When we last visited our family, we were gifted our grandmother's beautiful silver tea set. We want to keep this pretty heirloom in perfect shape so we researched some tips on how to best care for silver wares. Check them out after the jump.
How To: Care For Silver
It doesn't take too long to polish silver and make it bright if you have the right materials. Also, avoid using a silver tarnish dip except for pieces with small cuts or curves or for the tines of a fork. The dips tend to leave a yellowish residue on silver. Also, you won't want all areas to be perfectly shiny. Darkened areas add beauty to the look of old and intricate pieces.
Polishing Tips
- Rinse each silver item in hot water to remove surface dust.
- While the silver is still warm, use a moistened foam sponge to spread the silver polish.
- Spread the cream quickly over the silver piece to cover it completely.
- Gently rub each tarnished area. Move around the piece, inside and out, until the tarnish is gone.
- Dry with a very soft cotton flour-sack towel to remove all water.
Check out more care for your house wares below:
[Title photo via jsgphoto/flickr creative commons and tips via About.com]
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Um, I'm pretty sure that picture is of a pewter set, not silver.
view morfydd's profile
my mother always told me the easiest way to keep silver clean is to use it! we used to have tea parties together where she'd break out the silver for us to use. it was a fun bonding moment.
view larchgirl's profile
I Make silver jewelery, so here are my tips
Many jewelry stores sell polishing cloths, they are usually a yellow sheet and a red sheet sewn together. These are fantastic for polishing because they don't leave any goop like the liquid polish and they allow you to leave the details/relief unpolished in the crevices for a beautiful effect
Silver tarnishes because when exposed to oxygen the top later oxidizes and turns black. If you are not using it and are hiding it in a drawer, if you can, put it in an airtight container like a plastic bag to keep the oxygen away. Make sure there is no water/dampness in the bag.
For an added bonus, 3M sells an anti-tarnish paper that absorbs oxygen, if you wrap your silver in it then put in a plastic bag it stays shiny even longer (I wrap my jewelry in it when i sell it)
This advice also applies for copper
view Hollie's profile
Somewhat off-topic: what about silver plate? I have tons of it and everyone has a different answer on how to clean it.
view TheMia's profile
you can clean silver plate just like silver, you just have to be aware that it is a thin coat of silver over a base metal, so try to use a method that is as non-abrasive as possible.
view Hollie's profile
On this page I left a comment on how to very quickly and easily clean tarnished silver.
Try it! It works. Just be careful not to do this with items that have other things (like gems) in it.
view Mrs.Mack's profile
Mrs. Mack yes! that method works really great. don't do it if you want to keep the crevices dark, and you can polish it more after this technique
view Hollie's profile
the best method i've ever used or heard of is to use powdered up chalk. wet a white, non-terry cloth rag and wring it almost dry. dip it into the powdered up chalk and rub whatever object needs cleaning. rinse well, and dry thoroughly.
view joolzie's profile