https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 17:09:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427326 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:57:41 +0000 KikiG 427326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have used these dry wipes on a variety of silver things, including chains: </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Connoisseurs-Jewellery-Wipes-25s/dp/B0007CK664/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1316638637&#038;sr=8-2" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Connoiss.....038;sr=8-2</a></p> <p>I would put some soft, folded cloth on the inside of the bag, and then work gently on the outside of the bag. Eventually, the individual links will rotate and get clean. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427298 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:40:47 +0000 ironkurtin 427298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aha! Ebay to the rescue!</p> <p><a href="http://reviews.ebay.com/Cleaning-Antique-and-Vintage-Sterling-Silver-Jewelry_W0QQugidZ10000000016075285" rel="nofollow">http://reviews.ebay.com/Cleani.....0016075285</a></p> <p>"The natural darkening of aged silver is referred to as patina, and is considered very desirable because it shows the detail of the workmanship in jewelry. In charms, for example, the low or engraved areas take on a darker patina and the surfaces are a bit more lustrous. Most collectors of vintage silver jewelry prefer the patina that develops with age and wear, rather than the bright shine usually seen on new silver pieces...</p> <p>"When cleaning silver, care should be taken not to damage the piece or take away the beautiful patina created from wear. There are mild jewelry solutions available in stores and at jewelers that will soak off the dirt without damaging the patina. A very soft toothbrush can be used to get into crevices. The silver should then be rinsed thoroughly &amp; blown dry to to avoid spotting. One issue to be aware of when cleaning silver jewelry with a liquid solution is to make sure there aren't any parts that will be destroyed if they get wet. </p> <p>"Harsh dipping solutions should not be used under any circumstances, as they will damage the surface of fine old pieces. "</p> <p>So I'm guess dish soap is probably OK just to get it clean. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427277 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:23:54 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 427277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's also sterling silver cleaner, but that would probably remove the patina as well. Could you check with a local jeweler? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427256 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 20:04:20 +0000 chewyspaghetti 427256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not sure of a solution, but I have a similar bag that was a wedding gift from dh so I will be watching this thread for suggestions. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427250 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 19:54:52 +0000 ironkurtin 427250@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hm, the problem with toothpaste is that it will take the patina off. I just want to clean it, not shine it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427195 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:18:29 +0000 Transcona Shannon 427195@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I second Scarlet's suggestion of toothpaste - I've used toothpaste and toothbrush to clean some old silver and it's amazing how good it looks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427193 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 18:13:09 +0000 Scarlet 427193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A little toothpaste can work wonders... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/anyone-know-how-to-clean-a-vintage-sterling-purse#post-427186 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:58:49 +0000 ironkurtin 427186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I recently received a very old chainmail sterling purse from my mother; it was apparently *her* grandmother's. It's a cute little flappery purse that might possibly fit an iphone if you didn't put in anything else. I think it used to be lined with kidskin, but that part has given up the ghost and now what is left is a small, quite heavy, solid sterling chainmail purselet with a snap closure and little dangles on the bottom.</p> <p>I don't necessarily want to clean off the patina, which I quite like, but the purse feels unpleasantly greasy. Kindof like a sweater or jacket when it's washed too seldom. Anyone know how I can clean it? Maybe a brief bath in some Palmolive? (I know that's what they used on the ceiling of Grand Central Station and even possibly - gasp - on the Sistine chapel to gently clean off dirt.) </p>