfur corrosion, not only ruins the appearance of silver, but can also damage its structure over time. In short: silver items always darken over time.

Silver Cleaning Myths

There are many popular methods for cleaning silver, from using baking soda and foil to special chemicals. However, many of these methods can be harmful to the metal.

Soda and foil

This method is perhaps one of the most common and at the same time dangerous.

During the reaction of soda with silver, sulfur may form on the surface of the foil, which will further enhance the dark coating on the metal.

Chemicals

Some commercial silver cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of the silver, especially if the silver has precious trims or inlays.

How to properly care for silver

It is better to avoid aggressive cleaning methods and use the following tips:

1. Simply wiping your silver with a soft cloth or microfiber after use will help remove surface dirt and prevent dark deposits from forming.
2. Regularly wiping silver with a soft cloth helps prevent dark spots and maintain its shine.
3. You can also use special products that do not contain chemicals.

Silver requires care and attention to maintain its shine and appeal over the years.

However, when choosing cleaning methods, you need to be careful not to do more harm than good.

Earlier we talked about what ingredient to add to rice to make it tastier.

• Related news:
• life hacks
• silver
• cleaning
• board
• 11 April 2024

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