Clean Your Silver with Household Basics

Sparkling clean silver is a delight on any table. Even better is knowing you didn’t use any harsh, toxic chemicals to get it that way.

The secrets of silver cleaning using household basics may surprise you, but the techniques are easy, tried, and true!

If you have a small job, the best silver polish is white tooth paste. Dab some on your finger, and rub into the tarnish.

For bigger pieces, use baking soda and a clean, damp sponge. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Scoop the paste onto the sponge, and rub the paste into the silver. Rinse with hot water and polish dry with a soft, clean cloth.

For badly tarnished silver, leave the baking soda paste on the silver for an hour or so, before cleaning off with the help of the sponge and hot water.

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By Annie B. Bond

169 comments

Sherry K
Sherry Kabout a year ago

Many thanks to you !

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Eleonora Oldani
Eleonora Oldani2 years ago

Now isn't this funny? I found the link to this article again in my inbox, clicked on it ... and lo and behold "my comment" below (which I naturally didn't write as I'm not an imposter!!) appeared in the thread!?!?! Care2 - any explanation for this?!

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Eleonora Oldani
Eleonora Oldani2 years ago

Toothpaste and baking soda may be non-toxic, but they will both HARM your silver! I have been a silver conservator for over 30 years and have just developed a non-toxic, earth-friendly tarnish remover that will NOT harm your silver. Give Herman's Simply Clean Collectors Silver Polish a try:

Baking soda is EXTREMELY abrasive. This non-toxic, earth-friendly polish will remove tarnish SAFELY!

http://www.hermans-silver-polish.com/index.htm

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Jeffrey Herman
Jeffrey Herman2 years ago

Toothpaste and baking soda may be non-toxic, but they will both HARM your silver! I have been a silver conservator for over 30 years and have just developed a non-toxic, earth-friendly tarnish remover that will NOT harm your silver. Give Herman's Simply Clean Collectors Silver Polish a try:

Baking soda is EXTREMELY abrasive. This non-toxic, earth-friendly polish will remove tarnish SAFELY!

http://www.hermans-silver-polish.com/index.htm

SEND
Jeffrey Herman
Jeffrey Herman2 years ago

Toothpaste and baking soda may be non-toxic, but they will both HARM your silver! I have been a silver conservator for over 30 years and have just developed a non-toxic, earth-friendly tarnish remover that will NOT harm your silver. Give Herman's Simply Clean Collectors Silver Polish a try:

Baking soda is EXTREMELY abrasive. This non-toxic, earth-friendly polish will remove tarnish SAFELY!

http://www.hermans-silver-polish.com/index.htm

SEND
Fi T.
Past Member 2 years ago

Recycle our utencils

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Jeffrey Herman
Jeffrey Herman3 years ago

I'm sorry, folks, I made a mistake.

I was talking about the aluminum foil and baking soda technique. The methods mentioned in the article involve using baking soda and toothpaste to remove tarnish. Both are like using sand paper. Will it remove tarnish quickly? YOU BET! That's because they're so abrasive.

About me...

I started my business in 1984, and have built this business on an international reputation of quality craftsmanship with a special sensitivity towards the finishing of every piece. I have repaired, reconstructed, and hand polished everything from historically important tankards, tea services, and tureens to disposal-damaged and dishwasher-dulled flatware.

As an environmentalist, I use the safest, non-toxic, organic products available. My workshop is state-of-the-art in safety and cleanliness.

I began my life as a silversmith in 1976 while in high school, taking night courses at Southeastern Massachusetts University (now UMass Dartmouth). I went on to earn a BFA degree in silversmithing and jewelry making from Maine College of Art where I studied under Harold Schremmer and Ernest Thompson - two outstanding designer/craftsmen. Upon graduating, I was hired by Gorham as a designer, sample maker, and technical illustrator. When I left Gorham, I took a position at Pilz Ltd. where I created ecclesiastical ware and learned the fine art of restoration.

In 1989 I founded the Society of American Silversmiths to preserve and promote this beautiful art form

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Jeffrey Herman
Jeffrey Herman3 years ago

Andrew,

If you were going to purchase a car, who's advice would you trust, an accountant or your mechanic with 30-year's experience? The same is true with silver care – you would consult a silver conservator with over 30-year's experience. You may not think that method will harm your silver, but I know It WILL etch your silver's surface. http://www.hermansilver.com.

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Andrew Campbell
Andrew Campbell3 years ago

Thanks for sharing with us this simple DIY solution that is non-toxic and easy to make. Furthermore, it does not cost a single cent since most of the tools and ingredients can easily be found in your kitchen. I have some antique jewellery that needs to be cleaned to bring back its original shine but not damage its coat. I think this mild home solution would definitely do the trick.

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Jeffrey Herman
Jeffrey Herman4 years ago

Hello Eleonora,

Sorry for the long wait, I haven't been monitoring this site.

As long as the baby brush is a natural material (horsehair or natural white boar bristle), and used with diluted phosphate-free, non-lemon scented dishwashing soap, there won't be a problem. But I believe most baby hairbrushes are made of nylon, which will scratch.

Any other questions can probably be answered on om Silver Care page.

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