How To Remove Tarnish From Silver

Searching for easy and safe methods to remove tarnish from silver? If yes, then this article would be of help, as it provides information on how to get rid of tarnish from silver jewelry and silverware. We all know that silver is a beautiful and versatile metal that adds a touch of elegance to dishes, flatware and jewelry. However, silver is fragile and hence, it can easily develop tarnish, stains and scratches. Though there are many methods for cleaning tarnished silver, most of them employ abrasive techniques or products that damage the silver even more by wearing the tarnish down. Given here are some simple methods that can convert the tarnished silver back to bright, shiny and sparkling looking pieces. Follow these techniques to remove tarnish from silver utensils, silver frames, silver coins, silver jewelry and other silver and silver coated items.

Methods For Cleaning Tarnished Silver

Method 1

Take an aluminum plate, large enough to fit in your silver product that is to be cleaned.
Add 1 tbsp each of salt and baking soda in the plate.
Pour hot water and stir the two ingredients to dissolve completely using a spoon.
Place the silver in the water and leave it aside for some time. The duration for which the silver will remain in the water will depend on the amount of tarnish on the silver.
Remove the silver from the water and lightly brush it with a small soft toothbrush to scrub away the tarnish.
Rinse it with clean tap water and dry thereafter.

Note: This method is not suitable for items having precious stones or for cleaning oxidized (antique) silver.

Method 2

Take an old, soft bristle toothbrush and squeeze out some white toothpaste onto it. Do not use the gel type toothpaste.
Apply the toothpaste on the silver surface covering it thoroughly. Keep it aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
In case the silver has a plain surface, you can use a soft cloth for rubbing and cleaning the silver.
For cleaning silver jewelry, use a toothbrush, while for cleaning silverware, use a soft cloth.
Rub each side and corner of the silver.
Wash it off with warm water and dry it out completely.
Thereafter, buff it with a soft, clean cloth.

Method 3

Pour in some drops of herbal shampoo in a bowl. You can also use a few drops of mild detergent instead of shampoo.
Add water and stir to make a cleaning solution.
Place the silver in the solution and leave it aside for an hour.
Remove a single piece of jewelry and rub it with a toothbrush.
Wash it off under running water to remove the shampoo thoroughly.
Wipe off the silver and buff it with a soft clean cloth to enhance its shine.
Repeat with the remaining silver pieces.

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