How to Keep Silver Plate From Tarnishing

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

If you have silver-plated items such as flatware or serving bowls that you want to keep looking like new, it can take some work to prevent it from tarnishing. Things such as the oil in the skin of your hands and too much humidity can quickly tarnish silver plate. Even over-polishing silver plate can lead to tarnishing. Fortunately, there are some precautionary measures you can take to prevent your treasured silver plate from developing a tarnish.

Advertisement

Step 1

Wipe off silver plate with a clean, soft, cotton cloth to remove any dust before cleaning it. Dust can scratch silver plate if it is left on the item before you clean it.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Wash silver plate by hand gently with phosphate free soap and warm water. Avoid soaps with lemon, contact with other metals and latex gloves. Also never put silver plate in your dishwasher.

Step 3

Rinse freshly washed silver plate in clean water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Store it immediately in a silver-cloth bag.

Step 4

Use anti-tarnish strips in the cabinets where you store your silver plate. Replace the strips every six months for maximum effectiveness.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

references