Silver - one of the most common materials for the production of crosses, icons and other religious items. However, even the silver of the highest sample with time sometimes blackens or becomes covered with a dark coating. Why is this happening, and how to return the silverware to its previous appearance? We will talk about this in our material.
Different esoteric sites in one voice call the cause for silvering the evil eye, negative energy and the like. Do not take the whole list seriously, in this situation everything is based on conventional chemistry. Silver turns black from the formation of sulphides, which occur when the metal and the environment interact. Sometimes the cause of darkening can be an increased sulfur content in the atmosphere. However, more often than not, silver darkens from contact with sulfur, which is secreted by the skin of a person. High humidity also adversely affects silver products. Considering the fact that believers do not remove their crosses even during bathing and bathing procedures, it is from the moisture that black crosses made of silver usually blacken. Silver objects also sometimes suffer from improper storage when a variety of chemical or medical products are placed next to them.
Of course, at the moment, the best method of cleaning silver things is professional ultrasound cleaning. This is the most effective method, but also the most expensive. Not everyone can afford such a cleaning once in 1 - 3 months. Therefore, further on, we will consider a few simple methods and rules for home cleaning of silver products: .jpg)
1. Use the vinegar. Just do not need to immerse the silver object in a solution of vinegar for a long time. Simply moisten a piece of soft tissue in a 6% solution, which is in every kitchen, and thoroughly wipe the product. Then wipe it dry with another piece of cloth. Vinegar perfectly cleans silver from any contamination.
2. Dissolve 100 grams of citric acid in half a liter of water and bring the solution to a boil. Then boil a silver object in it for 10-15 minutes.
3. Use a solution of ammonia (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of soapy water).
4. Prepare a solution of baking soda (50 grams per 1 liter), stir and soak the silver for one hour. The solution easily cleans any silver object. Sometimes just take a little soda on a piece of cloth and rub it with silver. This, of course, is easier, but remember that the particles of soda will be like an abrasive and can leave scratches on silver.
5. For the same reason, it is not recommended to use tooth powder or paste for cleaning silver. There may be scratches.
6. Hydrogen peroxide also cleans the silver well, but with it unpleasant moments are possible. If the silver contains impurities, the peroxide will react with them, and can hopelessly spoil the silver object. Because we recommend better not to use hydrogen peroxide for cleaning.
7. If there are impurities or precious stones in silver, then it is better not to take risks and take the product to professional cleaning.
