9 Facts of Polishing Cloth

by HSIEHITING
A silver polishing cloth is a simple solution for addressing jewelry oxidation. Unlike silver cleaning solutions, you don't need to immerse the entire object. If only part of your 925 sterling silver jewelry is oxidized, the polishing cloth can quickly restore its shine.
Please note: If the jewelry is made of other materials (such as brass or other alloys) and plated with silver or 18K gold, do not use a silver polishing cloth as the polish may damage the plating.
 
1.Suitable for Various Precious Metals
Silver polishing cloths are generally suitable for silver, gold, and copper. Some manufacturers produce different cloths for different metals, so be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing.
 
2.Contains Polishing Agents
Silver polishing cloths are impregnated with special polishing compounds and chemicals. Each time you wipe your jewelry with the cloth, these ingredients work to remove the oxidation layer and a small amount of silver or gold from the metal surface, revealing the shiny, unoxidized metal beneath for a polished effect.
 
3.No Need for Daily Use
Remember, polishing removes a small amount of metal. Therefore, you do not need to use it daily. Routine maintenance with warm water and mild detergent is sufficient.
 
 
4.Blackening is Normal 
Don’t worry, it’s normal for the silver polishing cloth to turn black (sometimes yellow or brown) after use! When you use it, the part that wipes the metal will start to turn black. This is a chemical reaction, not a buildup of dirt, indicating that the cloth is working. Some of the chemicals help polish the metal, while tiny amounts of metal and oxides transfer to the cloth.
These marks do not affect the use of the silver polishing cloth; it still retains its effective cleaning properties. Unless you use your silver polishing cloth heavily or continuously for more than two years, you don't need to worry about it losing effectiveness.
 
5.Do Not Wash Your Silver Polishing Cloth
The silver polishing cloth restores metal's luster because it is impregnated with special polishing agents. Washing the cloth would remove these agents, rendering it ineffective.
 
6.How to Store
Store them in a dry environment, sealed in a zip-lock bag. Avoid direct sunlight.
 
7.When to Replace
Replace the silver polishing cloth only when it has completely blackened. When the cloth turns entirely black, it no longer contains any polishing agents and will not be effective. At this point, we recommend replacing it with a new cloth.
 
8.Tips for Using a Silver Polishing Cloth
If you have purchased a large silver polishing cloth, you can fold it into quarters and use a small section at a time to polish silver. Once an area turns dark gray or black, refold the cloth and use a new section to clean. After use, store it in its original packaging or a resealable plastic bag.
 
9.Types of Silver Polishing Cloths
There are three types of silver polishing cloths available: single-sided with polishing agents, double-sided, or combined with a polishing cloth.
 
You can choose a plush, thick cotton cloth. It grips jewelry better. There is also a type that combines a silver polishing cloth with a polishing cloth. The silver polishing cloth is on the inside, and the polishing cloth is on the outside. You can use the inner layer to remove the oxidized parts of the jewelry, then polish it with the outer layer.
 
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