Cleaning Silverware
Cleaning Silver
Initially when cleaning tarnish the first step to be done, by using a soft-bristled brush or a clean cotton cloth, is to dust the item. This is a very important step since dust that accumulates on the surface can scratch the finish if not removed before cleaning.
Removing candle wax from a silver candle holder can be done by simply running hot water over the area holding the wax. The softened wax should be easy to pry out with your finger Never risk scratching the piece by using a knife.
When you have removed all the dust and wax, wash the item by hand and warm water and a gentle dishwashing soap to remove any food and gunk, but don’t soak the silver in water for any length of time.
Rinse the piece well with clean water, distilled is best, and dry immediately with a soft, lint free cloth. A hair dryer set on warm helps to dry hard to reach places.
Wearing plastic gloves rather than rubber because rubber can react with the silver, lay the item on a soft towel work surface. Use a soft cotton cloth or sponge and a good non-abrasive commercial silver cleaner or polish. Hagerty’s, Goddard’s, Gorham’s and Wright’s are the best cleaners. People find foams and liquids easier to manage than pastes, but its all a matter of personal preference.
When applying the polish, apply in a gentle circular motion. For intricate areas, use a cotton-tiped swab to apply the cleaner. Make sure all polish is removed when you’re finished, using additional cotton swabs if needed. Once the piece looks clean and shiny, stop polishing even if you’re still seeing dark residue on your cloth.
Wash the piece again and dry with a lint-free cloth. Items not used for food consumption can be waxed with a thin coat of microcrystalline wax to protect against tarnishing if desired.
After they’re clean and completely dry, wrap pieces individually with acid-free, buffered tissue, or washed cotton, linen, or polyester to store. Do not use wool, felt, chamois leather or newspaper, which can cause tarnishing or even worse, remove plating. Wrapping pieces in specially made bags or silver cloths designed to deter tarnish make good storage choice as well.
For smaller pieces of silver, like flatware or jewelery, some people use a non-chemical cleaning method using common household ingredients. By combining liquid fabric softener, salt and tepid water, a solution can be concoted to soak silverware clean. After soaking for about 15 minutes, check the silver. Soak for another 15 minutes if needed. Remove each piece from solution as soon as possible and thoroughly dry with a soft cloth. Any residual tarnish can be easily removed using a silver polishing cloth available at most department stores.
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