How to Clean a Silver Platter

Frequently using and cleaning your silver tray prevents it from tarnishing.

Hydrogen sulfide in the air, humid environments, rubber bands, felt, latex gloves, oil, eggs or mayonnaise all promote the development of tarnish on silver, according to the Society of American Silversmiths. Keep your silver platter in tip-top shape by cleaning it properly after each use and removing tarnish as necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Towel (optional)
• Sink (optional)
• Small container
• Non-lemon scented, phosphate-free mild liquid detergent
• Soft, clean cloths
• Liquid, aloe-free hand sanitizer
• Cotton balls

Instructions

Cleaning The Platter

1. Cover a work area with a towel to absorb water or work over a sink.

2. Fill a small container with warm water and add two to three drops of non-lemon scented, phosphate-free dish washing liquid to the bowl. Agitate with a spoon or your fingers to mix the soap and water together and form bubbles.

3. Dip a clean, soft cloth into the soapy solution and squeeze lightly. Wash the platter thoroughly with the dampened, soapy cloth.

4. Rinse the cloth under running water to remove soap residue and squeeze lightly. Rinse the platter with the wet cloth.

5. Dry the platter with a clean, soft cloth to avoid water spots from forming on the platter's surface.

Removing Tarnish

1. Pour a dime-sized amount of aloe-free liquid sanitizer onto a large cotton ball.

2. Rub the tarnished areas of the platter with the sanitizer-soaked cotton ball. Rotate the cotton ball as it becomes soiled, or apply some more sanitizer to a clean cotton ball. Continue cleaning in this manner until you remove all of the tarnish.

3. Wipe the tray with a dry, soft cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• If the hand sanitizer does not remove the tarnish, use a commercial silver tarnish remover. Look for a product that is designed to be rinsed away, because they are less abrasive.

• Don't allow your silver platter to come into contact with a metal sink. It can cause the platter to become scratched.

• Never wash your silver platter in a dishwasher. The heat combined with the dishwasher detergent can cause damage to the finish.

References

• Society of American Silversmiths: Silver Care