How to Clean a Silver Teapot

Regularly cleaning a silver teapot will deter tarnish.

Cleaning a silver teapot is an important part of preserving the beauty of the silver. Over time, silver can become dirty and begin to tarnish. The tarnish takes form in a bronze-colored hue that will cover all or parts of the silver teapot. Removing tarnish and cleaning a silver teapot frequently will keep the silver shiny. It is important to use the proper products and methods to clean a silver teapot so you don't scratch or damage the silver.

Things You'll Need

• 2 bowls
• Water
• Non-bleach dish soap
• Soft rags
• Baking soda
• Large pot
• Aluminum foil
• Long-handled spoon
• Tongs

Instructions

With a Rag

1. Fill a bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of non-bleach dish soap to the water.

2. Dip a soft rag in the bowl and wring it out well. Wipe down the entire teapot with the rag and soapy water. Be sure to lift up the lid of the teapot to clean the inside as well.

3. Rinse the teapot under the tap with plain water. Dry off the teapot with a clean, soft rag.

4. Fill a separate bowl with one cup of warm water. Add one tbsp. of baking soda to the water. Use a spoon to thoroughly combine the ingredients.

5. Dip a clean, soft rag into the bowl with the baking soda mixture. Wring out excess moisture from the rag.

6. Use the baking soda mixture and rag to gently wipe the tarnish from the teapot. Rub lengthwise on the teapot rather than using a circular motion.

7. Rinse the teapot under the tap to remove the baking soda residue. Buff the silver teapot dry with a soft, clean rag.

On the Stove

1. Fill a bowl with warm water. Add a few drops of non-bleach dish soap to the water.

2. Dip a soft rag in the bowl and wring it out well. Wipe down the entire teapot with the rag and soapy water. Be sure to lift up the lid of the teapot to clean inside as well.

3. Line a large pot with aluminum foil. Cover the bottom and sides of the inside of the pot with foil. The size of the pot will depend on the size of the teapot. The pot needs to be large enough to fit the teapot and allow you to cover it completely with water.

4. Fill the pot with enough water so that the teapot will be completely submerged. Add baking soda to the water. The amount of baking soda will vary depending on the size of the pan and the amount of water used. Add about one cup of baking soda per gallon of water. Stir the baking soda and water with a long-handled spoon.

5. Place the pot on the stove. Turn on the flame, and bring the water to a boil.

6. Place the silver teapot into the pot as soon as the water starts to boil. The silver needs to be in direct contact with the aluminum foil.

7. Use tongs to turn the silver teapot in different positions periodically. The goal is for the tarnished areas to come into contact with the foil, transferring the tarnish from the teapot to the foil. When you notice the tarnish is gone from one area, rotate the teapot so that a tarnished area is in contact with the foil. It should only take a few minutes for the tarnish to begin to come off of any given spot.

8. Remove the teapot from the pot once all of the tarnish is removed. Use tongs and a hot pad to gently pull the teapot from the pot.

9. Rinse the silver with plain water and buff dry with a clean, soft rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let the silver teapot come into contact with the sink. This can cause scratching.

References

• Society of American Silversmiths: Silver Care
• Antique Sterling Silver: How to Clean Antique Sterling Silver
• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Silver