How to Clean Tarnish From Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is beautiful. . . until it tarnishes. Here is how to restore silver to its former glory.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• For small items: "Silver glove" available at most grocery stores and housewares department. OR
• For large items: Silver polish
• Rags
• Elbow grease

1. If you have a lot of things to polish, wear old clothes; polishing silver can be a messy job.
2. For small items, using a silver glove, simply rub the glove over the item until the tarnish disappears.
3. For larger items, apply the silver polish liberally to the surface of the item to be cleaned. Let it dry.
4. Using a clean, dry rag, buff the surface of the item until it gleams.

Tips & Warnings

• Silver gloves have the silver polish embedded in them. They are good for small items like antique hand mirrors and salt and pepper shakers.
• Larger items, like punch bowls, require the use of silver polish.
• Be sure read the label of the metal polish product you use to determine if it is safe for use with silver. Many products are not.
• Do not put silver or silver plate through the dishwasher. Automatic dishwasher detergent is very harsh and corrosive to silver.