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Daily Wire Tip Jan. 30: Cleaning Sterling Silver

By on January 30, 2010
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
January 30, 2010

Question:

Lately my liquid Sterling Silver cleaner is not doing its job very well – it fails to remove all the tarnish.  Is it possible that by using the Sunshine (yellow) cleaning cloths (which leave a slight residue to protect against future tarnish) I am actually coating the Silver – thus preventing the liquid cleaner from working properly??

Answer:

It is possible. Try totally strip cleaning your silver by using a paste made of baking soda and water and a soft cloth or toothbrush. Rinse well afterward and when necessary, try your liquid silver cleaner again. If it still does not work, discard it.

Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong

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3 Comments

  1. avatar

    Linda B

    January 30, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    It’s my understanding that these liquid cleaners not only remove tarnish but also a tiny bit of silver each time they are used. Is it possible the piece may be silver plate and it has worn through over the years?

  2. avatar

    BaryBug

    January 30, 2010 at 7:13 pm

    If using Silver Plate accent beads,(and who doesn’t in this economy), what you are doing is stripping the off the thin platting. I found this out recently and feel SO Stupid about all the beads I wound up dull or with the base layer showing!
    I went and bought some Tarnex for silver and silver platting and now I am having wonderful results:) You do NOT wish to use it when kids are around. If they’re old enough to understand the danger of ingesting chemicals, that’s your call. But it really works wonders with my filligree and all rounds. Hope this helps you!
    Sincerely, MaryBug

  3. avatar

    Jean R

    February 2, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    I have found that no matter what I use, be it liquid cleaner, rouge, or paste, Silver & silver plate will tarnish. The best thing is to wear it often. Store it in tarnish resistant plastic bags, with a dessicant pouch that absorbs moisture.