Do you know when silver oxidizes and darkens? Find out tips on how to clean accessories from this material when this occurs
Silver is a material that is widely used in various items, such as accessories and decoration items. However, it has a problem: after a while, silver ends up darkening and becoming less shiny due to oxidation. So, if we don’t know how to clean oxidized silver, we can end up discouraged from using these items.
This oxidation occurs due to the contact of silver with sulfur compounds present in the environmentwhich causes a layer of silver sulfide to appear on the object.
This way, in addition to understanding how to clean a silver object that has oxidized, you can also prevent it from coming into contact with these compounds, taking longer to darken. Here’s how to clean darkened silver objects and accessories and how to prevent oxidation:
How to clean oxidized silver?
Cleaning oxidized silver isn’t as complicated as many people might think, especially if cleaning is done as soon as the item begins to darken. According to Gisele Vidotti, owner of a semi-jewelry brand, there are two ways to do this.
The first is to use a specific product for this task, that is, a silver cleaner. “Just moisten a cloth with the product and clean the piece”, explains the specialist.
Another way to clean silver items is using flannels or so-called “magic” cloths, which are suitable for this. “You just need to clean the silver with them, without any other product, until it regains its luster,” says Gisele.
And how to avoid oxidation?
However, while it’s not that complicated to clean silver items, it’s obviously still better if they take as long as possible to oxidize, right? And for that, you need to be careful with these elements.
One of them is avoid that silver accessories come into contact with sea or pool water, or excessive sweating. “Contact with sea or pool water or excessive sweating contributes to the easy oxidation of silver, so it is advisable to remove the pieces before entering the sea or pool and clean them with running water if you have sweated a lot. day he used them, “explains Gisele. Removing accessories before training is also a good idea, for the same reason.
Also, it is important to wash the silver pieces with running water and mild soap and avoid using perfumes or cosmetics after wearing accessories made with this material, see?
Source: Gisele Vidotti, owner of BellaGi Semijoias.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
