Kropotkin Posted March 13, 2017 Share #1 Posted March 13, 2017 Hello, I'm looking for some advice on the best way to remove the white residue from silver dip on sterling wings without polishing them to a shine or damaging the finish too much. I tend not to touch the patina on silver items but I have a couple of wings that are caked with the stuff which just looks horrid. Any suggestions welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Linz Posted March 13, 2017 Share #2 Posted March 13, 2017 Hello, I don't hesitate one second to clean most of the silver insignia and sweetheart jewelry I own if they need it. Remember these items were nice and clean when they were bought. IMO they were never meant to be worn with a dark, heavy, near black patina or a bunch of white cleaning residue on them. That said I'm not a fan of dipping insignia and such in a solution, it's over kill. You could start by try to clean the insignia with warm water, soft soap and your fingers. I also like to use a silver cleaning cloth, like you would use to clean silver dinnerware (Blitz Silver Cleaning Clothing). This type of cleaning cloth usually has two clothes sewn, one for cleaning and one for polishing. After a gentle wiping and polishing I rinse them in warm water and a small amount of soft soap using just my fingers. I like the results and have found it works well on all types of silver insignia. Again, why display Insignia if it is tarnished so heavily that you can't see any of the details. Just my thoughts Semper Fi, Bruce Linz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tino Posted March 14, 2017 Share #3 Posted March 14, 2017 Try cleaning the wings with an old toothbrush and some toothpaste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakenormanusa Posted March 14, 2017 Share #4 Posted March 14, 2017 Try a q-tip and lighter fluid. Lighter fluid removes substances without disturbing the patina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kropotkin Posted March 14, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted March 14, 2017 Thanks for your advice all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwnorma Posted February 27, 2018 Share #6 Posted February 27, 2018 The absolute best reference on silver care on the internet is on silversmith Jeffrey Herman's website: http://www.hermansilver.com/care.htm The advice there follows the best practices of the museum industry. If you care about your silver artifacts you owe it to yourself to at least read it. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingersnaps Posted April 30, 2022 Share #7 Posted April 30, 2022 On 3/13/2017 at 11:03 AM, Kropotkin said: Hello, I'm looking for some advice on the best way to remove the white residue from silver dip on sterling wings without polishing them to a shine or damaging the finish too much. I tend not to touch the patina on silver items but I have a couple of wings that are caked with the stuff which just looks horrid. Any suggestions welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gingersnaps Posted April 30, 2022 Share #8 Posted April 30, 2022 Hi there Kropotkin! You posted that a long long time ago... I came across this site because I was searching for the same answer. Although I couldn't find an online answer... I did find a solution that worked great. I'm writing it here in case someone else needs the answer someday. After I dip polished sterling silver candle sticks into the same tarnish remover you mentioned I thought I had ruined them as a white residue appeared everywhere. I tried many products and finally found the one that removed it very nicely! "Never Dull!" My son used it at VMI years ago... to polish brass buttons and buckles... it comes in a can and js cotton with polishing compound in the cotton. Get it online or at a hardware store. Sterling is sparkling silver now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reforger Posted August 22, 2022 Share #9 Posted August 22, 2022 I would avoid toothpaste. It looks good at first but can ruin the surface over time. A very soft brush and water should be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donaldnol Posted August 22, 2022 Share #10 Posted August 22, 2022 I always use a toothpick to get off stubborn residue from wings and then soak it in alcohol and then soap & water it works great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted August 22, 2022 Share #11 Posted August 22, 2022 I use a toothpick as well but moisten the tip first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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