Idea for a flash of genius
Preparing for the Holidays: Polishing Your Precious Metals
Spring breezes are starting to blow, signaling the approach of festive occasions.
Soon, we'll be taking out our finest white tablecloths and beautiful dishes for Passover. It's time to dust them off, remove the stains of time, and polish them until they look as good as new.
Understanding Metal Corrosion
Metals are living materials, and as such, time inevitably leaves its marks and stains on them. This process is known as corrosion.
Of course, there are differences in how various metals react:
- Gold is less susceptible to corrosion.
- Silver is more susceptible.
- Brass is also susceptible.
But how do you clean and polish these corrosion stains? No worries, it's simpler than you might think!
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
There are many polishing and cleaning products for metals available on the market. To preserve your dishes, it is crucial to check the compatibility between the cleaning agent and the metal itself.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
At AV, we trust and use cleaning and polishing products from HAGERTY FRANCE and also products from CONNOISSEURS.
Cleaning Instructions for Brass Bowls
Before you begin, always test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous area to see how the item reacts. And, of course, follow the usage instructions provided with the product.
Safety First: Wear gloves (we took them off for the photo 😊).
Prepare soft absorbent paper in advance (the kind found in every kitchen).
Pour a little cleaning solution onto the absorbent paper and gently wipe the bowl. Sometimes, the bowl needs to sit for a few minutes with the solution to allow it to work effectively. Repeat this action until the desired result is achieved.
Step-by-Step Brass Cleaning:
- Apply cleaning solution.
- Let the solution work.
- Wipe off the solution with a cloth.
After the polishing process, it is important to rinse the item thoroughly with water and mild dish soap, especially if it will be used for food. This ensures all chemical residues are removed.
Also, it is very important to immediately wipe every washed item with a soft cloth until completely dry. Only then should you wash another item. This prevents water spots from drying on the bowls and leaving unsightly marks.
Cleaning Instructions for Gold/Silver-Plated Bowls
For gold and silver-plated items, you can clean them with special cloths or gloves from CONNOISSEURS that contain a cleaning agent.
Using CONNOISSEURS Cloths:
- Start with the purple cloth.
- Then, use the white cloth to finish.
Another excellent option for cleaning gold/silver items is with a CONNOISSEURS polishing agent. You can use the same process as described above for cleaning brass items.
Enjoy Your Sparkling Holiday Table
So, for all the aunts to talk about your stunning holiday table at least until Rosh Hashanah (a stunning holiday table setting in our next blog post), it's worth the effort!
Wishing everyone a happy and sparkling holiday!
AV design studio
