How to clean silver

Cleaning silver prior to polishing is essential! Dirt and grime can be abrasive and scratch silver as your polishing, and it is far easier to polish clean silver.

1. Wash with phosphate-free detergent

Line the sink with a towel or plastic dishpan. Gently wash silver with non-lemon-scented phosphate-free detergent, like Dawn. Do not allow silver to come in contact with a metal sink as that can cause scratching. Be careful not to submerge objects that may have hollow cavities. If you’re working with something particularly dirty, be patient. Letting it sit damp for a few moments will help loosen soften dirt or dried polish without abrasion.

2. Use cellulose sponges and natural fiber brush

Cellulose sponges are best for large areas and general cleaning, but can also be cut to get into tight areas. Brushes are particularly helpful in gently cleaning repousse and removing left-over polish residue. Tampico, horsehair, and natural white boar brushes are suitable.

3. Glass Cleaner & Hand Sanitizer

Any plant based, non-lemon scented, glass cleaner or aloe-free hand sanitizer can also be effective cleaners as well. Both, alike detergent, can remove tarnish in its earliest stages without polishing. If hand sanitizer leaves a residue, simply rinse, or rinse and wash.

4. Rinse & dry immediately

Water can leave marks, so dry with a clean cotton cloth and then assess if you need to polish.

If you use your silver everyday…

Tarnish will hardly have time to form. Simply make sure porous materials are regularly waxed, wash after use, and dry immediately. Silver used often shouldn’t be much trouble to keep up with.