How to Keep Silver Clean

Preserve silver heirloooms with proper cleaning and storage.

Over time, silver metals develop discolorations that start as yellow or gold spots and gradually darken to black. These splotches are called tarnish and this is a natural process that occurs when the silver reacts to sulfides in the air. While you can't completely prevent tarnish from developing you can take steps to slow it down and treat existing tarnish immediately to keep your silver items looking clean and new.

Things You'll Need

• Silver cleaning cloth
• Cotton cloth
• Cotton gloves
• Acid-free tissue paper
• Resealable freezer bag
• Anti-tarnish paper

Instructions

1. Wipe silver with a silver cleaning cloth when you notice tarnish appearing on the surface of the object.

2. Handle your silver objects with a cotton cloth or wear cotton gloves. The oils on your fingers can damage the silver and make the surface look dirty or dull.

3. Store unused silver items to prevent tarnish. Wrap the silver in a few layers of acid-free tissue paper and place it in a resealable freezer bag or wrap it in a piece of anti-tarnish paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Display your silver inside a glass cabinet to reduce its exposure to the air and prevent tarnishing, if possible.

• Clean heavily tarnished silver items by applying silver polish to the item in one direction. Rinse away the polish with warm, soapy water and dry the silver with a soft cloth.

References

• Florida State University; Preserving Memories; Lucy Patrick, PhD; April 2001
• National Park Service: Ask the Conservator