How to Clean Silver Naturally

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By pjsmom30
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Clean Silver Naturally

Whether it is silver flatware, or silver jewelry, all silver needs to be cleaned. If silver is exposed to the air, it will tarnish. This article will explain the simple steps necessary to clean silver in an all natural and inexpensive way with items that you already have in your home.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

water softener (or laundry washing soda)
salt
aluminum foil
water
lemon juice
soft cloth

Step 1

Gather the silver items that you want to clean. Fill your sink with hot water (about a quart). Be careful that the water isn't too hot. Put 1 tablespoon of the water softener and 1 tablespoon of the salt into the water and swirl around until they dissolve.
Step 2

Put a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the sink. Place the tarnished silver that you want to clean on the foil.
Step 3

The silver that has been touching the aluminum foil and completely covered by the water will be cleaned quite quickly. Some silver pieces are so tarnished that they may need a good rubbing with the soft cloth.
Step 4

Another easy, natural and inexpensive way to clean silver:
Mix together lemon juice and salt. Using your soft cloth, dip into the lemon mixture and then rub the tarnished silver with it. Rinse with clean water and dry.

Tips & Warnings

If you keep silver in an airtight place, it won't tarnish. It is the exposure to the air that causes it to tarnish.
Be careful of these techniques when you are cleaning antiqued silver.
Silver jewelry cleans well, but don't use this method if there are gem stones. They could come loose.