How to Clean Silver

Choosing the best way to remove tarnish

Tarnish is a natural result that occurs when silver is exposed to light and air. It happens to all silver and silver-clad pieces, including rings and bracelets, cutlery, serve ware and fixtures. To clean tarnished silver, it's important to use special care. Because silver is a comparatively soft surface, the goal is to remove discoloration without damage or scratching.

Cleaning with silver polish: Tested, proven commercial polish is an easy way to remove tarnish gently from silver pieces. It's especially convenient for flatware, platters, silver trays, pitchers and other large items. Be sure to follow label instructions. To polish silver properly, remember these basics:

1. Start with a clean, soft, slightly dampened cloth (not a paper towel).
2. Add a few drops of silver polish (or spray) to the cloth. Gently rub the tarnished piece.
3. Your cloth will pick up tarnish quickly so work efficiently by turning and folding the cloth often. Otherwise, you may simply be moving tarnish around instead of removing it.
4. Rinse and buff using a clean, dry cloth.
5. As a time-saver, look for silver polish that can also protect against future tarnish build-up.

Removing tarnish with baking soda and vinegar: Using a professional silver cleaner is always preferred but there are times when you might need a homemade cleaning hack. This DIY solution could be a quick alternative for removing heavy tarnish from silver.

1. Select a sturdy disposable aluminum foil (or line your sink with heavy-duty aluminum foil). Place silver pieces inside so each item is touching the aluminum. Avoid overlapping.
2. Bring 1 cup water to a boil.
3. To the water, add 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon sea salt.
4. Carefully add ½ cup vinegar to the water. You'll see a reaction at first but this is normal.
5. Using caution, pour the boiling water solution over the silver items. Let soak for about 30 seconds - or up to 2 minutes for heavily tarnished pieces.
6. Use tongs to remove silver items and rinse thoroughly. Dry with a clean, soft cloth, buffing away any remaining trace of tarnish.

Special cleaning for silver jewelry

For intricate, engraved and fine silver jewelry, using a tarnish remover formulated just for jewelry is best. These include non-abrasive sprays, foams and even pre-soaked wipes. These gentle solutions can clean and polish without damaging delicate jewelry.

How to store silver and prevent tarnish

Once you've removed tarnish, keep your silver looking its shiniest with regular care. These special tips can help:

• Use silver flatware and tableware often. Frequent use keeps tarnish away. Silver can clean up easily in warm water and dish soap.
• Similarly, wear silver jewelry as often as you can. Everyday use helps prevent tarnish.
• Never put silver in the dishwasher.
• Clean and polish silver regularly. Not as involved as removing heavy tarnish, a light cleaning will maintain silver's bright luster. Choose a silver cleaner or professional-quality polishing cloth made especially for regular daily or weekly use. A gentle jeweler's brush can help.
• If you wear fragrance, apply it before putting on jewelry. Avoid contact between perfumes and silver surfaces.
• Store silver in anti-tarnish bags or lined silver holders and place in a cool, dry spot.