How to Clean Silver-Plated Items with Household Ingredients
Silver-plated items can add a touch of elegance to your home, but they can also tarnish over time. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective ways to clean silver plate using common household ingredients.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Aluminum foil
- Boiling water
- Soft rag or microfiber cloth
- Tongs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Assess the Silver Item
Before you begin cleaning, determine how much of the tarnish you want to remove. Polishing silver can reduce its value in the antique market, so it’s important to consider your intentions.
2. Create the Cleaning Solution
Combine 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of baking soda for every gallon of water used. Choose a container large enough for the silver to lay flat and be fully submerged.
3. Line a Container with Aluminum Foil
Place a few sheets of aluminum foil on the bottom of your container, shiny side up. The silver must be in direct contact with the foil for this method to work effectively.
4. Sprinkle Salt and Baking Soda on Foil
Sprinkle equal parts salt and baking soda onto the aluminum foil.
5. Add Boiling Water
Carefully pour boiling water into the container. Ensure the bucket is deep enough to withstand the fizzing that occurs when the water hits the baking soda and salt. Add enough water to cover the silver items.
6. Immerse the Silver Item
Using tongs, carefully place the silver-plated item in the container. The tarnish may begin to dissolve immediately. If not, add more salt, baking soda, or water, and ensure the aluminum foil is in direct contact with the silver. Allow the silver to soak for up to 30 minutes.
7. Remove and Dry
Carefully remove the silver from the hot mixture using tongs. Wipe it with a soft rag or microfiber cloth to remove any remaining tarnish. If tarnish persists, soak the item for a longer period.
8. Rinse and Dry
Thoroughly rinse the silver with clean water to remove any residual salt or baking soda. Dry the item completely with a soft rag or microfiber cloth to prevent further tarnishing.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Silver-Plated Items:
- Lemon: Lemon juice is effective in removing water spots from silver-plated items. Dip a microfiber cloth in lemon juice and wipe away tarnish and watermarks.
- Vinegar: Submerge your silver-plated item in undiluted white vinegar for 15 minutes (for light tarnish) to a couple of hours (for heavier tarnish). Rinse thoroughly with water and dry.
- Ketchup: Apply ketchup to a microfiber rag and gently polish the silver plate. Buff off the ketchup with a clean rag to achieve a shine.
- Toothpaste: Non-gel toothpaste can be used to polish silver plate. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth, gently rub it on the silver, and buff with a clean cloth.
- Baking Soda and Aluminum Foil (for Larger Items): Wrap the silver item in aluminum foil before submerging it in boiling water and baking soda. Place the shiny side of the foil towards the item. Let it soak for 30 minutes, remove it, unwrap it when cool, and buff dry.
How to Store Silver-Plated Items:
To prevent tarnishing, store silver-plated items in a moisture-free environment. Line a drawer or container with a tarnish-resistant fabric, silver cloth, acid-free tissue paper, or unbleached cotton muslin. Place the wrapped item in a cotton or anti-tarnish bag. Avoid storing silver plate in plastic due to potential moisture entrapment. Consider placing a piece of chalk in the bag to absorb any remaining moisture.
FAQs:
- Can silver-plated items be restored?
Silver plating can be restored by removing the old coating and applying a new layer of silver. Contact a professional silver restoration service for this process.
- How do you clean silver plate that has turned black?
Create a paste of baking soda and water. Rub it on the black tarnish, leave it for up to 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water and buff dry.
- Can you clean silver plate with Coca-Cola?
Yes, Coca-Cola can be used to remove tarnish from silver plate. Soak the item in the liquid for a minute or two until the tarnish disappears. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly.