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Step 1
Know that you can use ammonia to polish stainless steel silverware, tarnished sterling silverware and even lacquered brass items. Silverware of all kinds gets tarnished, discolored and stained over time. Before polishing, wash old pieces that haven't been used in awhile. Wash them in a solution of warm soapy water and a little ammonia. This helps remove any built-up gunk and makes polishing easier.
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Step 2
Use a soft-bristled brush when you use ammonia to polish silverware. An old toothbrush usually works well. Just make sure the bristles are soft so they won't scratch the finish of your silverware. Dip the brush into the ammonia. Scrub the silverware piece gently to polish.
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Step 3
Wipe the piece of silverware dry with a soft cloth after you finish polishing with the ammonia. Make sure you dry it well. Any soft cloth will do, but chamois works especially well. Chamois is a piece of leather made from the hide of a goat antelope. It's often used for polishing.
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Step 4
Look for silverware and fine metal cleaners that have ammonia as one of the ingredients. This is another way to use ammonia to polish silverware. Read the label carefully. Make sure that there is no chlorine included in the ingredients. Chlorine is not good for polishing stainless steel silverware.
