Create an account to receive loyalty points and rewards. Close
Skip to main content
Table of Contents

How do I polish my silver Life-Sized Inner Ear Model?

Our life-sized inner ear models are made from sterling silver and polished before they ship. Over time, sterling silver naturally becomes dull or darker as the surface reacts with air, moisture, skin oils, and environmental sulfur compounds. This is normal and does not mean the model is damaged.

What You’ll Need

Use a soft silver polishing cloth designed for sterling silver.

You may also use:

  • A clean microfiber cloth
  • Mild dish soap
  • Warm water
  • A soft towel
  • Disposable gloves, optional but helpful

Quick Polishing Method

For routine maintenance, a silver polishing cloth is usually all you need.

  1. Hold the model gently and avoid applying pressure to thin or detailed areas.
  2. Rub the surface lightly with the polishing cloth using small, controlled motions.
  3. Focus on dull or darker areas first.
  4. Use a clean microfiber cloth afterward to remove any remaining residue.

This should restore most of the shine without needing water or cleaning solution.

Deeper Cleaning Before Polishing

If the model has fingerprints, dust, or residue, clean it before polishing.

  1. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water.
  2. Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with the soapy water.
  3. Wipe the model gently. Do not soak the model.
  4. Use a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue.
  5. Dry the model completely with a soft towel.

Once dry, polish with a sterling silver polishing cloth.

What to Avoid

  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, paper towels, rough cloths, scouring pads, or toothpaste. These can scratch the silver.
  • Do not use bleach, alcohol, ammonia, disinfectant sprays, or harsh clinic cleaning products on the silver surface.
  • Do not place the model in a dishwasher, ultrasonic cleaner, or soaking bath.
  • Avoid liquid silver dips unless specifically recommended by our support team, because they may be too aggressive for detailed models and can remove desirable surface contrast from recessed areas.

How Often Should You Polish It?

For a model displayed in a clinic or teaching space, occasional polishing is usually enough. You may want to polish it when:

  • The surface looks dull
  • Dark tarnish appears
  • Fingerprints are visible
  • You are preparing for a course, lab, demo, or patient education session

Frequent polishing is not necessary. Light, periodic care is better than aggressive cleaning.

Tips to Reduce Tarnishing

  • Handle the model with clean, dry hands or gloves.
  • Wipe fingerprints off after use.
  • Store it in a dry area when not displayed.
  • Keep it away from moisture, rubber bands, cleaning chemicals, and direct contact with clinic disinfectants.
  • A soft pouch, display case, or covered storage area can help slow tarnishing.

Important Note for Clinics

This model is intended for education and display. If it is handled during patient education or clinician training, wipe it gently afterward with a dry microfiber cloth. Use standard clinic infection-control practices for hands and surfaces, but avoid applying harsh disinfectants directly to the sterling silver model unless specifically approved for use on sterling silver.

Summary

Sterling silver naturally dulls over time, but your inner ear model can be restored with gentle polishing. For most clinics, a sterling silver polishing cloth and a soft microfiber cloth are the safest and easiest tools to keep the model bright, clean, and ready for teaching.