7 Effective Tricks To Clean Silver At Home

So that silver objects do not become too opaque, and that it costs less to return them to their original shine, it is convenient to clean them. Some homemade tricks can effectively clean silver at Home, especially old objects, which darken over time. Generally, they do so due to exposure to dust, humidity, and other environmental agents. Currently, some decorative elements in silver almost do not blacken because they are made in a rhodium-plated process. And while this material doesn’t oxidize, it does undergo a reaction with hydrogen sulfide, causing it to become more opaque. Luckily, in addition to possibly polishing them with the metal polishes sold in the market, you can also improve their appearance with some homemade tricks. Do you want to meet them?

Basic silver care

Silver has been used for centuries as a component of jewelry and other objects due to its high inertness and stability. Before putting into practice any trick to clean silver at Home, we want to highlight some basic care to avoid deterioration:

• You should try not to pile up your jewelry or silver objects, which can cause scratches or imperfections.
• Try to dry them well after each use (especially if it is crockery or cutlery). In this sense, use mild soap and a cotton cloth. Completely avoid any abrasive scouring pads.
• Jewelry, containers, and tableware should be kept away from possible concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. For example, you should not leave past fruits on trays or silver platters since their decomposition generates that deteriorated appearance in the element.
• Never wrap silver in newspaper when storing it. Although it is touted as a homemade trick, the truth is that this can cause it to tarnish.
• Avoid handling silver objects with greasy or very dirty hands. This will reduce the frequency with which you clean them to remove the patina of grease that clings to their surface.

Seven Tricks to clean silver at Home

Was it impossible for you to prevent your objects from taking on a dull appearance? Then try some of the tricks that we share below to clean silver at Home without having to send it to a jewelry store or spend money on polishes. Remember that these tips come from popular culture; therefore, there is no evidence to prove their effectiveness. However, since they are safe methods to apply, trying them is not a problem since they will not damage your pieces.

1. Baking soda with vinegar

Combining baking soda with white vinegar is one of the most practical tricks to clean and polish many items in the Home. Both undo the opaque layer that covers silver objects to leave them clean and shiny.

Ingredients

• One tablespoon of baking soda (10 g)
• ¼ cup white vinegar (62 ml)

What should you do?

• Gradually add the baking soda to the white vinegar (you will notice an effervescence).
• When you have dissolved everything, immerse the silver objects or rub the product with the help of a clean cloth.
• Finish by buffing with a dry cloth and, if necessary, repeat the process.

2. Toothpaste

One of the alternative uses of toothpaste is as a silver polish.

Ingredients

• Toothpaste (as needed)
• Hot water
• Neutral soap

What should you do?

• Wash the objects well with hot water and neutral soap and rub them with a good amount of toothpaste.
• After polishing for 5 minutes, rinse again and dry well with an absorbent cloth.

3. Cream of tartar

One of the lesser-known products to use as a home silver cleaner is cream of tartar. This ingredient removes dust, removes the dull layer, and provides incredible shine.

Ingredients

• Cream of tartar (15g)
• One teaspoon of baking soda (5 g)
• 1 liter of water

What should you do?

• Add the cream of tartar, water, and baking soda into a saucepan.
• Mix everything well and put it on medium-low heat.
• Add the silver elements and let them boil for 5 minutes.
• After the indicated time, remove them, wait for them to cool down, and polish them with a cloth.

4. Aluminum foil

The homemade trick of cleaning silver with aluminum foil is one of the most popular and simple. Helps leave items looking brighter and shinier.

Ingredients

• Aluminum foil (as necessary)
• Hot water
• One tablespoon of baking soda (10 g)

What should you do?

• Take a large piece of aluminum foil to wrap a large container.
• Fill the container with hot water and then add the baking soda.
• Introduce the silver objects and leave them for about 10 minutes.
• Dry them and wipe them with a soft cloth to give them a shine.

5. Banana peel

We will use the inner part of the banana peel, which helps us remove dirt from metal objects or, in this case, clean silver at Home. You just have to take a fresh banana peel. Use it to polish the object of your choice. If necessary, repeat the process several times, changing the shell.

6. Cornstarch paste

Better known as cornstarch, cornstarch flour is another trick to clean silver at Home. To do this, you must create a paste that facilitates its application since, otherwise, directly spreading the flour will have less effect.

Ingredients

• One lemon
• One tablespoon of cornstarch (10 g)
• A damp microfiber cloth

What should you do?

• Cut a lemon in half and extract its juice in a container.
• Then, add the tablespoon of cornstarch and mix everything until you get a smooth paste.
• Take the damp cloth and rub it a little with the paste. Gently rub the silver for a minute, then clean it with lukewarm water.
• Remember to finish the process by drying the object well before storing it.

7. Neutral detergent

Finally, you can also use neutral detergent to clean silver objects at Home. This must be neutral since. Otherwise, it can further erode the patina or tarnish it. Dilute the detergent in water and clean the silver with the help of a microfiber cloth. As with the other tricks, you must dry the object well when finished.

How often should you clean or polish silver?

Remember that polishing and cleaning silver at Home is abrasive to its surface. Although they can somewhat mitigate the changes that occur in them, the truth is that excess in its frequency has the opposite effect. When you opt for these homemade tricks to clean silver from Home, you should never do it more than two or three times a year. Remember that just because they are natural does not mean they are safer or more benign. The best way to clean silver is with special products; the result is more effective when done by a professional. Even with commercial products, you don’t have to appeal for regular cleaning or polishing.

Be careful with your hands and your silver objects.

We advise you to use gloves when applying these homemade tricks to clean silver at Home to protect your hands and not scratch objects with your nails or if you have rings. Also, locate yourself in a place with good ventilation and lighting to avoid odors and vapors (for example, when using vinegar with bicarbonate) and work well. Remember, when you polish the objects, place them on a cloth or a soft surface so that they do not hit or scratch. In case of doubt, always turn to a professional. His experience will ensure that silver cleaning is carried out safely and effectively without compromising its integrity.