1. Gather Materials
Before you can start cleaning silver, you’ll need some essential materials. Here are the things you’ll need to get your silver shining again:
– Soft-bristled toothbrush
– Microfiber cloth or soft cotton cloth
– Warm water
– Dish soap or silver cleaner
– Bowl
– Aluminum foil
– Baking soda
2. Clean the Silver with Soap and Water
The first step to cleaning silver is to start with soap and water. To begin, fill a bowl with warm water and dish soap. Mix it well to create a soapy bath for your silver. Once your bowl is ready, gently place your silver items into the water.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently scrub any visible dirt or stains. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can scratch the silver surface. Once cleaned, rinse silver thoroughly under warm running water, and then dry with a soft cotton cloth or microfiber cloth.
3. Use a Silver Cleaner
If the soap and water method doesn’t remove all of the tarnish, you can use a silver cleaner. There are many on the market, so research a few options to determine which one is best for you. Follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully.
Be sure to test the cleaner on a small, hidden area of your silver item before applying it to the entire piece. This will help you determine if the cleaner will cause any damage. Once you’ve tested the cleaner, apply it to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the silver. Afterward, rinse the silver with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
4. Use Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil
If you prefer a more natural cleaning method, you can use baking soda and aluminum foil. To start, line a bowl with aluminum foil, shiny side up. Fill the bowl with hot water and mix in a tablespoon of baking soda. Be sure the baking soda is fully dissolved before you add your silver item to the water.
Let your silver item sit in the water for a few minutes, and then remove it. Rinse it under warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
5. Store Your Silver Properly
After cleaning, you’ll want to ensure that your silver doesn’t tarnish again too quickly. The best way to prevent tarnish is to store silver in a dry, airtight container, such as a zip-lock bag. Add a piece of chalk, silica, or activated charcoal to absorb moisture that could cause tarnish. Additionally, avoid storing silver in direct sunlight, as this can cause it to turn yellow instead of maintaining its desirable silver hue.
The Bottom Line
Cleaning silver is easy when you have the right tools and materials. Whether you prefer commercial cleaners or natural methods like baking soda, you can maintain your silver’s beauty for years to come. With our step-by-step guide, you can now ensure that your silver remains as lustrous as the day it was bought.