How to Use Vinegar to Clean Silver

Tarnish collects on silver eventually, no matter what you do; it's a form of oxidation, like rust is on iron, and will occur over time merely through exposure to air. Tarnish can eventually damage and devalue your silver pieces if not removed. Most people hate the idea of polishing their silver, but removing tarnish can be done cheaply and easily with the use of vinegar. Non-toxic and inexpensive, vinegar can save you time and money.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup flour
• Water
• Cloths

Instructions

1. Add one teaspoon of salt to a cup of vinegar and allow the salt to dissolve. Use larger quantities of vinegar and salt in order to clean a larger number of items.

2. Create a paste of the vinegar and salt mixture by adding 1/4 cup of flour to each cup of vinegar you use.

3. Spread the vinegar and flour paste onto your silver item or items and allow the paste to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.

4. Clean the paste off of your silver with a clean cloth and warm water. Polish and dry the items with a dry cloth.

5. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 if any tarnish remains on your silver.

Tips & Warnings

• To protect your silver from becoming tarnished, store in an air-tight container such as a plastic bag or sealed box.

• Use cotton as much as possible when handling silver, as it helps to reduce the likelihood of tarnish forming on your silver.

• Do not store silver with with ivory, bone or tortoiseshell jewelry, as these contain chemicals which will cause tarnish.

References

• Reader's Digest: Extraordinary Uses for Vinegar
• Cleaning Silver Coins

Resources

• Sterling Silver Cleaning Tips