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10 Tips for Cleaning and Polishing Silver

Cleaning and polishing silver can be time-consuming and expensive – but it doesn’t have to be! We have ten tips on how to give your silver pieces a new shine quickly and cheaply with home remedies.

Silver and silver cutlery are valuable. Often there is also a reminder attached to the pieces, for example, if you inherited them or saved them for a long time to afford the special piece. It goes without saying that one would like to have something of the pieces for a long time to come. That is why it is important to know how to properly clean and polish silver, silver cutlery, and silver jewelry.

Clean silver with household tips

Silver has a big disadvantage that it can turn black. In the following article, we will explain why this happens. If you want to clean your silver, silver jewelry, and silver dishes, you will also find helpful housewife-style household tips here.

Why Silver Tarnishes

Silver reacts in the air with oxygen and traces of hydrogen sulfide. The dark silver sulfide is formed in the process. This causes the silver to have a gray to the black surface which is unsightly and should be removed by effectively cleaning the silver.

Effective home remedies for cleaning silver

There are many silver cleaners available at drugstores and specialty stores. However, you can save money by using simple household tricks and home remedies. The following applies here: This is a collection of housewife tips, use at your own risk. Also, note our tips on storing and caring for opal jewelry.

1) Clean silver cutlery with aluminum foil

Aluminum foil can be used for more than just wrapping food, it can also help you clean silver. First-line a washing bowl with aluminum foil and fill it with boiling salted water. Then put the tarnished silver in for an hour. Then carefully brush the cutlery individually and polish it with a cloth.

Alternatively, you can simply wrap the silver in aluminum foil. Then place in simmering, lightly salted water for a few minutes. The aluminum foil should not be wrapped too tightly around the silver, the saltwater must come into contact with the silver. Finally, bring it to a boil briefly and remove the silver again and polish it dry.

2) Toothpaste for cleaning

You can not only brush your teeth with toothpaste – cleaning silver with toothpaste is a well-tried tip. Simply put some toothpaste on a toothbrush and use it to clean the silver. After a short exposure time, simply rinse off with water.

3) Shine again with sour milk

You can also use sour milk to clean silver. Simply pour the sour milk over the silver in a bowl. Leave the milk on for several hours, ideally overnight. Thoroughly rinse off with clear water in the morning and the silver shines in new splendor again.

4) Brush raw potato with silver

With a versatile raw potato, you can clean coarser silver jewelry by simply rubbing the silver with a freshly sliced ​​potato. This is suitable, for example, for plates or shelves made of silver. Afterward, it is best to wipe it off directly with a damp cloth so that the starch does not settle on your silver pieces and cover the shine that has just been achieved.

5) Curd soap and ammonia solution for silver jewelry

Silver chains can be cleaned well with a mixture of liquid curd soap and ammonia solution. Put the curd soap in a bowl with some warm water and a small dash of ammonia solution. Then let the silver work for a few minutes and the bracelets and chains will look like new.

6) Baking soda and toothbrush

You can treat the silver with a brushed surface well with baking soda. To do this, put some baking soda on a toothbrush and rub it into the piece of jewelry in circular movements. Again, you should make sure that you use a soft toothbrush.

7) Ash and lemon against tarnished silver

Ash mixed with a little lemon juice is suitable for cleaning silver and silver cutlery. First, apply the mixture to the silver with a household cloth. Then rub off with a soft cloth. Then wash the silver (and your hands) thoroughly with water.

8) With beer against silver sulfide

Another way to clean silver sounds a bit strange at first, but it is effective. You can clean silver with beer! Simply soak the silver in beer overnight. To prevent residue and the smell, rinse it off thoroughly with water the next morning. As with the lemon, the acid in the beer helps get rid of the silver sulfide and thus the unsightly discoloration.

9) Silver Cleaning Baking Soda

The next home remedy for cleaning silver also comes from the kitchen: baking powder. Simply mix a packet of baking soda with a little water, apply the paste to the silver and leave for a few minutes. Then rinse thoroughly.

This method is particularly suitable for silver-plated objects. Due to the fact that it is very gentle, even thinner coatings are not damaged or can be wiped off accidentally.

10) Remove discoloration with Kukident

To clean silver with Kukident, you can dissolve one tablet in a bowl of warm water. Then put the silver jewelry or cutlery in for a few hours. This dissolves the discoloration and the silver regains its beautiful shine.

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Methods for Extinguishing Grease Fires Quickly and Safely

Extinguish the fat fire properly. If the hot oil or fat gets onto the stovetop or the ceramic hob while cooking, it can ignite. Or it suddenly starts to burn in the pot. Then you should keep calm and follow these tips to extinguish the burning fat.

Oil and fat fires can quickly break out in kitchens. And these are not harmless. That’s why you shouldn’t act rashly. You take your eyes off the hot stove for a moment and it’s happened. But how do I put out the fat fire properly? Consequently, we will tell you what you should pay attention to in such a situation.

How does an oil and fat fire develop?

Such a fat fire occurs when the oil or fat is heated too much. Because at over 280 degrees, the fat can catch fire and, in the worst case, spread. Since most stovetops can get above this number of degrees, fires often break out in the kitchen. This should be avoided by turning the stovetop temperature down a little after the pan has heated up initially.

Why you shouldn’t extinguish burning oil with water

You should never put out burning oil with water. Because if you pour water on the burning oil, there will be a deflagration. This causes the flames to leap higher and the hot oil squirts through the kitchen like a mini-explosion. Consequently, this can lead to severe burns on the skin.

How to extinguish burning fat?

How do I behave correctly if there is burning fat in the kitchen? There are several ways to get the fire and flames under control. Of course, it is important to weigh up how dangerous the situation is. If the fire is already too big, don’t hesitate to call the fire brigade. Such a fire can be very dangerous. But if it’s a small flame, you can put it out yourself.

1) Extinguish with a lid and a damp kitchen towel

If your stovetop is on fire, turn off the stove and douse the flames by throwing a damp kitchen towel over the flames. This deprives the fire of oxygen and suffocates it. If the only fire is in the pot or pan, put a lid on it. So the fire goes out quickly. Read the following article on how to remove burnt-in marks from the stovetop.

2) Fire blanket only suitable to a limited extent

A fire blanket made of flame retardant material can extinguish a fire. But if used incorrectly, there is also a risk of burns and unextinguished fat fires. If you don’t have a fire blanket at hand at home, you should definitely not use other blankets. Because these can burst into flames in high heat and additionally accelerate the fire. Also, read how to effectively remove the burnt smell.

3) Fight grease fire with extinguishing spray

So-called extinguishing sprays are a good means of extinguishing small fires. Although they don’t stand a chance with larger flames, these are easy to use and can be found in every kitchen. In addition, they are inexpensive. If your pan, the Advent wreath, or the hob starts to burn, you can use it quickly and easily.

4) Call the fire brigade in the event of a grease fire

Since a grease fire can be very dangerous, you should not hesitate to call the fire brigade. Especially if the fire has already grown large and threatens to spread. Because the most important thing is to get yourself and others to safety so that nobody gets hurt. You can see how dangerous such a fire can be in the following video. Also, note our tips on liability insurance for the family.

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10 Tips for Washing and Caring for Laundry

Tips on how to do laundry properly. Now it’s time for the laundry. With clever tricks, you can care for your textiles sustainably and prevent the colors from fading. For the cleanliness and longevity of your laundry. Sort things worth knowing about detergents, fabric softeners, laundry symbols, and the right laundry.

Hundreds of years ago, housewives had various tricks for getting their laundry clean and flawless. They also allowed the clothing to have a long life. Nowadays, this is primarily done for us by a state-of-the-art and fully electrically controlled machine. But there is still a lot to consider when washing clothes properly.

How do I get my laundry clean?

Sure we can just do our laundry by using the washing machine. But here, too, there is a lot to consider. Which detergent can I use? How do I dose it? Do I need a fabric softener? How can I wash gently? And those are all legitimate questions you’re asking yourself. Because not all of your clothes can take the hot water or the spin cycle. We give you the following tips for washing and caring for your clothes.

1) The right detergent for washing clothes

It is actually almost impossible to find the right detergent among the countless detergents on offer. Therefore, you should try several detergents to find the right one for your appliance. The most important criteria for your detergent should be the following:

  • Refrain from fragrances, because they could cause nasty allergies.
  • Using as few surfactants as possible damages the environment, especially our groundwater.
  • Avoid concentrates, as very few strictly adhere to the dosage recommendations.
  • Do not use detergents with optical brighteners, as these can fade colored and dark clothing.

2) Natural alternatives to conventional detergents

Anyone who walks past the shelves with detergents in the supermarket these days has a huge selection of different brands, fragrances, and promises. But how did our great-grandparents manage to walk out the door clean 100 years ago? Quite simply: In the past, they used completely natural resources. These can currently only be found in organic shops, health food stores, or online.

In this country, the horse chestnut is considered a favorite alternative to conventional detergents. Because this ensures clean laundry. But evergreen ivy can also be used as a variant. The contained saponins have an excellent cleaning effect. You can also make your own laundry detergent. This saves you time and money. Or use the miracle cure baking soda on white clothes.

3) fabric softener, yes or no?

This is the question that most people ask themselves. If you are overly allergic to different products and foods, you should generally stay away from fabric softeners. Because there are too many additives in it. This promotes an allergic reaction. In addition, if a piece of clothing is washed with fabric softener in a single wash, it will still carry it up to 40 washes later. Instead, use our instructions for making your own fabric softener.

4) Substitute for fabric softener

As already mentioned, you can make your own fabric softener. So you can save money and have an environmentally friendly alternative. You can simply use effective vinegar for this. So you have to put a good shot in the fabric softener compartment before washing. This then ensures that the limescale that gets onto the clothing with the water dissolves from the fibers. This also makes the clothes nice and soft. The clothing itself does not smell of vinegar. Because the smell goes away after a few minutes. Vinegar is also used to care for the washing machine. Also, read our article on home remedies for cleaning washing machines.

5) Washing machines can also work quietly

Especially if you live in a multi-family or multi-party house, it is advisable to buy a washing machine that works as quietly as possible. Because old models no longer have to be in today’s technology. Since they make the subtenant’s blanket vibrate with every spin cycle. Therefore, quiet washing machines are an advantage for you and your neighbors. Therefore, pay attention to our tips for buying a new washing machine.

6) A washing machine that is too full cannot wash

The operating instructions for each washing machine state how much clothing the respective drum can and should hold. If you do not take this into account, you will not have an optimal washing result and the clothes may still be dirty. In addition, the drum will eventually rattle and no longer run smoothly. That’s why you should take the loading specification seriously. As a result, your laundry will be properly washed and clean. In addition, your washing machine will work longer. In addition, you’d better wash some clothes by hand. Read our contribution to the question washing machine or hand wash? And our easy hand wash guide for delicate clothes.

7) Does the sun really bleach?

Yes, she does! Experienced laundresses hung their white tablecloths and tops on the clothesline in the backyard as soon as the sun shone. Because that not only served to dry the laundry quickly but also to fade stains from the sun. And that works fine. So don’t use bleach, just wait until the sun shines and then get out with the light-colored textiles. Also, read our instructions on how to bleach your lawn.

8) Dose detergent according to water hardness

Different levels of water hardness can prevail in households. Depending on the hardness of the water, a different detergent is recommended. If you don’t know exactly how hard your water is, you can find out more from your local waterworks. And then dose your detergent accordingly. This way you can achieve an optimal washing result. And at the same time not burdening the environment with unnecessary detergent consumption. You can save on detergent with a phone call and also do something good for the environment. Also note our contribution to cleaning, drying, and caring for down comforters.

9) Gentle wash with a pillowcase

Nothing is more annoying after washing than small holes in the thin fabrics of clothing. That’s why you should always pay attention to the gentle cleaning of your delicates during the wash cycle. You should use an old pillowcase as a laundry cover when washing in the machine. And use the gentle cycle at the same time. This will prevent the lint filter in your washing machine from becoming clogged. Accordingly, the pillowcase is optimal protection for your clothes from holes and tears. Also, note our article on the 6 most common mistakes when doing laundry.

10) Close zipper when washing

Many people mistake holes in clothing caused by zippers for small moth holes. In reality, however, the small teeth of the zipper quickly tear holes in clothing. Therefore, you should close zips before washing. You also prevent your zipper from working after the wash cycle. Therefore, check your clothes for zippers before washing. If it does happen, you can loosen the stuck zipper with candle wax.

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Becoming a Vegetarian: Simple Tips for Beginners

Becoming a vegetarian has never been easier than it is now: there is a wide range of vegetarian products, recipes and restaurants to choose from. Our tips will make the transition easier for you.

Why become a vegetarian?

There are many reasons to reduce meat consumption – above all the sometimes cruel processes in industrial factory farming and animal husbandry. A vegetarian diet is also better for the environment.

Four-fifths of the world’s agricultural land is required for the production of animal products. In addition, animal husbandry produces high greenhouse gas emissions and a lot of water is consumed. After all, animals on fattening farms are rarely kept in a manner appropriate to their species and are often treated with antibiotics.

The good news: it has probably never been easier to become a vegetarian than it is today: there is a large variety of vegetarian cookbooks and blogs. More and more vegetarian restaurants are opening in the cities and “normal” restaurants often have many delicious vegetarian dishes on the menu. Nevertheless, it is not easy to change your diet overnight. The following tips should help you get started.

Change gradually and replace habits

Start slowly but set specific goals: for example, build in one or two vegetarian days a week and try to increase this number over time. Such precise guidelines are far more effective than saying to yourself, “I’m trying to eat less meat.”

It is particularly difficult to replace habits such as sausage sandwiches in the evening. The best way to do this is to replace them with new habits. How about a vegetarian spread instead of the sausage?

Become a vegetarian and cook for yourself

The best way to get to know the diversity of vegetarian cuisine is to cook it yourself. You can get inspiration from vegetarian friends, cookbooks or blogs. You will quickly realize that vegetarian dishes are really tasty and filling.

There are some national cuisines that offer many vegetarian dishes, including Indian and Italian cuisine. But there are also traditional meatless dishes from many other regions.

You can also replace the meat in many recipes: for example, you can prepare a delicious Bolognese sauce based on soy, lentils or mushrooms. This quickly becomes a vegetarian lasagna.

Schnitzel and sausage without meat?

There are now many vegetarian schnitzels, sausages and cold cuts on the market that are very similar to their meaty originals. However, before you buy them, we recommend checking the ingredients list, as many of these substitutes contain many additives.

If you have an appetite for the spicy flavor of meat, opt for foods that are naturally similarly spicy. This applies to mushrooms or cheese, for example.

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Buying, Storing and Caring for Opal Jewellery

Opals are found almost everywhere in the world. However, 95% of opals in New South Wales are quarried in Australia. In Greek mythology, opals stand for the tears of the Greek father of the gods, Zeus. In ancient times, the opal was the protective stone for love and hope. The opal is made into jewelry.

Anyone who owns opal jewelry needs to know how to care for the opal jewelry and how to store it. We give you tips and tricks on the topic of caring for and storing opals. We also give the most important tips on buying opals, because even today the opal is considered to be one of the strongest soul stones in esotericism.

Caring for opals properly

The opal is a gem that wants to be worn. Incidentally, opals are only processed into gemstones. It is a relatively soft stone, with a hardness of around 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The hardness of minerals is classified using the Mohs hardness scale. It is, therefore, better to take off your opal when you are doing hard work or when you will be in contact with chemicals.

Also, the opal does not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations. It is often wrongly assumed that opals do not tolerate water. In fact, they even consist of 5-6% water. In fact, contact with water is beneficial for solid opals. However, it is different with the doublets and triplets. There is only a thin disk of opal; the piece of jewelry consists of several layers connected with glue. This can then come off through permanent contact with water.

Keep opals safe

Opal comes in many different colors such as pink, white, blue, green, purple, red, yellow, grey, orange, and brown. However, the most valuable among them is the black opal. It is very important to properly store such a valuable item if the opal jewelry is not to be worn for a long period of time.

Just like other gemstones or valuable pearl jewelry needs to be cared for in a special way, the opal also has species-specific care requirements. It is best kept in a soft jewelry cloth so that it cannot get scratched. Also, find out how to hide your valuables and keep them safe. Most importantly, in low humidity conditions, your opal should not dry out. It is therefore highly recommended to wipe your precious stone with a damp cloth every now and then.

Opal Buying Tips

When buying an opal, there are very different things to consider than when buying a diamond, for example. With opals, the size is not so important, but the type and the play of colors. Thus, even a small opal with a wonderful play of colors can have much more value than a large one without any special “glow”. Red tones are very rare and therefore particularly valuable.

Furthermore, the black opal is a very valuable gemstone. Even the jewelers often do not always agree on the appreciation. Approximately 95% of opals are mined in Australia. There are three main types: white, boulder, and black opals. The black one is rarer and therefore the most expensive and precious. Each opal is unique. Shakespeare once called it “The Queen of Gems”. Maybe you would like to buy such a piece of jewelery or read more about it.

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