How To Clean Silver
Unfortunately, silver is fragile compared to other metals; pure silver easily tarnishes when exposed to air or water containing ozone or hydrogen sulfide. It is also very ductile and malleable and, while it is slightly harder than gold, is very prone to scratches. When cleaning your silver and silverware, it is important that caution and a light touch is given.
Silver is used for many purposes: kitchenware, jewelry, (expensive) toys. Cleaning silver really does not take much trouble, although there are some things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you:
How to Clean Silver
How to Wash Silverware
Clean silver utensils immediately after use. Silver that is used rarely suffers from tarnishing problems. If you see the beginning hint of a tarnish, just use warm water and a phosphate-free detergent to wash the silver.
Wash silver utensils separately. Other utensils or even the metal sink can scratch silver. Stainless steel also has the tendency to damage the silverware’s finish when it comes in contact with it.
Don’t use rubber gloves when washing your silverware, as rubber is known to corrode silver.
How to Polish Silver
There may be instances where simple washing may not be enough to remove the tarnish. In such cases, your safest option is to use a specially formulated silver polish.
Moisten the soft silver-polishing cloth that is usually included with the package with a little bit of polish and rub it to the silver in a straight, back and forth motion; not in circles. Don’t scrub; rather, just let the polish do its work.
Once done, rinse the silver under running water and then dry completely with a soft cloth.
How to Polish Silver with Intricate Designs
Materials:
Soft-bristled toothbrush
Q-tips
Directions:
To soften the bristles of your brush further, wash the toothbrush in warm water.
Slowly and carefully work with the toothbrush and/or Q-tips around the detailed part of your silver.
Follow the instructions above for washing or polishing once you have completed polishing the designs.
Avoid abrasive metal polishers or cleaners; remember that silver is softer than copper or bronze and what works for them it not be applicable to silver. Using home-based cleaners such as baking soda or toothpaste might be okay, but could have poor results. If you’re in doubt, just ask a professional silversmith on what brand cleaner to use.
After cleaning, store your silvers correctly. Make sure they’re completely dry. Use acid-free tissue paper or anti-tarnish paper to wrap them up, then seal them in an airtight bag. And remember, never store silver in containers or places where it can get in contact with rubber, paint, or stainless steel.