How to Clean Silver
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- Clean your silver regularly and promptly after use.
- Storing your silver correctly will prevent it from tarnishing- never store it with stainless steel or rubber.
- Polish your silver using specific silver polish, following the instructions on the container carefully.
- Use toothpaste as a cheap alternative, but do your homework first!
- Use water baths for delicate care.
How to Clean Silver
Knowing how to clean silver can save you a fortune on expert services yet still have your finest show pieces shining immaculately. Here are some tips to make sure that you get the job done without damaging them.
Steps
1- Clean your silver regularly and promptly after use. Use warm water with a lemon and phosphate-free cleaning detergent, and clean your silver separately to other items to avoid scratching. Do not use rubber gloves (which contain sulphur) whilst cleaning silver and wash only with a soft cotton cloth.
2- Storing your silver correctly will prevent it from tarnishing- never store it with stainless steel or rubber. Should the piece not be on show, once it is thoroughly dry, wrap it in anti-tarnish paper and then place it in a zip-lock bag.
3- Polish your silver using specific silver polish, following the instructions on the container carefully. Use cotton buds, q-tips, or very soft bristled tooth brushes to polish and clean the intricacies or delicate piece. Polish in straight lines (not a circular motion), and then rinse under running water. Dry with a soft cotton cloth.
4- Use toothpaste as a cheap alternative, but do your homework first! Another substance to use although less effective than specifically designed silver polish (and some brands of these products may actually damage silver so use at your own risk) is toothpaste (without a whitening agent such as baking soda).
5- Use water baths for delicate care. Water baths are often effective should you be weary of rubbing or scratching your silver. Obviously don’t use submersion techniques for electrics. Specific formulas are available although are usually not appropriate for oxidised or French grey silver. Again, follow the directions on the container carefully. A cheaper option is to dissolve salt into hot water (enough that it takes over a minute to dissolve), and then line the container with aluminium foil. Place the piece into the foil for a few minutes in order to dissolve the tarnish. A less hassle option is to simply bath the piece in 7up!
Tips
Never put silver or fine items in the dishwasher!
Do not wear silver jewellery in chlorinated swimming pools.
Deal with tarnish early when it is just a yellow tint. Once it has been allowed to set it further it will be much harder to remove.
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