How to Clean a Silver Tea Service

Silver is a beautiful, elegant metal, and a silver tea service can be a treasure. However, silver is a fragile metal, easily corroded and tarnished just by being exposed to air. Proper care and cleaning is essential. Silver that is regularly used, and washed immediately afterward with warm water and a mild detergent tarnishes less easily, and if properly stored, should not need to be polished more than once a year. To get started, choose the gentlest products, and follow these steps, and your silver tea service will always look perfect for any occasion.

Things You'll Need

• Gentle, water-based silver polish Several soft, clean cloths Cotton swabs Basin of warm water

Instructions

1. Use a soft, clean wet rag to wipe any excess dirt or dust from the item.

2. Apply silver polish to another soft, damp cloth.

3. Use the cloth to spread the silver polish over the item.

4. Allow the polish to sit for about 30 to 45 seconds. Ensure that your cloth is still damp or dampen it again, if necessary.

5. Rub the item in a circular motion, using gentle pressure to remove the polish and shine the silver. Use cotton swabs to polish crevices or hard-to-reach areas.

6. When finished, gently rinse the item in warm water.

7. Use a soft, clean cloth to dry the item thoroughly.