By Ruby Bayan
Rate: (36 Ratings)
Sterling silver reacts with moisture to create a layer of tarnish or oxidation on its surface. Baking soda activated by boiling water in the presence of aluminum, will dislodge the tarnish by making it bind with the aluminum, leaving the sterling silver clean and shiny again. This is the simple, organic way to clean and polish your sterling silver jewelry.
Comments
Turborabbit said
on 7/23/2008 The real cause of the tarnish on the sterling silver is not moisture but sulfur dioxide. it bonds with the silver makeing that gray color. The baking soda works to break off this sulfur and allow it to turn into hydrogen sulfide gas, which is what you smell and also aluminum oxide, on the aluminum foil. the most common source for sulfur dioxide gas in homes is, matches, kerosene lamps and coal stoves.
RubyBayan said
on 1/23/2008 Swarovski crystals are pretty much like glass, so a good soak in soapy water should be sufficient. Use dishwasher detergent because it's great for removing grease and loosening grime. Just swirl the jewelry in the soapy water, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth. If there are challenging corners and crannies in the piece, use a soft toothbrush or watercolor brush to get to them. If there are sterling silver elements along with the Swarovski, you can do the baking soda technique and it will clean the crystals at the same time.
whoknew said
on 1/21/2008 Any ideas on how to clean Swarovski Crystal jewelry?