How To Clean Silver and Remove Tarnish

This tutorial on How To Clean Silver and Remove Tarnish is a lifesaver! It only takes a few minutes to do and seconds for results to happen.

I've had this collection of silver spoons and serving pieces for years, and never really got around to cleaning them. Truly, I don't even know where they came from. We didn't really need to use them, so they've just been sitting in an old vase I had for years. I recently decided to purge any items from our home that we weren't using, and decided to either clean them or donate them. I had read about a super simple method to clean silver, but had no idea if it would work or not. I tried it and HOLY MOLY! It not only worked, but it literally took the tarnish away in seconds right before my eyes.

If you'd like to see the process and how well it works in real time, check out the video below! As you can see in the video, it works on sterling silver jewelry too...I'm not so sure about silver plated jewelry though!

The Importance of Cleaning Silver: Preserving Beauty and Value

Silver, with its lustrous shine and timeless elegance, has been a cherished metal for centuries. From ornate jewelry pieces to intricate tableware, silver items add a touch of class to any collection. However, over time, silver can tarnish, losing its brilliant sheen and diminishing its aesthetic appeal. So, why is it essential to clean silver regularly?

Preventing Tarnish: Silver reacts with sulfur compounds present in the air, leading to the formation of silver sulfide, which appears as a black tarnish. Regular cleaning helps prevent this tarnish from building up, ensuring your silver items retain their shine.
Maintaining Value: For collectors and those who view silver as an investment, maintaining its condition is crucial. Tarnished or poorly maintained silver can decrease in value. Regular cleaning ensures that the item's worth is preserved.
Prolonging Lifespan: Accumulated tarnish and grime can lead to corrosion over time. By cleaning your silver items regularly, you can extend their lifespan and enjoy their beauty for generations.
Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: A well-maintained silver piece, whether it's a necklace or a teapot, stands out. Its reflective surface can catch light beautifully, making it a centerpiece in any setting.
Health and Hygiene: Silverware, such as forks, knives, and spoons, come into direct contact with food. Ensuring they are clean and free from tarnish is vital for health and hygiene reasons.
Celebrating Heritage: Many silver items are heirlooms, passed down through generations. Cleaning and caring for these pieces are not just about maintaining their physical appearance but also about respecting and celebrating family heritage.
Preparing for Special Occasions: Silver items often make an appearance during special occasions, be it a wedding, anniversary, or a family dinner during the holidays. Regular cleaning ensures they are always ready to shine during these moments.

In conclusion, cleaning silver is not just about aesthetics; it's about preserving its value, ensuring its longevity, and celebrating its significance in our lives. Whether you have a cherished silver necklace, a set of antique silverware, or a collection of silver coins, regular cleaning and maintenance are paramount. Remember, the brilliance of silver lies not just in its shine but in the care we give it.

Read on to see the step-by-step instructions on How To Clean Silver!

These are the silver pieces that I've been holding on to. I kind of like the way the looked tucked in this vase, but it was high time to let them shine.

I started by filling a pot with water and adding a scrunched up ball of aluminum foil...yep, the stuff we use in our kitchens every day. Next, I let the water come to a rolling boil.

Once the water was boiling, I added about a tablespoon of baking soda. I wish I had done this a bit differently to be honest, because I made a major mess. Next time I will use a large soup pot instead of a smaller one and I'll only fill it half way with water, because once you add the baking soda, the water boils more heavily and expands, so there should be plenty of room for that to happen. My water/baking soda boiled over the edge of the pot and onto my stove. The good thing is that it was pretty easy to clean up once everything cooled.

WARNING!!! Be very careful when dipping and removing the silver from the hot water. I used a pair of tongs to remove the silver from the hot water and placed them in cool water immediately and let cool before handling.

Next, dip your silver pieces into the water, baking soda, foil mixture and allow to sit for about 30 seconds to a minute. Using tongs, remove the silverware from the boiling water and rinse in cool water.

The results were seriously crazy! I had no idea they would come that clean and am so glad I decided to keep the silver pieces and try to clean them. Check out the side by side before and after below!

These were two similar spoons from my collection...isn't the difference between the before and after crazy? I'll be keeping my eye out for more silver pieces at flea markets and thrift shops to add to my collection now! I just love that I didn't have to use any crazy chemicals to clean my silver and it was sooo easy!