Things You'll Need
Ammonia
Bowl or bucket
Soft toothbrush
Paper towels
Platinum is a silver-colored precious metal. The metal has industrial uses, but most people know the metal as a setting for jewelry. Pure platinum does not tarnish, but most of the platinum found on the market is not pure. Most platinum sold has to be at least 50 percent platinum to be legally considered platinum. Platinum is alloyed with other precious metals or with copper or cobalt. Because some alloys (such as copper) tarnish, this means that some platinum can also tarnish. Platinum usually tarnishes when exposed to certain chemicals such as chlorine, the ingredients in lotions, and the oils on the skin. You can remove tarnish from platinum at home using ammonia, but for severe tarnishing, hire a professional to clean the platinum.
Step 1
Make a mixture of one part cold water and one part ammonia in a bowl.
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Step 2
Place the platinum item in the bowl, and soak for 30 minutes. For larger platinum objects, use a bucket or pail for soaking.
Step 3
Scrub off any remaining tarnish with a soft toothbrush.
Step 4
Rinse the platinum object in cold running water.
Step 5
Dry the platinum with a paper towel or let air-dry.
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