Easy Tips for Cleaning, Polishing, and Caring for Silverware

Silver has an attractive appearance that makes it great for constructing beautiful pieces of jewelry and houseware. Because of its charm, it becomes sophisticated metal trimmings for your table settings or a classic ornament for your latest outfit. However, over time, exposure to sunlight and air can transform the surface of your silver from shiny to dull and tarnished.

When you want to use these items or put them on display, you should clean them first. It may seem frustrating that silver requires constant upkeep. Yet, it does not have to be a tiresome event. Rather than spending lots of money on specialized products that may not work, you can grab a few pantry items that will quickly remove the tarnish. After reviewing the below tips, you will be able to clean and care for your silverware and limit any blemishes in the future.

• Caring for Your Silver

Once you remove the dullness and discoloration, you can take helpful steps to keep your silver bright and sparkling. Get started by mixing dish soap with lukewarm water and gently wash each piece. Once they are thoroughly clean, you can rinse away the soap and wipe dry using a soft cloth. Between cleanings, keep your silver stored in a cool, dry place to limit the oxidation process.

• Determining the Frequency for Cleanings

Typically, you may polish your silver at least one time per year. However, you can clean it more often based on how often you use it. If you have jewelry that you wear frequently, or a collection of flatware you showcase for friends and family, you may want to address those pieces more often.

Keep reading to discover how to wash your silver and ensure your cherished pieces gleam like they are brand-new.

• Toothpaste

Toothpaste does a wonderful job of polishing your teeth without damaging or diminishing them. If you use the paste and avoid the gel, you can return your silverware to its former glory. For gleaming results, weaken the toothpaste with water and polish the silver with a soft fabric. After getting shinier results, you can rinse away the excess.

• Ketchup

Because of your love for burgers and fries, you are sure to have ketchup on hand. After adding a few drops on a napkin, the acid from the tomatoes will wash away any tarnish. If the deterioration has built up for a long time, you can squeeze ketchup right onto your silverware and be allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, you can rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.

• Lemon Juice

Not only can lemons add delicious flavor to your favorite dishes, but they can be a powerfully efficient way to clean around your home. When you want to remove water spots from your silver, you can dip a cloth in lemon juice and wipe it on the articles you wanted to get cleaned. You clear away any residue with a napkin and water. Once put your items away, put spaces between the pieces, so they do not rub against each other.

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is a terrific product with a variety of helpful uses around your home. You may have used it to make fluffier pancakes, deodorize your refrigerator, or brush your teeth. It can also make it easier for you to remove stubborn, hard-to-remove tarnish. Make it into a paste by adding water, and use a small brush to gently rub it on your silverware. Use a soft technique while doing this so you will not scratch the surface of your cutlery. After a short while of using small circular motions, you will get the polished look you hoped for.

• White Vinegar

Similar to lemon juice and ketchup, vinegar is quite acidic. When it encounters tarnished silver, there is a strong chemical response that removes stains without ruining your silver. Plus, combining white vinegar with other simple ingredients enhances its cleansing power. This ability makes it the ideal solution for use as a silver cleaner. While using it, keep monitoring the process so you can remove your silverware when they are ready. You can clean them with regular water and blot them dry with a washcloth.

• Bananas

Even though it seems like a surprise, bananas can also help you with cleaning your silverware. They are very nutritious and filled with vitamins that are great for your body. You can chop up a few pieces until you have a paste to rub on your silver flatware. From there, you can use a cloth or small brush to apply the mixture to your cutlery. It may seem a bit sticky or messy, but you can easily wash it away once you get done.

• Keeping Your Silverware Shiny

Now that you have multiple ways to clean your silver, it will help if you have ways to prevent or limit the darkening in the future. For instance, you should reduce how much you touch the items once they have gotten cleaned and prepared for storage. This limit will curb the exposure to oils in your hands, which will increase the rate that they tarnish. While not in use, place them in non-tarnish bags or wrap them in acid-free tissue paper.

As you can see, caring for your silverware does not have to be expensive or difficult. With a few products from around your home, you can restore them to an extraordinary appearance. The next time you want to pull them out, they will be ready to impress your guests.

Now that your silver wares are sparkly clean, how about we do the same for your home. Let our cleaning professionals help you do the housework and leave your place spotless!

Contact your local Cleanzen team & learn more about the cleaning services we offer.