How To Remove Tarnish From Silverware

A dinner table glows well when laid with the fine and exquisite silverware. Household silverware generally includes dishware, cutlery, candlesticks and tea sets. It comes along with a great amount of care; lest careless or machine polishing ruins the patina and erodes the silver layer completely. Silver tarnishes easily and has to be hand polished. Its regular use enhances its beauty, but tarnishing of often beyond one’s control. If you are also having tarnished silver at your place, given here are some easy methods on how to remove tarnish from your silverware and make it shining and lustrous. These minimal efforts will surprise you with clean and good-looking silverware in no time at all.

Removing Tarnish From Your Silverware

Method 1

Things Required

Commercial Silver Polish
Damp Sponge
Cotton Swabs or Old Soft Toothbrush
Soft Rags
Dish Towels
Rubber Gloves
Tarnish-repelling Silver Cloth

Instructions

Put on the rubber gloves and catch hold of the silverware that is to be cleaned.
Squeeze some commercial silver polish on a damp sponge and apply to the silver.
When the sponge turns black, squeeze and rinse the sponge and apply fresh polish to the silver.
Using cotton swabs or old soft toothbrush, work polish into the heavily incised or elaborately decorated areas.
Always use a thin layer of polish, since it has to be removed later on. Any polish that remains in the silver encourages quick re-tarnishing.
Dry off the polish. Use soft rags to rub off the polish gently. If required, apply a second coat of polish, to remove stubborn tarnish. Be sure not to rub too hard, as this can damage the silver.
Use warm soapy water to wash the silver. Rinse well and dry on dish towels.
Wrap the silver pieces in tarnish-repelling silver cloth, for increased shine. These cloths are easily available at any department or jewelry store that sells silver flatware.

Method 2

Things Required

Large Aluminum Kettle or Large Stainless Steel Pot
Aluminum Foil Sheets
8 cups Water
½ to 1 cup Baking Soda

Instructions

This method proves to be a quick treatment for light tarnish. It is not recommended for pieces that have parts joined with silver-joined compound. Since the method uses hot water, it can weaken the joints.
Pour water in a large aluminum kettle or stainless steel pot. Bring it to boil and turn off the heat.
Add a piece of aluminum foil to the kettle.
Now, gently place the silverware in the kettle.
Gradually add baking soda, starting with a half cup. Bubbles will start to galore.
When the bubbles stop, check if the tarnish has been removed from the silver. In case the silver pieces are still tarnished, add another half-cup of baking soda in the kettle.
Drain the water from the kettle and remove the pieces.
Use warm water to rinse the silver pieces and dry them. Wrap in tarnish-repelling silver cloth.

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