While washing, do not allow silver to come into contact with a stainless steel or metal sink, which can cause scratching, Herman says. Always be sure to line your sink with a plastic basin or a soft, clean cloth or towel.
Although adding ketchup (it’s the citric acid) to tarnished silver may work, professionals agree it is best to stick to more tried-and-true techniques. “We know inexpensive products like silver polish work well, so why risk damaging your items with other methods?” says Nelson.
If you’re not sure how to polish silver, follow the instructions on the label. Weiman Silver Polish and Cleaner, for instance, only requires that you rub the polish in with a soft cloth, rinse with warm water, and then buff away to prevent water spots. This product works great on heirloom pieces with crevices, which may not lend themselves to the baking soda, salt, and aluminum foil method.
If you do prefer to clean silver at home without a product, try this DIY method. To add shine and luster to your silver items, you can make a paste using cornstarch and water. “Create a thick paste and apply it to your silver, gently rubbing it in using a soft cloth,” says Prerna Jain, owner Ministry Of Cleaning in Melbourne, Australia. “The mild abrasive properties of cornstarch help polish the silver.” Rinse off the paste, dry the silver thoroughly, and buff it with a clean cloth for added shine.
Why does silver tarnish?
Pure silver is too soft to use when crafting silverware, necklaces, and the like, so artisans use copper to make it more durable. But, over time, the copper can oxidize with sulfur and other environmental elements causing a chemical reaction that makes sterling silver discolor or tarnish. The longer a piece is exposed to these elements, the more tarnish will accumulate, making it more difficult to clean. This doesn’t hurt the piece, but many people prefer the aesthetics of a nice, shiny piece of silver.
How do you remove tarnish from silver?
Whether it’s antique silver, a newer item, or even silver-plated jewelry, hand-polishing is the best way to go when it comes to dealing with heavy tarnish. Using quick chemical dips or a machine can dull or seriously damage the finish, says Jeanne Sloane, deputy chairman at Christie’s in New York City. No need for elbow grease here—you’ll want a light touch when working with sterling silver items to prevent scratches.
