(Plate powder, Polivit & Silvo Method) Silver/ EPNS : Public Area Cleaning

WORK TO BE DONE: Cleaning of silver article.

STATE OF THE SURFACE: very dirty.

EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED: aluminum basin, tooth brush, rags & dusters, mug.

AGENTS REQUIRED: hot boiling water, washing soda, whiting powder(precipitated CaCo3), ammonia drops, fresh water.

PROCEDURE: Commonly used silver in hotels is EPNS i.e electro plated nickel silver & cleaning is done by the following methods-

• SILVER DIP METHOD

This is a very drastic method. In this a commercial solution of  strong chemical is used EPNS article to be cleaned is first immersed in soapy solution & later in boiling solution of industrial cleaner for 3-5 minutes. It is then rinsed thoroughly in fresh water, dried & buffed.

• BURNISHING METHOD

In this method we use highly polished steel balls immersed in a solution of water & detergent kept in a special type of container. The article to be cleaned is set in the container. Hollow ware silver articles should be positioned in the container to prevent possible damage. The rotation of the container enables the steel balls to roll against the surface of silver to restore its bright shine. The article after being removed from the machine should be rinsed & dried thoroughly.

Note that the steel balls should always be kept immersed in water to prevent them from rusting.

• POLYVIT METHOD

1. Prepare a solution of washing soda & boiling water in an aluminum basin.
2. Dip the silver article in this solution for about 2-3 minutes & rotate it well( the reaction of water & washing soda will produce nascent hydrogen & aluminum acts as a catalyst for this reaction to take place. This acts on the tarnish which is in the form of silver sulphide or silver oxide).
3. Take out the article, rinse & dry.
4. Make a paste of whiting powder with water & a few drops of ammonia.
5. Apply this paste on surface of silver article, scrub it well, and use a tooth brush on the curved areas. Scrub well to remove the tarnished spots.
6. Dry the paste.
7. Using a rag remove the complete dried paste & buff it well with a clean dry duster.
8. Rinse the article fresh water & wipe it dry with a clean dry duster.

 WINDING UP

1. Clean the worktable & the containers used.
2. Deposit the rags & dusters in laundry for washing. Replace the agents & equipments in their respective places.

 APPROXIMATE TIME TAKEN 30-45 MINUTES

 PRECAUTIONS/ SUGGESTIONS

1. Silver articles should be kept under dry conditions.
2. Silver article should not be exposed to tarnishing foods.
3. Sharp edged equipments should not be used for cleaning of silver surface.