Silver is a very popular metal, used to make both jewelry and tableware. If you don't want to buy a product formulated to clean precious metals, Coke is a simple, but effective substitute, with which you can restore the natural shine of silver or plated items. The acids contained in the drink erode dirt and rust from the surface of the silver. Continue reading the article and find out how to use Coca Cola to make your silver objects shiny and like new.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Soaking the Silver Items
Step 1. Place the silver items inside a bowl or container
Choose a container that is large and deep enough to comfortably hold all silver items and allow you to completely submerge them with Coke. Arrange the items carefully on the bottom of the container.
Step 2. Pour the Coke into the container submerging the objects completely
Make sure all silver items are completely submerged. You can use either classic or diet Coke indiscriminately.
If you don't have Coke at home, you can replace it with any other fizzy drink
Step 3. Leave the silver items to soak for an hour
Let the Coke acids act undisturbed so that they gradually erode the dirt and debris that has accumulated on the silver. If the silver items need a deeper cleaning, you can soak them in the Coke for up to 3 hours.
Inspect the surface of silver items every 30 minutes to see if they are clean enough
Part 2 of 2: Complete the Cleanup
Step 1. Remove the silver items from the container with the Coke
You can use kitchen tongs if you don't want to get your hands dirty. Grab your valuables, one at a time, and gently shake them over the container to drain them from the Coke. Arrange them directly on the table or on a sheet of absorbent paper.
Step 2. Remove the last residue using a toothbrush
Brush the surface of the silver items by making small circular movements. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid scratching them. This way you will be able to remove the oxide residues and dirt that have been loosened by the Coke.
You can use the toothbrush from a jewelry cleaning kit if you don't have a spare toothbrush at home
Step 3. Rinse the silver items
Hold them under cold running water or put them in a container and submerge them with clean water. After rinsing them thoroughly, shake them gently to remove excess water.
Put smaller items in a bottle full of water and shake it to rinse them, so you don't risk them accidentally ending up in the sink drain
Step 4. Blot the silver items with paper towels
Dry them immediately after rinsing them to prevent oxidation and rust. Make sure they are perfectly dry before putting them back in place.
Step 5. Make the silver shine using a mild dish soap
Dissolve a few drops of detergent in hot water, then dip a soft cloth in the soapy water and wipe the silver items. Rinse the silver with cold water and polish it while you dry it.
